Good-Byes

This month, I will have to say a lot of good-byes. We are moving again for Isaac's job, this time to California. Somehwere in the Anaheim area, so on the plus side, we will have great weather, new sights to explore, the beach, and Disneyland. But these things I will truly miss:

1. Our church home. Calvary Chapel Mesquite is a very small, but very intimate, fellowship. I will miss the people, my pastor, my friends, serving in the nursery, and the awesome worship services. This church is amazing and really gave me so much.

2. Our dogs. We had to give Max and Jack away, because we are moving into a furnished apartment (not very doggie friendly), and after the summer is over we aren't sure where we'll be going. We just can't keep leaving our dogs with other people to watch while we figure out our life. We had those two boys for several years. They became a huge part of our life. Max was there for me during my morning sickness in both pregnancies, always by my side when I was throwing up or just couldn't get out of bed. And Jack was always good for a laugh. I will miss them both so much.

3. Small town living. I love being able to walk to the store if I want, that there is no traffic ever, that everyone knows everyone and the crime rate is practically non-existent. I grew up in a big city and for the first time ever, I got to spend some time in a small town. I have really enjoyed it.

4. Family. Isaac's parents live across the street, and my grandma and aunt live 5 minutes away. These people have really helped me through these past 6 months, with Isaac being gone so much for work, or with me being so sick with this pregnancy. I will really miss spending time with them.

I am very much looking forward to the journey ahead. There is something very refreshing and liberating about throwing all your stuff into storage and moving very far away to someplace new and unfamiliar. It is thrilling to take a bare-bones apartment and turn it into your home for the summer. It is exciting to get to know new people, shop at different grocery stores, and fall out of your regular routine.

Last summer, God did amazing things with my life. I know that this summer, He will do the same. Good-byes are tough, but there is always something to say hello to on the other side. "He gives, and He takes away."