The Beginning of the end

Welp, it happened. I had my final Friday with my little boys last week. I'm officially down to 3 days a week. Even though I've been seeing them less and less, this was the first time I was choked up about it all. Don't worry, I'm not about to share a sob story, but am genuinely heart broken about leaving my little guys. I've loved them; disciplined them; painted with them; taught them; fed them; fought the battle of the wills with them; raised them; and loved every moment. At a time when we couldn't have our own children, the Lord was extremely gracious in allowing me to borrow and nurture my precious little Zachary. My serious, logical, little Z-man, who loves reading and asking the most difficult questions about this life. Although he was enough to melt my heart, the Lord blessed Steve and Bev with another little soul, Max. A spunky, happy, and loving Curious George. This family was kind enough to share their blessings with me, and they'll never know how grateful I am for having had this opportunity. God knew I needed a band-aid, and He provided healing for my heart in the forms of Zach and Max. I still have 2 months with them, and I plan to take advantage of every moment. I'm so thankful for Skype and the plethora of technology that will allow me to keep up with these little stinkers as they continue to grow.

Ice cream date, just because. 

Yeah, I love my boys.

This weekend we were in Louisiana for the final Cambodia presentation. Jonathan and Bradley tag-teamed in two different locations, to ensure more brethren could learn about the great work we're about to embark upon. On our way to LA, we were blessed to spend a few hours with ABCP, better known as Aubrey, Carli, and Pierce. It was such a treat to just sit and talk with our sweet brother and sister. As June 12th draws nearer, every moment becomes more precious with family and friends. Bradley caught the cutest video of Pierce,  but it won't let me load it on here for some reason. Ugh! I'll try again later. Just enjoy their still life beauty for now.

 Bro-bro, Carli-tron, and Piercey boy

Once we arrived at our destination, Paul and Alvie were gracious hosts. They are Debbie's parents (she's from DCcoC), and look what fabulous and famous 90's couple we found...

Sunday I heard Bradley's wonderful lesson on The Reconciliation of Christ for the third time, and it's been better each time. We were blessed to spend a short time with the entire congregation in Monroe. It's been neat to see the reaction and excitement for this new work. Although it's been nice to be finished with the presentations, I'm already looking forward to returning with more exciting news from over seas. Jonathan, Marissa, and the kiddos have done a lot more travel than us, and I know they're relieved to be finished. Of course, for Bradley and I, travel is an opportunity to act stupid and make each other laugh. We stopped at Dairy Queen for dessert, and they had an advertisement for a blizzard in a dipped waffle cone. I asked the guy behind the counter if that was for real, and when he said yes, I was happier than a rooster in a chicken coop. Sorry, but the southern bug bit me over the weekend. I have the tendency to take on the accent of those who are around me, and well, I had to make fun of myself for how much twang I'd suddenly acquired. ;o)

Within the past few days, we've managed to handle most of our accounts, insurance policies, etc., as well as begin the rental process. Umm, did I mention we've found renters for our home!?! Yeah, God is pretty awesome. It's funny though. Apparently everyone has been concerned about us finding renters, but that was never really a worry for me. My faith is weird. I don't worry about the big things, like normal people, but rather, it's the little things that test my faith. My thought is, if God wants us to do this work, He's going to carve a way, and, well, there's no way we could afford to go if we didn't rent or sale our home.  However, there are all of these little loose ends that I have to make sure to tie, but thankfully, things seem to be falling into place on that front too. I still have way more piles and boxes of stuff all over my home than I'd care to discuss right now, but answered prayers for peace are allowing me to take it in stride. I know it will get done, little by little, day by day. Quite a few mixed emotions arise from each situation, but right now I'm pretty content. So, with my final Friday at work completed; the final Cambodia presentation finished; and the loose ends getting tighter each day, I think it's safe to say that the 'beginning of the end' has begun. Ciao!