goodbye

After much prayer and discernment, Keith and I decided to begin a new chapter in life and ministry. Keith accepted a job at church in southwest Atlanta. But, of course we cannot begin a new chapter without first closing another. 


At the end of March, we told our church family in Hohenwald that we were moving. We spent April ministering alongside and soaking up time with dear friends who, over the past three and a half years, have become more like family. We are humbled and thankful for their loving and supportive response to our leaving. 


Then, for the next five weeks we were able to take time to rest up and recharge. We spent time looking for a house, vacationing at the beach, and visiting friends and family. We drove 5,000 miles and spent time in nine different states. It was a treat, indeed. 


This week, we’ve been back in Hohenwald finishing packing, preparing for and having a garage sale, and spending a bit more time with sweet friends. Tonight is our last night in Hohenwald, and after a busy and tiring week, we were able to eat and enjoy time with special friends: friends who have shown us what it means to love unconditionally; friends who have demonstrated patience again and again; friends who have sacrificed their time, energy, and giftedness to bless us; friends who have loved us like family; friends who welcomed our precious boy into this world and loved him like their own; and friends who have supported and encouraged us as we close this chapter and begin a new one. We will forever be thankful for our time in Hohenwald and for our precious church family. 


Not only are we saying goodbye to people, but we’re also saying goodbye to this town. I will miss the way in which its small size makes it easy for me to find my way around and quick to get from one place to another. I will miss seeing someone I know almost every time we go to the grocery store or out to eat. 


In addition to our town, we also are saying goodbye to our neighborhood. I will miss my almost daily walks pushing Carson in the stroller and stopping to chat with neighbors. I will miss the familiar greetings from the older folks and the children that we’ve gotten to know. I will miss neighborhood kids who come over to visit and play with my boy. I will miss hearing Chase holler, “Hey Carson!” when we go out to play. I will miss having good friends living right next door and the ease in which that allows us to share meals and conversations. I will miss the familiar and comfortable way Carson knows our sweet neighbors. 


Furthermore, we are saying goodbye to our house and the memories it holds. Memories of time with one another snuggled on the couch for a TV show, cooking a meal together, hosting out of town family, sharing meals and game nights with friends, and tucking my boy in bed in his sweet and cozy room. This is the house where we brought Carson home and began learning to be parents, where we spent time almost every day hanging out on our big front porch, and where Carson took his first steps. It is the only home my sweet Carson has ever known. He knows it is "you house!" Moving 14 hours from my family and the only home I’d ever known was scary, but somehow this house has always helped make me feel at home and like I belong, and for that I am and will always be thankful. 


I’m anticipating the next chapter, but for tonight, my last night in Hohenwald, I’m savoring the last few sentences in this chapter. Thank you, Hohenwald, for all that you mean to my family and me. We love you.