as we did a final walk-through of the house making sure we didn't miss anything it was hard to not recall the memories of our life there up to this point, again... emotional! we got in the car, shut the doors and drove away with and all too surreal feeling. John looked at me and said... i can't do this; i can't get up in front of these people and talk - i am going to lose it; just look at me"! most people who will read this will know that john and i are on staff with Athletes in Action a sport ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ and as "missionaries" our church wanted us to get up and talk to the congregation about what we will be doing in macedonia. since john is more or the public speaker he of course was going to be the one sharing with everyone.
He of course did cry... kinda like a small child, but he did manage to let everyone know that we were going to be embarking on a new adventure as a family. an adventure that would include a lot of very tall men (AKA - Pro Basketball Players), a new home in a new country and to sweeten the pot a whole new language to learn. crazy that 7 years ago john and i moved to the 'nati and i spent those first weeks crying myself to sleep thinking that i would never feel at home in this city. now i leave with tear welling my eyes thinking will i ever feel at home in Macedonia. if the past is a good predictor of the future i KNOW i will both fall in love with Macedonia and the people there (just as soon as i can learn to talk to them).
for the next few weeks we are in chicago making some final preparations for the move - ya know like visas so they don't kick us out before we even get there, praying that is all comes together and the boys don't tear apart the in-laws house too bad. trying to think of a great tag line to sign off with but i got nothing - so i guess it's just "later" for now.
Sara, this made me cry just remembering yesterday. Today when you asked me if I had any plans I caught myself wanting to say, "hanging out with you crazy! What's for dinner and can I read to boys a bedtime story?!" This is the first time in 7 years that I can't just be at your door anytime day or night and it's kind of killing me! You guys are my family and not having you here is so very hard! At least you are easing me into this move by not leaving the country completely. . . I mean we still text constantly and I am pretty sure I have talked to you about 5 times on the phone today. Like everyone says, I think we could talk to each other for a lifetime and NEVER run out of things to converse about. I miss you like crazy already but I couldn't be more proud of you for being willing to move in order to fall your Lord and Savior. You are an amazing godly woman and I couldn't imagine having a better best friend, sister and mentor! I love you with all my heart Sara!! xoxoxo talk to you tomorrow :) hehe
ReplyDeletethere are very few people in my life that know me as well and you - with that being said i am glad that some of the things you use to describe my character are amazingly godly. most of the time, especially in the last weeks i don't feel very amazing or godly. i feel unsure and inadequate. Afraid i won't really be able to make it in a place without friends like you. Trust me I miss you more that you know and it is very hard to imagine not being able to see you whenever i want to. but like you said the truth is we are family and even though life can take family in different directions they are always family and that BOND can't be broken. love you sister.
ReplyDeleteHey Sara. I was where you are almost exactly one year ago. I will continue praying for you and John and your boys. There will be so many up and down days (ESPECIALLY with language and culture learning) but be ENCOURAGED . . . He who called us is FAITHFUL! Who would have thought all those years ago, gawking at boat boys, we'd be where we are (by God's grace, hey!).
ReplyDeleteAm praying!
Deb.
Sara, so excited for you guys and happy that you started the blog so I can follow your amazing adventures!! :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
Jodi