Friday, February 3, 2012

The Next Chapter

Today is a bittersweet day for me. After today, I will start a new chapter in my life and I am very excited about it! Today is my last day to work at Women of Faith. After 5 1/2 great years with this wonderful organization, I am leaving to stay home with Mallory! I am going to just be Mom.

This has been a decision that Brian and I have been praying about for a while. I knew I would come back to work after maternity leave because I needed to work the Fall Event season. Every weekend I had to travel, it was so hard to leave my family behind. Brian was amazing and was Super Dad but everybody knows, it's hard just being one parent for almost 4 full days every other weekend. Our families were great in helping out but it was hard being away. After the fall event season ended, I was promoted to Tour Manager, which was very exciting. I was looking forward to the Spring and not having to travel that much. Then, the Christmas holidays came and I took 2 weeks off and was with Mallory all the time. I loved every second of it. When it was time to go back to work, I was a wreck. I did not want to leave her and the thought of traveling, even though it was less than usual, it was something I didn't even want to think about being away from her. Don't get me wrong - she went to be the best daycare anyone could ask for and I loved that my Dad and Brian's Aunt Pam kept Mallory but I hated dropping her off at these places and not getting to be with her during the day.

After prayers, long talks, looking at finances, etc... we made the decision that I would stay home with Mallory. I gave my 3 weeks notice and worked that time to transition everything over. As much as I'm looking forward to being home with Mallory, I will miss all of my co-workers dearly. They made coming to work everyday fun. My fellow Event Planners: Jon, Amy & Betty Ashley were the best to work with! I have so many great memories and got to travel to so many places, I never would have been able to if it hadn't been for WoF. I've also gotten to work with so many amazing Christian speakers, authors and artists! Memories that will last a lifetime.

I know that many people say that being a Stay at Home Mom is the hardest job you will ever have. I'm ready to take that step and see. I don't know what the future holds for us but I know WHO holds it. I will be looking for something part-time later on to help contribute to the finances so I'm praying to see what that could be so I can still spend as much time with Mallory as I can.

Thank you to all of my friends who listened as I tried to figure out what the next step for me and who prayed on our behalf during this time! Here I go turning the page to the next chapter of my life!

Of course, I wouldn't leave a post without pictures :) This week, they had a going away party for a couple of us that are leaving.

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My fellow EP, Amy, got a new job in Nashville!

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Loretta (on right) is who hired me at my first job at WoF - I will be always be grateful!

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I will miss all these girls in the photos

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And last but not least - my fellow EP's ( always serious :) ) - I will miss sooo very much

7 comments:

Josh and Shan said...

YAY!!! So excited for you in this new chapter of life!

Lyndsey said...

It always hard to say goodbye and scary to start something new, but I have a feeling you're going to love wery second of your new job! Liam and I can't wait to spend more time with you and Mallory! We won't get these years back!

Luanne said...

Wow!! I know that wasn't easy for you. You will never regret it!

The Calhoun Clique said...

Being a stay at home Mom is hard at times, but it is also the most rewarding job ever. God will bless you more than you would have ever thought by making this decision. We have seen HIS work over and over and HE continues to provide so faithfully for us! You will LOVE it!!!!

Mark Bradley said...

I'm so excited for you, Brian and Mallory. I can't imagine how hard it was to leave, not only to leave a job you enjoy, but one that has an impact on people's lives. I'm glad you got to spend some time there but I think you'll be really glad to make any sacrifices you need to so you can be with Mallory as much as possible. Sure miss you! The other Bradleys

Digital Mom said...

Even better things ahead - so happy for you and this next chapter.

kate said...

You left well and are starting strong!

Great job, Amanda!

Soon we have to do a mother/daughter lunch date.

you, me, mom & mal :)