October 20, 2006

• Well ... the packing has begun in earnest. We've begun preparing boxes for mailing back to the States ... books, mostly and a few things that are important to our hearts. Our flat is starting to really look like we're moving and it's kind of a sad sight. Looking around and seeing the boxes and the empty walls is a reminder of the fact that our time here is coming to a close.

  It's been an emotional time since the announcement of our leaving. Some are feeling abandoned, some are feeling lost, some are feeling frightened, some are even feeling angry ... all are feeling sad. I know that our leaving will be hard on all of us but I feel sure that God will send many, many blessings in our absence.

  Losing someone you love is never easy. Those feelings of sadness, fear, aloneness,  ... and even anger, can threaten to take a strong hold that won't let go. These past nine months have sure been proof of that in my life. Even with our grieving though, God has done incredible and amazing things. 

  We receive a weekly card of encouragement from a church in South Carolina. On the flap of the envelope, there is always a little tidbit of wisdom or a little saying from my friend, Katy (and church secretary) and I always look forward to what Katy will say to me each week. Sometimes her words make me chuckle .. and sometimes they bring a tear to my eye. This week's word of wisdom was this ...

  "Jesus did not come to explain away suffering or remove it. He came to fill it with His presence" 

  Of all the amazing things that God has done for us through our grief, His simple presence gives us the most comfort and it is His simple presence that we know will comfort all of us as we face this loss as well.

  May God fill you with His presence in all you do ... May you see His face every direction you turn ... And may you be comforted by the knowledge that no matter how deep your hurt, God is always there to hold you up and wipe away your tear.

   

  • 7:44 am
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