simply serving. serving simply.

No more good byes....Please!

We've been quiet here, but not because we haven't had anything to share.  It's just been busy like crazy!  It's been a month of visiting family and friends.  It's been a bittersweet time with lots of laughs, lots of tears and learning to deal with emotions that in some cases you didn't even want to admit you had.  It's been an incredible time of bonding like we've never experienced, but through it have been encouraged beyond description by the most awesome group of family and friends a person could ask for.  There were trips to 

Wisconsin, 

Florida

and Tennessee.  

Meals and coffee, phone calls and meetings and times of prayer that will be precious memories for us and a source of much encouragement. 

We have been truly humbled by the testimony of friends on how we have touched their lives, and overwhelmed by the promises of support, both financial and prayer, from you all.  We would love to list names and thank you all publicly for how you have Blessed us, but you know who you are and you each have a special place in our hearts.  We remember when September 13th seemed like so far into the future.  Sitting here now and realizing it is only 4 days away makes your head spin!!!  Everywhere we look, there is more stuff that needs to be stored, given away or thrown and a never ending list of details that need to be tended to.  Oh, and the brakes on the car started grinding today so there's one more task on Pat's list for tomorrow.  One of the highlights of this time was the Leland concert Friday night!  The message of their songs is so much about service and surrendering to God's will, that is was like a 2 hr. confirmation that we were really doing what He is calling us to do. We arrived home with a such a sense of Peace, that we knew it was time to turn this page.  Unfortunately, to turn this page, we have had to say good bye over and over again.  To be blunt, saying good bye stinks!  But as we cling to each other, there is a bonding that occurs that gives us confidence that you are partners with us and will be with us every step of the way.  We are tired of saying good bye, but through it we have been built up by the expressions of genuine love you have shared.  We prefer to say,

 'see you later' 

because that is where our confidence is.  Whether it is here or with the Lord, we WILL see you later.  God Bless you all!  We couldn't turn this page without you!