We interuppt this blog...

... to move to another state. I'll be back next week with stories - as soon as I find all my pots, pans, and food - clothing - toys - kids...

So Blessed

We have been so blessed with friends, neighbors, and family. As hard as it is to say goodbye to so many of them over the past couple of weeks, it's a great insight into what it means to be loved and cared for by others.

I've cried and laughed much over this time. I'm not typically a publicly emotional person, but oh well. You can put up with me after my ugly cries.

Our neighbors had a terrific going away party for us filled with goodbye gifts, concerns, and offers for us to stay with them when we come back to visit. My friend Lynn packed a bag filled with 24 brown paper lunch bags - 1 for each of my boys for 12 hours of the trip. She said we may not thank them after the kids open the bags and that makes me nervous, but oh so grateful for the generous and thoughtful gift.

I was able to spend time with friends who came over to help me pack and then I wouldn't pack that much (only so much you can pack ahead of time), but it ended as a good excuse just to hang out with friends without feeling guilty. However, I am boycotting packing today.

Teresa helped me make Pioneer Woman cinnamon rolls (took to the neighborhood party) and pack and it was one of those that you tried to soak in every moment while you can. I hugged on her kids because I knew they would be so big by the next time I see them. It's hard to say goodbye to a kindred spirit. Once again we have to experience life together. We've both decided to move cross-country and unfortunately it's in opposite directions. Drat, should have better coordinated that. Boy am I gonna miss her.

Said goodbye to my youth group as well. That was difficult. I've been working with Jr Highers for 13-14 years, before some of my current students were even born. Now some of them are married, have kids, are involved in ministries of their own... Never realized what a part of my life it had become until I said goodbye to it.

So crunch time has come, with a crazy week left. It may be a while until I am back. Thanks for all of your encouragement and kind words. They have meant so much.

The Long Goodbye

We've hit the stage of "lasts" and goodbyes. Today I took my last shopping trip to Aldi's. They don't have stores in ND. Had my last night with our youth group kids last night and found myself choking up and holding back tears as kids shared their memories and thanks for us. Oh yeah, and laughed a lot too.

I'm loving seeing friends all the time right now, but not enjoying that the purpose is saying goodbye/see you later... Seems like the time together is dampened by the knowledge of the length of time until the next opportunity to see these precious people again.

I'm not dreading leaving. I know things will be fine there. It's just the unknown. There's no great prize at the end of the trip for me like there is for Andy. He is following his dream. My prize is still unknown. I know that God has one for me... it just hasn't been revealed (or even teased yet). I'm glad that God knows what is going on, because I have to say that I sure don't.

Really would like to cry tears of joy for a change. If you have something wonderful in life - share because I could really use hearing some happy things right now...

Marathon

So the next two weeks until we move is like the never ending marathon - filled with craigslist appointments to be stood up on (why even say your coming if you aren't???), endless telephone calls to be put on hold with, tons of little details to research (insurance, internet, travel, etc), packing, packing, dinner with friends, more packing, coffee with friends, more packing, craigslist appointments, farewell parties, etc.

I'm going in to all of this already tired from a bad round of the stomach flu.

God give me strength, cuz I'm gonna need it.

Blessings & Panic

Our house sold in 2 days. Miracle in MI for sure. However that was before the new job conditional offer was "confirmed" from the tests this week. So now we are scrambling looking for housing, schools, and the essentials in an unknown area that isn't even confirmed. We have until next week to confirm before the house deal is finalized.

Life in the hotel in a different city with 2 young boys while house hunting... challenging to say the least... but a lot of fun with dedicated time together. They really are doing well. Maybe better than their parents.

God is providing for sure... but it's not with a lot of breathing room. Guess it's that faith/trust thing He's working on me.