Leaving Greenwood

What a great time we have had with our friends during the past 2 weeks. But, like the unmentioned elephant in the room, is the fact that we would soon be leaving. Our goal was to minimize the traumatic goodbyes for the kids and for us but that was often difficult.

Ginger and I finished cleaning the house this past Friday. Together we locked the back door and left Greenwood for a few years. We painted several rooms and cleaned up the wear and tear of life from the house and left it empty. We pray that it will not be empty long because we want someone to buy it. Leaving the house unsold was not at all what we had planned or hoped for but we believe God gave us this schedule. Certainly every other detail of leaving this month has been met, even beyond our expectations. Some have said that the house not selling is "a test of faith" or "bad market timing" or "will sell as soon as we leave". Whatever the reason, it simply is . . . and we'll follow the path God has put before us.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

The kids are having a final swim with some of their friends just before we left in the picture above.

The blessing of cut grass

I really appreciate practical help... My neighbor and friend who knew that I had already sold my lawn mower noted that our grass needing a trim. He volunteered to cut the grass as soon as the rain quit. Today the yard is cut. You have to love it when people see a need and jump right in to do it. Thanks to God for the generousity of His people in more ways than my family can count.

Moving in 26 boxes

Ginger and I have decided to write a book on "How to move overseas using only 26 small boxes!" The secret is to get rid of most of the stuff you own either by selling or giving it away. The past 2 weeks have been fast and furious disposing of junk and treasures alike. We just completed a loop around the Southeast delivering furniture to new homes - the house is now predominately empty.

Please continue to pray that our house would sell quickly.

Leaving Darlin' at her new home

Over one week has past since Emily left her cat at her new home. This is the "before" picture - before we actually left her. I promised Emily that I would not post her "after" picture showing the profuse tears and woeful face. I'm not sure many would consider leaving a cat for the cause of Christ very significant but to a 10 year girl whose cat has been her friend since 3 years old, it is a big sacrifice. Emily may wonder if Jesus thought of Darlin in Luke 14?

Luke 14:33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple. To Emily, "everything" includes her cat too.