Sweet Long Goodbye

It truly has been a very sweet and very long goodbye.  I feel like we've been saying goodbye to people for months, and yet now that its here, it seems too fast.  I feel like I need to catch my breath, yell at the movers to stop packing for a minute, get my bearings, but then what?  We leave in 2 days for warmer temps and sunny skies.  I'm finally starting to get excited, but I'm also terrified.  I see this house full of boxes, typing as the kids try to nap and the packers finish the basement and garage.  Its the first moment where I've felt both, "STOP" and "can we just finish this already?" 

As this chapter in our lives is wrapping up, God has been faithful to tie our most pressing things into nice little Christmas boxes.  We will finally be closing on our house this week.  9 months after the offer was made.  We say goodbye to our landlords with an arrangement we can all agree on, and I am so thankful for them both as their tenants and friends.  We pray for them and wish them so much blessing on their path in the city starting a church.  And we found a place, a beautiful rental to call home in Kissimmee, FL.  Good neighborhood, good schools, and I can only pray, great friends. 

Those of you that know me at all, probably know that I am a planner.  I adapt, but don't enjoy change.  I love my home, friends and family, and I am so sad to go so far away.  But know that while I am not thrilled about this whole endeavor, God is growing me something awful, well something great too.  He is testing my faith and most importantly my trust.  I don't know a single soul there, but at every point in my life when I've needed a friend, God sent me just the right one. Some of you were just that person, at just the right time, and I am so thankful for the place you made in my heart and life.  I only  hope that you know who you are. 

So I ask this, as I prepare to depart from Illinois.  Pray for these couple things for me in the next few weeks.  1.  Peace.  2. Bravery.  3.  One good friend. 

Please come visit us when you head to see that famous mouse .  You know who I'm talking about.  We'll even let most of you stay with us.  And we'll even have enough room.  But if not, we'll at least make you dinner one night. Much love to you all.