Farewells

This move is much different from six years ago when I hopped on a Greyhound bus and came to Boston with all my necessities in a backpack.  Six years ago I was moving to prove to myself and the rest of the world that I was an adult.  It was important and God brought me here to grow me in a lot of ways.  I was excited and bold and confident that I could make it in a city I'd never been to because God would take care of me.  God's will and my will were absolutely in sync and I was ready to go.

Tomorrow I'm still moving to follow God, but I'm moving because I'm an adult and following God to a new city is what is best for our family.  Don't get me wrong, I'm super excited about the opportunities in Cleveland.  I know God is going to do amazing things there and I can't wait to see what they are.  There is simply a lot more mixed feelings for me in this move.  I'm leaving a city and people that I love dearly and have blessed me in ways they couldn't fully know.  God has put amazing people into my life who will be greatly missed.  I went to school with some amazing people who helped me stay focused when school was hard.  I babysat for possibly the most amazing family on this earth.  They're flexibility with my schedule and simple love of me has made that the best way I've ever made money in my life.  I can't even call it a job.  I will never forget going to the coffee shop with Gabe and pulling all the couch cushions off with Madeleine.  As I had told them often, if they had needed to save money by cutting babysitting I happily would have come for free.

There is absolutely no way that I can list here everyone who has made an impact on my life here.  My Mikuah girls have had a huge impact on the woman I became.  Though two of them have moved away already, I will even miss going past our old stomping grounds.

All of my friends put up with my disappearing acts during school.  I truly appreciate that these true friends remained so even if I couldn't see them for long stretches of time.  And when I did have time between clinicals and finals it was as if we had never missed a beat.

Geoff's family has opened their doors and lives to me and have truly made me part of the family.   Your an amazing bunch, and I love you dearly!

If I need any further proof that I should leave Boston and follow God to Cleveland all I have to do is look at how hard it is to leave.  I know that God has incredible things prepared in Cleveland.  "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)  I'm taking my tears at goodbyes as even more proof that I need to go.

I'm not upset or angry that God would take me away from such an amazing place, because I know in the deepest part of my heart that He is doing all things for my good and Geoff's good.  Good does not mean easy, growth is hardly ever easy.

I will miss you all greatly and I hope with all my heart that this is not a final goodbye.  Please visit often and call even more.  I feel very lucky to live in a time when moving half way across the country does not have to mean a loss of contact.  We are praying that we will be brought back or close, but God has not revealed the plan that far ahead.

Cleveland here we come!