at home at church

Today, Ellie went to her church for the first time as Ellie out of the Belly.

It didn't really hit me until later how meaningful it was.

I suppose I was a little distracted by the work of getting four people up, dressed, fed, and with various hairbows and prosthetics on and out the door on time.

After church, we were surrounded by women who have surrounded Ellie before...back when when she was Ellie in the Belly.  They surrounded me in my living room several months ago to pray during my pregnancy.  They brought meals on hard doctor days during my pregnancy.  They kept Will while I went to doctors.  They brought scriptures and left surprises on my front porch to bring me a smile.  They threw a shower to celebrate her.  They let me cry and scream and vent.  

They loved my Ellie before they even knew her.

Today, she met them.

Today, Ellie sat in church for the first time.

Today, I took my baby girl to a place I had too often feared only taking her for a funeral.

I am so thankful for a body of believers who has surrounded us in our pregnancy and since - who has loved us in so many practical ways and yet also supported us emotionally.

I am thankful for a church home and for the honor of taking my Ellie there today.