saying goodbye

it has begun. saying goodbye. i am in my last two weeks of work. i have began packing and cleaning. we had our first goodbye party. and i have come to the obvious conclusion that saying goodbye is hard. at least it is hard for me. i don't like being sad. but i am finding that as i allow myself to experience the fullness of my emotion there is a deep sense of freedom and peace. and i also feel the nearness of God.

thank you for your prayers. talking with my therapist (for i would recommend a therapist for anyone going through a transition) she encouraged me to picture the Lord wrapping His gentle, loving arms around me during this time. that picture has stayed with me, for I sense His nearness and i know that is an answer to your prayers. so thank you from the bottom of my heart.

thank you also for your prayers for the gathering. the Lord continues to be faithful as the community makes decisions for the future. last night we had the leadership over for cookies and conversation. it was a great night and much was accomplished. there is a plan in place for the leadership to re-affirm or search out a renewed vison for the community, and there are now practical steps in place for that process. the conversation was respectful and caring. the conversation was affirming, and i believe the Lord was glorified by the way the community continues to seek His face in all of this. tim and i stand in awe of all the Lord has done in our midst. He is certainly at work in the gathering community and His faithfulness is evident.

so thank you for your prayers. this time is difficult, but i am trying my very best to be present and to allow myself to experience the pain and excitement of this change.

love to you all, kristi