I knew it was going to be hard to say goodbye... but I had NO idea it would be THAT hard.
When you have lived in the same state for over 30 years, and you have an AMAZING family, church, community and group of friends that you have built deep relationships with over the course of those years, one might expect that this day would be a difficult one...
and yet I STILL was not prepared for the emotions that poured (and are still pouring) out of my heart and my eyes!
We are in awe of the amount of love and support that has been shown to us since the beginning! From the prayers and financial partnerships, to the gifts and words of encouragement, to the hugs and tears, and beyond- we are SO VERY blessed!
Below are some pictures that capture our last day in New Jersey!
The moving gang all ready to get some work done!
The Sharptown Church staff popped over for a surprise visit! LOVE them LOTS!!
Phil and I with Frankie, Maddy and Erika... hanging' in the moving truck!
Phil loading up some of the last few boxes!
Friends doing some heavy lifting!!
A Job Well Done!
A well deserved relax time by the Burnley Pool...
And a wonderful meal too!!!
A final visit with GG before we left... emotional and special time!
We also had a wonderful time with friends this week, meeting for dinner, laughing and hugging and crying, spending time reminiscing about all the fun times we have had together over the years, and just enjoying each others company!
With all of this being said...
YES it is difficult to move away from what's comfortable...
Yes it has been EXTREMELY emotional to leave behind friends and family...
YES we will miss everyone SO MUCH...
but in the same breath I can say this...
God calls us to do what's uncomfortable sometimes... but He does it for His Glory and His purposes, and we can trust that it's best for us when He does...
God's heart is broken for those who have yet to hear His saving message and He gifts each one of us in order that we may share His love with others... and He has called us to go and leave it all behind for their sake...
We KNOW that all of the emotions of the last few days and weeks are not in vain, but for a much deeper purpose than we can even imagine, and we praise Him in advance for what He will do in the next few years!
So here are a few prayer requests that we have...
Please continue to lift us up in prayer as we spend our last few days with my mom and dad and Phil's mom here in Florida- this goodbye will be our final one before we board the plane for Haiti...
Also pray for safe travels as we fly, for a quick and problem-free experience in customs, and for us to quickly adjust to our new home so that we can begin to do the ministry God is calling us to do!
The next time you hear from us we will be in Haiti.. I can't believe it is finally a reality!!
Love you all so much and thankful that you are journeying with us...
2 Haiti 4 Him!
Thinking of your family! I hope that you are settling in well. I can't wait to hear about your first week. I'll be praying for you all!
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