One year ago today I started my job as the programming associate for high school ministry. In some ways, this year has flown by, in other ways it hasnt. I still feel like the new girl on campus whos still learning the ins and outs of high schoolers and the events the church has going on in their lives. When I first started this job, I was thrilled, couldnt believe God would give me such a job. Even though I had many fears walking into big shoes to fill, I knew I had great support with constant encourage from a great friend and boss. A year later, I feel that even more. I have learned a lot, mostly from the kids. The group of kids I have to work with are just amazing. This past class, my first class to graduate whom I knew for 8 short months blew me away. I was spoiled my first year in high school ministry for sure. Now they are off to their college years, leaving me missing them while trying to know the new Freshmen. It was said that every year they’ll break your heart by leaving. If I felt that way after 8 months with that class, how am I going to feel with my first Freshmen class whom I will have the pleasure of knowing for 4 years? These kids make me laugh and think in ways only they could. I wish I had the time to give what this day means to me a proper post of lots of rambling words of a recap all that this year has involved, but sadly I do not. Here however is raising my glass to many more amazing years with high schoolers to come. And since I dont ever say it enough, thank you Jesus for this.

This is my dinner from a few nights ago. It took about 20 minutes to put together, thanks to the wonders of Trader Joes. The pasta? Thats lobster ravioli and yes its a good as that sounds. The asparagus? Yeah I bought a pound of frozen asparagus for the same price a small bundle would cost me. Usually frozen veggies taste like frozen veggies, but not these. They tasted like they had never been frozen before. That is the beauty of Trader Joes, their food is just so good, frozen or fresh! Oh those round patties? They are from IKEA, they were tasty too. But this post is about my love for Trader Joes.

Ive grown up on Trader Joes growing up in Southern California. My family would shop there over the grocery store. It wasnt a health food store, but it was cheap and had a lot healthy choices. Most of the store is full of products that Trader Joes themselves has created. Other part is of the best brands and types of foods they cant seem to make better. I was sad to leave Trader Joes when I moved to Carolina. I thought for a very long time that this state didnt even have one till I found out that an hour away is a Trader Joes. It is worth the drive and the gas to get the foods that I love. I adore artichokes and there was no way I was paying $4 bucks for one like the grocery store wants me to pay. Trader Joes? 4 for $3s! New to me – boxed soups from Trader Joes and I was not disappointed.

Maybe one day my town will wise up and invite Trader Joes into its community. That day could not come soon enough.