But there are a lot of questions and concerns, more than my mind has been able to handle. One comfort through all of this has been that it is without a doubt from God. Only God could have opened these doors. Only God could have given me the faith and courage to walk through them. So, God is not going to desert me in the details of the move. If only this thought could shut my head up so I could get some sleep!
Though I am very excited about this new direction and adventure, there is definitely some sadness to be dealt with, especially with saying goodbye:
- My Survivor Family- I can't even begin to describe how much I will miss all of you. Every time I even begin to entertain the thought of that goodbye I start to cry. Thursday nights have meant more to me than anyone could have imagined. It is a great comfort to know that we will be in each other's thoughts and prayers every Thursday night. For Travis, you know more about our girly stuff than is right for any guy and yet you still laugh with us... For Jennifer, your friendship has meant a lot, your fashion advice will be sorely missed, and for Brandon's sake I'm going to leave you some of my dessert recipes! For Eric & Jayla, I will miss the rock-n-roll stories and watching hide-n-seek. For Brandon & Karla, Grace & Seth, I've never felt more a part of someone's family (other than my own) than with you; you have shown me what real ministry should look like and you've put up with a lot of my babbling.
- My Pledge Girls- Though you have all graduated and gone on to college, our opportunities to see each other will even more greatly decrease. Thank God for the internet, (I NEVER thought I would ever hear myself say that) MySpace and Facebook. We never have to lose touch. For Colleen, I will never have a perfect Triple Grande Caramel Macchiato, but don't you worry I'll still come back to celebrate that very special birthday! For Catherine, you always share encouragement and a warm hug, even if you might not feel up to it- I will miss visiting you at ISU. For Brittany, you always made me laugh or want to roll my eyes at your sarcastic comments. For Lisa, you always have such wonderful (and funny) stories to tell, and your movie advice was always treasured. For all of you, I will greatly miss Dr. Seuss!
- Ladies in the Office- We have laughed, we have yelled, we have cried. We've been through a lot in only a couple of years; some memories we'll all be happy to lose, others we will treasure for a long time to come. I will be praying for the person to come (I don't want you guys stuck with my work), I hope they will be a great support in the office, but also a great friend. For Sherry, I hope they won't interrupt you as much, but can still go shopping with you. For Ashley, I hope they can hold their own with publications and not bug you like I did, but can laugh and share as much as we have. For Sara, hopefully you'll get a lot more work done, but will have someone that is as much an encouragement to you as you will be to them and to swap books and ideas with. For Jenise & Kelli, though I haven't been able to come to breakfast for awhile, I hope there is someone who will be able to share this fun tradition with you. For Katie, I hope they admire your style (and won't catch on to the hair pattern). For Angelina, our JOY times will be missed more than I know you (or I) will admit, your friendship and willingness to listen are completely irreplacable.
- Student Ministries- I will miss all the students. You have shared parts of your lives with me and ministered to me in many ways. For Jon- ('cause I don't have another place to mention you) I will miss our banter for it has perked up many a blah day. Keep going with your ministry, God will bless it!
- My Roommate- Kalee, we've lived together for 2 1/2 years. We finish each other's sentences, cook dinner for each other, but never clean up after each other! I hope I have not tainted your idea of sharing a residence. I will miss our roommate nights with pizza, Smirnoff's, and TV. I will think of you every time I watch Los Wages or empty the dishwasher. You better visit me!
- Many other people in Des Moines- y'all know who you are. I will miss you without a doubt.
- My family- I know it is not actually goodbye, that we will see each other only a couple of months after I move, but it's still hard. I'm still only a day away or a phone call. Lord willing, I will still be there for everything important. I love you all more than words can say.
