Friday, December 5, 2008

Thanksgiving

Well...its official. We are packing up and heading back to Oregon. Its been a tough transition. Its definitely bitter sweet...more bitter than sweet. Nathan was fired from his position on Wednesday December 3rd (my neices birthday) due to 'non compliance' with the head pastor which basically means since Nathan didn't agree with what the pastor said and/or did that He is done at the church. So we head into the next chapter of our lives...completely uncertain of where we will land. Its been a difficult year and three quarters but we are truly thankful for the time we have spent here. We are telling our kids on Tuesday night. We are both heartsick about leaving them. It hasn't been easy with church politics but the youth has been a joy to work with. It has been incredible to see God working in their lives and has been an honor to be a part of it. We are going to miss them so much. I don't think that part has sunk in for us yet...we are still numb. They are a fabulous group of teenagers.
The sweet part is that we will be near my family and our friends again. We have missed so many birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, weddings, holidays and one very special first birthday...it will be wonderful to be 'home' again. Its tough though...one of our staff recently asked us how we move around so much...how anywhere can truly feel like 'home' and after thinking about it...I know that home is where Nathan is...where our kitties are...and home is where loved ones live. The tough part is that now a small piece of San Jose is also 'home', we have made friendships here that have encouraged us, challenged us and comforted us. And so as we go 'home' to Oregon where so many of our loved ones live, we leave 'home' in California where we have family now as well.
We are anxious. About where we will live, work, minister. But one thing is certain...God is bigger than our uncertainties...bigger than unfair situations...bigger than our worries...and He will lead us through this to the other side. And for that, I am most thankful of all!

2 comments:

Mary Lou said...

So sorry to hear about Nathan and his job. I am saying lots of prayers for you both.

Sarah said...

oh honey...i'm sorry it ended like this. but i'm not sorry you're coming home :] we've all missed you...

i'm sure you'll figure out the next step in your life soon.