Goodbye

On Sunday, we said goodbye to Brandon, Rachel, & my nephew.  As it turns out, now both of Chad's brothers & their families will live in Nevada.  Matt, Jen, & two cute nephews already live in Reno.  Once moved, Brandon will be the worship pastor at a church in Las Vegas; Rachel will help with ministry opportunities there, as well.  I know, pretty awesome!  :)  

Anyway, even though I knew the "goodbye" thing was coming, it was still quite difficult.  Reality set in PDQ (pretty darn quick) & I just couldn't keep the tears from flowing.

*  We were used to seeing them each week, for the past three months.  Plain & simple...we just enjoy spending time with them.  We love them, because they are our family.  We also love them, because we consider them friends.  The blessing is that we feel that way about all our siblings.  :)  New Reality #1:  We may only have the privilege of spending time with them one or two times per year, like we do with Matt & Jen.  :(

*  Our nephew is seven months (almost eight months) old.  New Reality #2:  Snuggling isn't possible through cell phones or video feed.  Extreme bummer.  :( 

*  Rach is not only my sister-in-law.  We refer to each other as "Sis," & she is one of my most favorite people on Earth.  That sweet girl loves the Lord & loves her family well.  She regularly demonstrates a heart of faithfulness & patience (as is in step with her character).  We also share lots of talks & laughs.    New Reality #3:  She will be far away.  :(

There was seemingly awkward silence, as eight family members watched Rach & I hug & sniffle our way through the goodbye...a few different times.  Nevertheless & thankfully, other realities are also in place.  This move is an answer to Brandon & Rach's prayers.  They have an exciting adventure ahead of them, and we are SO thrilled they have this opportunity!  Our family supports their decision & wishes them the best!!  We're looking forward to updates, and thanks to today's technology, communication is pretty easy.  Also, it is exciting that they'll live little closer Matt & Jen.  How great would it be if they could all see each other more often?  These realities bring happiness.   

As I've experienced many times before, there's a sadness & a happiness that simultaneously accompanies these types of goodbyes.  It's as if my a piece of my heart leaps out & goes with the one moving.  Yet, my heart remains full/complete, as I consider the fun memories & the adventure ahead of them.  Crazy math.  Has to be Jesus.  :)