"If the God you believe in as an idea doesn’t start showing up in what happens to you in your own life, you have as much cause for concern as if the God you don’t believe in as an idea does start showing up. It is absolutely crucial, therefore, to keep in constant touch with what is going on in your own life’s story and to pay close attention to what is going on in the stories of others’ lives. If God is present anywhere, it is in those stories that God is present. If God is not present in those stories, then they are scarcely worth telling." ~ Frederick Buechner

17 October 2012

Goodbye, New York!

Thanks for that yummy breakfast, Clark Family!
I know these posts are a bit out of chronological order, but that in itself is a reflection of how discombobulated I feel these days.

Tonight, at dinner, N said to B, "B, Daddy only speaks one language because he knows where he belongs. Mommy speaks so many languages, because she can't figure out where she comes from." I posted that on my FB, and my friend Anna responded, "Third Culture Kid complex!" It's true, and because I'm feeling so displaced right now physically and emotionally, that sentiment is in high gear.

(By the way, check out what cool things Anna and her family are up to here.)

We left New York feeling very blessed and loved by our church family. Not only were friends there to offer us beds to sleep in while all our belongings were being packed away into boxes, but they watched B while we packed and cleaned, brought us a hot, homemade breakfast on their way out of town (complete with disposable plates, cups, utensils and napkins), threw us a goodbye party...

Our last day at our church was emotional (for me, anyway). It was bittersweet to say our goodbyes, knowing that we had great things ahead of us but sad to leave people we love behind. 

Here are some pictures with some of our favorite people in upstate New York!
Buns Fam: Thanks for being a part of our lives from the beginning of our upstate NY life. We love you!
The Lippys! Thanks for loving on us in a myriad of ways through the years!
The Messengers: We love you guys, and we look forward to keeping in touch!
We love you, Carla, and we are SO proud of you! We look forward to hearing all that the Lord is doing in and through you!
Tanya, you will always hold a special place in B's (and our) heart(s).
Sher, Fischers, Holmbergs, Katie, Andrea: You were the family we needed while we were in New York. We love you!
Pastor Steve (and Pastor Bill): Thank you for your godly leadership and friendship over the years. It was a joy serving our church body and community alongside you.
Miss Jill, you will forever be one of B's "grandma" figures. Please come visit us in Texas!
We'll miss you in many ways, Uncle J!
Thanks for taking such good care of me while Mama and Daddy packed, Miss Tara!
We LOVE and MISS you all very, very much!

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