I’m going to go on the record as saying that spring should always look and feel this way! This past week, every morning when I’ve gone outside, I’ve marveled at the cool, crisp, fresh air. Usually by this time of the year, it’s sticky-hot — so hot that you feel like your skin might melt right off if you don’t dart into the nearest patch of shade. But, after a long-yet-mild winter, we’re enjoying a late blooming spring. I would love to enjoy this spring for another entire month.

It’s was cool-bordering-on-chilly when we were in Georgia last week for the CONNECT Retreat, but and the green hills were such a nice change of scenery. We were mostly focused on everything we were learning though, and just soaking in our time together, and with all the new couples we were meeting. We went into CONNECT knowing only a handful of the other attendees, and left with so many new friends. They’ve been in my thoughts and on my heart so much this past week. I think that’s what happens whenever you go through something life-changing with other people, for better or for worse. This was definitely a “for better” situation! We’ve consciously made some wonderful changes in our lives since CONNECT, because of the teachings we sat through and the small group discussions we had, and it’s been beautiful. And I’m so thankful that we’re going to be able to continue these relationships with these other couples long-distance . . . and again next spring when we return for CONNECT 2014!

We’ve got a lot more traveling ahead of us before that, though. Even though we’re not slated to leave the country at all this year, it’s a busy year of traveling for us. We started January in Virginia. In February, we went to California. April took us to Georgia, and June and July will both have us back in Virginia. September is our trip to New York. I’ll be back in Georgia by myself in October, and then we’ll be in Virginia again in both November and December. Oh, and in May — tomorrow, actually — I’m flying out to Washington for a week and I can’t wait to be reunited with one of my best friends for a few days! This will be my first solo flight across the country. I plan to be well-stocked with books and movies on my iPad.I’ve got some packing to do now. Happy Thursday, everyone!

~ Laura