Counting Down

The holidays have come and gone without a whole lot of warning and I sit here shaking my head in wonder at the fact that March is a few days away...spring is on the horizon and with it brings not only a new season in the weather but a new season in life. I am hopeful for the future but I also sense the mourning of letting go of something so familiar and equally close to my heart. I feel so blessed to be experiencing this paradoxical "bitter/sweet" emotion right now. It's so amazing how God has put incredible people in my life here that I am deeply sad to leave but that He has also strategically put equally amazing people in my life that I am anxious to be near and journey with. Sometimes when I'm thinking about it, that silly child hood song comes into my head and I find myself resonating with the lyrics, "make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold." I'm incredibly grateful that the people in my life here will continue to be in my life and I have the privilege to gain more friends as I step out into this unknown journey.

Believe it or not, my estimated time of departure is a short 3 weeks away...yes, weeks! I can remember 5, 3, even 2 months ago thinking that the time was so far off but now I look and it is right around corner. Though (as many of you know) I have had many opportunities to travel and serve the Lord in various capacities, I have never made a move like this before. It is all very new to me which makes it a bit scary, a little overwhelming, but incredibly exciting! If we had hours I would sit down with each of you and tell you all the amazing ways God has moved, led, and provided thus far. My confidence and hope is truly in Him and apart from Him I'm not sure what I would do.

I am thrilled to get back to Colorado and join my team (Rugged Ministries) and see the ways God wants to lead us.

Of course with a move like this there a lot of things to take care before I take off. Please pray for me as I seek to be wise with my time so that all the logistics that need to be done will get done. Please also pray that I will be able to be fully present with the people I hold dear here that I want to spend time with (especially my parents). I would also absolutely LOVE to pray for any of you individually. Please feel free to shoot me an email (sdjacquot@hotmail.com) with anything that is going on in YOUR lives. All of you that are reading this are part of those people I hold dear so please keep me up to date with YOU as well!

Thank you all for your care and investment in my life...I am rich with gratitude!

Blessed Beyond Measure,

Shayla

I also had a really special Christmas with my family. Here a couple fun family photos I wanted to share! Even Mr. Potato Head came along for the festivities!