Last Day in Peoria
Well, I've been "home" in Peoria with my family again since Saturday and it's been wonderful! I was very lonely without them and couldn't wait to get back home. We've spent the last few days hanging out with our really good friends-- laughing, crying and singing. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful group of friends who we know love us unconditionally and would do anything for us. Thank you God for putting these wonderful people in our lives!
The time here has also been a bit weird! My new agency has a client here in Peoria (which was also a client of my former agency) and so a group from my new agency has been up here for the past three days conducting meetings with various groups. While they were here, they were amazed at how many people I knew-- and I guess how many people knew me. Part of the benefit in living in a smaller community I guess. But it was also a weird feeling for me having lived in total anonymity in Austin for the past eight weeks and now suddenly seeing people I know at every turn-- it was just an odd sensation.
Today we will load up a small U-Haul trailer with the "bare necessities" and begin the journey to Austin. It's all a little stressful-- and even bittersweet. It was easy to say "good-bye" to Peoria when I knew my family was still here. But now we truly are leaving Peoria. I don't think I miss the actual place too much... but I will miss our friends and church family. I know our family will have tears as we pull out of the driveway and wave good-bye to our old house-- full of wonderful memories of family events and meals with friends. Thank you God for bringing us to this place and for challenging us and helping us to grow. Thank you for putting wonderful people in our lives and blessing us with such a wonderful home filled with love.
And so a new chapter starts for us. Much of it is still a big mystery. When will our house sell and how long will we have to live in an apartment? Will the Christian school we've chosen for our children have room for them (they are currently on a waiting list!)? Where will our new home be and what will it be like? Will the family like the church that I've been going to there? Will work feel different now that my family is living with me (I hope so!)?
One thing we do know, God is with us and has gone before us. He will provide and we truly do not need to worry about anything. What a blessing! Now, to fully trust in that blessing, right.
I covet all your prayers as we make this big transition. We ask for God's hand of protection and provision.
Thank you all for your love and support-- and for your prayers!
Thank you God for eleven wonderful years in Peoria. Thank you for shaping our family's lives here for your purpose. Continue to love us and guide us. Amen.
The time here has also been a bit weird! My new agency has a client here in Peoria (which was also a client of my former agency) and so a group from my new agency has been up here for the past three days conducting meetings with various groups. While they were here, they were amazed at how many people I knew-- and I guess how many people knew me. Part of the benefit in living in a smaller community I guess. But it was also a weird feeling for me having lived in total anonymity in Austin for the past eight weeks and now suddenly seeing people I know at every turn-- it was just an odd sensation.
Today we will load up a small U-Haul trailer with the "bare necessities" and begin the journey to Austin. It's all a little stressful-- and even bittersweet. It was easy to say "good-bye" to Peoria when I knew my family was still here. But now we truly are leaving Peoria. I don't think I miss the actual place too much... but I will miss our friends and church family. I know our family will have tears as we pull out of the driveway and wave good-bye to our old house-- full of wonderful memories of family events and meals with friends. Thank you God for bringing us to this place and for challenging us and helping us to grow. Thank you for putting wonderful people in our lives and blessing us with such a wonderful home filled with love.
And so a new chapter starts for us. Much of it is still a big mystery. When will our house sell and how long will we have to live in an apartment? Will the Christian school we've chosen for our children have room for them (they are currently on a waiting list!)? Where will our new home be and what will it be like? Will the family like the church that I've been going to there? Will work feel different now that my family is living with me (I hope so!)?
One thing we do know, God is with us and has gone before us. He will provide and we truly do not need to worry about anything. What a blessing! Now, to fully trust in that blessing, right.
I covet all your prayers as we make this big transition. We ask for God's hand of protection and provision.
Thank you all for your love and support-- and for your prayers!
Thank you God for eleven wonderful years in Peoria. Thank you for shaping our family's lives here for your purpose. Continue to love us and guide us. Amen.
7 Comments:
Bye guys! *sniff*
Will miss you all--but glad to know I have people to visit in Texas now!
Skip, I can testify that moving is no walk in the park. But the walk is blessed by God and includes blessings you can never imagine or predict. Blessings as you move to God's country.
Home is where your heart is...and they will be in the Escalade with you!
Have a good trip!
Come on, you are moving to Texas!
Really, my prayers are with you--I know it's not easy!
I am just glad you will have the family with you now--and God will work out all the details!
JB
Skip, I am so glad you are my Brother:
Philippians 1:3
I thank my God every time I remember you.
May God continue to richly bless you and your family in your new life in Texas. You will be in my prayers.
Best wishes on your move, Skip. We just left our church family behind 3 weeks ago... We're waiting to see who God has waiting in the wings for us here. Meanwhile, I'm very familiar with "homesickness."
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