The Beginning of the Lasts

So, it seems that we are beginning the lasts... We officially have 15 days until Guatemala, which means we should be completely packed for Ohio also. The kitchen/breakables are packed, which was the biggest job. Now, we can relax more and do the detail stuff like forwarding mail and putting services on hold.

We have our last day of work on July 5th, our last time with the Sr. High kids who just graduated on July 6th, our last Middle School youth group on July 2nd, our last church worship service on June 29th, our last time at summer camp with our youth on July 29th, our last time with family (for a while) on Aug.3rd, and our last night at the HUGE, but decrepit yellow house on August 3rd as well, our last goodbyes and last minute packing details on August 4th, and then it's off to Ohio. We're still wondering how it will all go. But this is probably the best move yet for us, the calmest, so far as we have each other to encourage and lean on. We're enjoying the nice surprises that keep popping up, but we also have felt the last minute attempts to get us discouraged.

If you think about us, please be praying. And we'd love to hear from you!

The Big Move

So, we're packing these days. For Guatemala, and a three week respite from life here in the US, and a good time to process what has happened so far. Also time to process what is about to happen as we move to Warren Ohio. And a time to have a relaxing vacation with José's wonderful family. We hope to go to a theme park & water park with the family. It will be fun!! Plus we both miss being in Latin America, and the Chinchillas in Guatemala. We get to meet José's niece who is 10 months, and see Andreita, now 5 yrs. old. Lots of fun!

God knew we would need a break in this transition. It will be a crazy 4 weeks from here until then, packing up the whole house, and packing for Guatemala, and for camp all before we leave, and then living out of suitcases for the following month....But we are about to embark on a new adventure, one where we will be challenged, stretched, encouraged, and grow in many ways.

So, someone please tell me, is there any best way to transition? I mean the emotions that creep up when you least expect it, the reviewing the past time in the current place as you go through belongings and memories that they invoke. The exhaustion because we're still living our normal lives, but adding packing, planning, and a lot of "lasts" that we want to do before we leave. Tying up ends with the church here, with our youth, planning for who will take our place, and praying that we leave things well.

How does one do all this? Well alone, it's impossible. I mean yes, we have moved from and to several different COUNTRIES in the past few years, but well state-to-state is actually harder. At least so far. Anyway, since we're going back overseas in a few years as missionaries, I guess we have to organize our moves.

One good thing. God never changes. When everything else is going crazy, we can count on Him.

Well, peeps, back to packing for us..... : )