A few years back, Mike bought me all 10 seasons of FRIENDS. We've slowly been making our way through from start to finish, but it's always a good laugh. Well, until we saw it on sale for $80 a few weeks ago. Anyhow, we've watched a few episodes this past week and I realized that for most people, their lives of never going to look like that. It's rare that your best friends will all stick together in the same stage of life and location for so long. For most, there's a transition along the way...
So, Mike and I are in a new transition. I'm still teaching Middle School math and I love my community. I have such great colleagues, students, and parents. I really can't imagine being anywhere else, except for maybe in full-time ministry.
We are back looking for a church. This new season is bittersweet for us. We are excited about what is to come, but there is still a loss, especially of friends. No matter if you move, change jobs, or switch churches, those crucial parts of your life include relationships. Changing positions, means those relationships will also change. We hope and pray they won't disappear, but they will change. They're just different.
I have been amazed as some of our friends and the love and comfort they have given to us over the past few weeks. Many of these people I have only been able to interact with in person with a handful of times because we are separated by thousands of miles. Despite the distance, they love for us has spread vast across the ocean. The love that comes with truth from people you trust. A hard word, that you know is right, is a sweet taste because of the love. The encouragement, prayers, and support has been an incredible gift. Other people have been close to us, but we have neglected to have the time, or make the effort to spend with them. When we called, they were quick to make time for us. to listen, to talk, to love, and to pray. Others, just stop by to bring a special (GF) treat because they thought of us. (It's delicious by the way!) Oh how sweet is the body of Christ!
Or, there's just the small of familiarity. Mike and I both met some new friends this morning from Miami, Florida, and RTS. Even a few of our new friends had spent some time overseas and some similar areas. The rich memories that shaped our lives, could be shared with some of some not-so-familiar faces. It's amazing how the Spirit of God can work. Shared experiences (or locations) can even be a breath of fresh air!
I'm saddened to miss yet another wedding of some dear friends. It's been such a long time for us to celebrate God's covenant of marriage with our friends. We are looking forward to witnessing some great covenants in the next few months and catching up with our friends from miles away.
Our printed updates, will become less. We plan on keeping our blog updated and Mike is entertaining starting his own. We love catching up with all of our friends and family, and would greatly appreciate the love and prayers. Please feel free to call, or write, we'd love to hear from you and share about our journey.
With love,
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