One week ago today, my family ( mom's side) had a reunion in Woodstock, where we said goodbye to my aunts, one uncle and cousins, spouses and their children. It was suppose to rain all day, and though it was overcast, the rain held off. It was wonderful to catch up with everyone that we haven't seen in a while. My aunt Caroline was there and I hardly recognized her. She has lost 160 pounds. One of my cousins was there with a new fiancé. It was so good to meet his perfect match, his "Proverbs 31" woman.
( my cousin and I)
On Sunday we had our farewell to Bethel. I think I have said before how much we are going to miss our church family. Bethel was home for the past five and a half years. It was been a wonderful part of our journey, the connections and friendships made will be cherished forever. It is sad to say goodbye to that part of our lives, but at the same time there is excitement at the road ahead.
I will say one thing about this journey we are on. Before this began I would never in a million years get up and talk in front of people. No way. Definitely not my cup of tea. I was too shy, too tongue tied, too nervous. But God is helping me overcome that. I am still nervous, still maybe don't say all that I want, all that is on my heart, but he is giving me the grace and the strength and it each time it is a little easier. So, nothing is impossible.
Some of the special people to me personally..
On Monday our daughter Elisa had her grade 6 graduation. She looked so beautiful in her pretty gown. So grown up. So ready to face what lies ahead of her. There were a few tears for her as she said goodbye to her friends.
Most gut wrenching was the following day when she and her closest friend went out for dinner following her friends grad. They said goodbye on our front step, both of them clinging to each other for dear life and sobbing. It tore my heart in two to watch them in so much pain. So much heart ache.
I know though that even while we may be moving far, far away, the two of them have a friendship that will endure for their life time. That's how special of a connection they have. Friends for life.
Her new owner came and picked her up, and Taffy will have a good home the rest of her life. But how I cried when she pulled away. We had her since Jake was 6 years old. She was the cat the Jake prayed for as a young kid, knowing that Daddy did not ever want a cat. Yet Daddy was the one who brought Taffy home as a little kitten. It was hard to let her go, knowing we would never see her again.
Thursday was our kids final day of school.
It was also my last day of daycare in my home. I am going to miss these kids so much. They have brought much happiness and laughter to my life. Next time I see them I won't recognize them I am sure. The past 5 years have been rewarding and I really enjoyed my job most of the time.
Friday was the day. The day we loaded what remained of our belongings and loaded them in the back of a small uhaul trailer. It was surreal walking through the empty house, my heart flooded with memories of days gone by. It almost didn't seem possible that this time we would not be returning. This was not some vacation we were packing for...this was the real deal.
We are now living in a comfortable three bedroom apartment in a church. As I write this I am sitting in the café in the lobby of the church because our Wifi in the apartment has not yet been connected. This church has an amazing library that I can't wait to check out in the morning and maybe borrow two or three books.
This afternoon we have Dale's family farewell. It is being held here in the church gym; where once again we say goodbye to his close knit family.
It is going to be a busy three weeks, as we have much to do before we fly out on July 18th.
I know though that God will help all our plans fall into place so that we are ready to go when that day arrives. He will be with us each step of the way, just like he has so far.
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