a time for parting

In my last post I alluded to some big changes that are happening in our lives, and last night we took a necessary step to "close one chapter", making way for the new and unknown.  It happened with a tearful prayer, "Lord, thank you for friends."

And with that, we shared with the members of our small group the news that our family is leaving the church that we have called home for the past 10ish years; since before Zach and I were married. 

We are currently at the intersection of joyful anticipation, and sorrowful parting.  To call the people in our small group friends, doesn't quite do it.  Family is closer.  "Bosom friends" whom we  have labored along side; who knew us before babies made us wiser, and tireder, and brought us home earlier at night.

Our prayer is that we would maintain those friendships, although we know things won't quite be the same.  And our pleading is that the Lord would keep us all, as we continue on in this race.

Church planting has always been dear to us.  As teenagers, we dreamed that our church planting would look like grass huts in far away places.  As newlyweds, the Lord showed us what it means to be "on mission" wherever He would plant us-- even if that was in our home town.  And now, we are excited to join dear friends who love a city just down the road from us. 

Stay tuned.  There is more to come as life continues to surprise us.