"Where Have You Been?" You Wonder...

Photos with "shadows" taken by Nedra Isenberg

Last week and through the weekend we celebrated National Sibling Day with a few sharing a childhood memory, and thousands of you reading these journeys to times of past. To celebrate such an important day, I gave away one of each of my books, winners were announced on Sunday. I've heard from all but one winner, books will be mailed tomorrow at the latest. 

Monday evening, my family and I traveled to join cyclists, volunteers, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) staff at the Mohawk Valley Community College for their April Ride for Missing Children (RMC) Meeting.  Most of you know how dear this organization and group of individuals are to me and my family. As we walked across campus and started to give and receive hugs from all, my heart soared. God used these selfless and wonderful people to boost my spirits. Their energy is contagious.

While there, I had the opportunity to spend a few minutes talking about my sister, Heidi Allen, the RMC, and the impact they are making in the lives of their communities and the families of the missing and exploited. It was such a powerful evening, Wendy Fical, Program Director for the Mohawk Valley's RMC, shared a recovery story. A child recovered because someone recognized a child's face on the poster and they picked up their phone and called. They brought a child home and saved her from sex trafficking. 

In addition to the emotional stories of recovery and hope from being a part of this beautiful family, we were able to catch up with friends and make new ones. A couple riders and myself might even start a Bible study, meeting once a month throughout the year. I think this is so cool!

While this only counts for one day's absence, the emotional drain wiped me out. A drain I wouldn't exchange because while drained, I'm uplifted, encouraged, and ready to move forward with more hope and energy than I've had in months. Thank you to my RMC family.

In addition, I haven't even turned my computer on in the evenings. Rather than burrowing in my office, I've spent time walking, watching shows, and enjoying time with my friends and family. This evening starts new schedules and routines, so in a sense, "free time" for me to write. I might work on my next book. I've puttered here and there yet couldn't get my head, or heart, into it. Thanks to this week's recharge, it's time!

What recharges and inspires you 
to move forward when you feel drained?

I wonder if anyone from Monday's meeting 
can share the symbol your shadows represent?