Goodbye, Hairgroves

I was blessed to live with the Hairgroves for 5 months this past year. Looking back, I can't believe it was that long. I wanted/hoped to live with a family after graduation to learn what a Christ-centered household looked like and for a personal reprieve from trying to "keep up" with my peers and feeling burnt-out with school and religion. I sit here in awe of how much I learned from both Preston and Angie, independently and as a couple.

1. My favorite lesson: you can be a stickler about drinking raw milk and buying organic veggies and meat, but still indulge in a box of store-bought brownies or cookies for breakfast.
2. Being addicted to coffee is ok :)
3. Live life with an open door policy. Especially to family and friends.
4. Challenge yourself, but know when to step back and relax too.
5. TV is not a sin.
6. Neither is needing a beer after a long day.
7. Marriage is a partnership and friendship -- (these two are seriously best friends. They aren't exactly the same, but they are the perfect team, pulling from each others strengths and weaknesses.)
8. You can go to grad school at any phase of life. Even if you have two babies.
9. Sometimes the best thing you can do when a child is pooping on the floor and the dog is eating it, is laugh :)
10. You can be an educated believer. In fact, education is something to be celebrated.
11. Family is very important.
12. Family is also very crazy. Everyone's is a little dysfunctional.
13. Pursuing God looks different throughout life.
14. It is OK to cry when things hurt.
15. If you pee in a toilet, you will get candy.
16. A baby's learning to stand up is just as exciting as any adventure.
17. Don't give up on your dreams and don't give up on hope.
18. Baking soda and vinegar can also be used as shampoo and conditioner.
19. Sometimes sitting with a child in your lap can cure even the funkiest funk.

The two listened and supported me as I started my new job in the Emergency Department, worked night shift, went on dates, attempted Crossfit, applied to grad school, faded in and out of church and community, and processed other normal changes that accompany growing up. The two were solid, and I am not sure how I would have made it through the past six months without them. I am sad to see them go, but excited that they are one step closer to pursuing their dreams. I love the Hairgroves :)