family

Austin and I are learning a good deal about family. Mostly how to cherish them. And surrender them to the Lord. We had a GREAT weekend with my aunt and cousins, mixed in with some significant time with grandparents and other family. I know that God sovereignly allowed for that time right before we leave. It will be difficult watching all of their lives from far away, especially the kids. I know they will be involved in our life in many ways, but it's hard to think about gaps of distance turning from days to months, and perhaps years. I would rather not deal with that reality.

I am constantly being reminded of Henry Cloud-isms in this stage of life. You know, boundaries...bonding...becoming an adult. It would be so easy to take on the emotional weight of everyone's opinions of our leaving. I want to bear the burden of the sadness and confusion, and protect them from the pain that "I am causing them." I know all of those thoughts are not true. I need boundaries in relationships, to let them feel and learn to let those emotions lead them to growth and trust in Jesus. I have a notion that I will be learning to surrender many relationships over the next few years.

Austin has mentioned lately his sadness in leaving Knoxville, saying that this is truly where he identifies as being his home now. Of course, he has left a home before to travel across the country, but he says it is all very different now. This is his spiritual family...and the first time he has really connected with a family like mine. It has made him appreciate his own family in new ways, and miss them all the more.

Pretty soon we will both pack up our bins of clothes, and pack it away with all the other boxes in the storage unit we have waiting for us. We are so close to being finished; tying up loose ends around here and finishing up our last push of the initial support raising. [we are currently at about 98% promised support of our goal]

Although our excitement is quickly turning to mixed emotions, how can not be grateful? God has gone before us in everything, and though we may have seen certain circumstances or events as a roadblock, God has turned them out for good. We are so thankful. God puts the lonely in families. always. We will always have a home where there are people following Christ.