"It's a good thing there's grace around here." (The best birthday gift ever)

Today was probably the best day I have had in a while. I almost can't control my happiness, so much so that it flows down my face in the form of tears. I went to church this morning, not expecting my day to be so wonderful, but I was expecting to be blessed, as I always do.

The sun is out, the weather has a warmth to it, and the sky is so crisp and blue,

it'll take your breath.

But that is not the particular reason why today has been so wonderful. My church, Freedom & Liberty Worship Center, has been operating out of the civic center in Pilot Mountain, since I have been attending. (Coming up on 3 years). We have been incredibly blessed with this facility to use. But have not been blessed with our own. Prayer can change everything with this wonderful church family of mine, and that is exactly what it has been doing. Changing. Bringing in new blessings with every second passed. And that's not even the best news. 

Today when I got to church, My pastor, Eddie Sawyers, announced something that has made me happier than I've been in a long time. A LONG LONG LONG time.

We had been searching for a facility, and by we, I don't mean anyone in particular in that reference. More along the lines of my church as a whole. The body of Christ.

Not that we are not blessed with the civic center, but our church is growing, and we want to grow with it. Find a place to call home so to speak. 

Today. It was announced, that we found home. 

I have been with this group of amazing people since I was in middle school.

I grew up attending homeschool co-op, and church on the regular, at the former Fountain Of Life in Mount Airy. Nothing makes me think of my childhood more than basketball in the FOL gym, or co-op in the classrooms in the church building. That was my everything, and as soon as I graduated, with a series of unfortunate events occurring, that place was no more. 

It was still there, but we weren't welcome. 

None of us were. 

Freedom & Liberty is more than a church. They're a family, that seems to grow more in Christ with every passing day, with our fearless leaders Eddie and April Sawyers leading the way.

Today Pastor Eddie announced that we as a church, have been able to

BUY BACK THE FOUNTAIN OF LIFE PROPERTY.

(cue memories)

This is the best birthday present I could have ever received, as my eyes fill with happy tears overflowing. I don't think I could possibly express in words what kind of happiness I'm feeling. God is surely blessing us more and more. I thought my week was already wonderful with the job offer happening, and coming up on my birthday, but learning this news has been icing on the cake. I can't stop smiling. I am so so happy. This place, is where it all started for me. I met every friend I had in highschool here. I went to my first prom here, I played my first, and my last basketball game here. So many memories, wrapped up into one, along with the most beautiful view in Mount Airy from the top of the hill. To be able to return, and help a new and beautiful thing begin, is more blessing than I could have ever expected.  To be able to share this with my husband, and my future children, and for all of us to go back to where we belong. 

God surely is showing us His love. There is no doubting it for a second. 

To those in my church body who have not gotten to experience this beautiful facility and all that it has to offer, this is a new and exciting adventure.

To those who grew up spending more time there than anywhere else,

We're going home.