My last week and a half in Texas held a lot of final meetings with family and friends. There's more to be said for each one, but I'll briefly chronicle our exodus.
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• • • SUNDAY • • •
As I've mentioned before, I hate goodbyes. I prefer "hello again, sorry I didn't say bye last time we parted ways." However, with such an extended trip, goodbyes were necessary, and, in a way, pleasant. After Houston family, my sister, Tara was next on our parting list. Her family joined us for services, and then we visited over lunch at Chili's. It was a blessing to spend a little bit of time with her, Dustin, and the girls. Abby never fails to crack me up, and Ruby just melts my heart. Looking forward to hugging each of them upon our return.
Enjoying time with Tar-tar binks and lil' Ruby.
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• • • MONDAY • • •
Having moved around several times in my childhood, I don't have a lot of close friendships from my school days, but there is one sweet friend whom I admire and thank God for daily. Latoria to some, but Tori to me is a beautiful, godly-minded woman with whom I am honored to call my friend. We met in the 7th grade in Mrs. Bradley's Texas history class. As an average, scrawny, nerdy white girl who had a knack for putting her foot in her mouth, it only seemed logical for her and a tall, athletic, quiet black girl to become fast friends, right? ;o) Well, in my short life, I've decided there all kinds of friends, but only a handful of "fast" friends. Tori is one of those. Our friendship was instantaneous, and has spanned over 2 decades now. We met Tori and Becca {another sweet friend} for dinner at Cheddar's, and I relished in the conversation, as well as my Monte Cristo sandwich!
Sweet Tori and myself before parting ways... for now...
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• • • TUESDAY • • •
Girls night! No pics though, sorry. Several of my closest girlfriends ordered pizza, set up a fondue station, and took time out of their schedules to spend one last evening with me and Missy. I am so thankful for my many friends, and so blessed to know such beautiful women, inside and out. You know who you are, and I treasure each one of you in ways I will never be able to fully express.
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• • • WEDNESDAY • • •
Another thing you'll find in my previous posts, is that I'm quite attached to my little boys, Zachary and Max, whom I've had the honor of raising M-F ever since Zach was 3 months old. Leaving your home country for a new one is daunting enough, but our relocation wouldn't have been as emotionally taxing had it not meant leaving my little guys. For my final date with the boys, I picked them up around 9, and we headed to one of our favorite destinations: the Frisco Commons splash pad. We were so excited to enjoy the water with the sunny, hot day before us, but as we pulled around, expecting to see water spraying all around giggling children, the splash pad was quiet and deserted. My heart sank, but only slightly, as I knew a day with my boys would be a blessing, regardless of the activity. Zach was slightly disappointed, but quickly recovered when I suggested playing at the epic park next door. This place is huge! It has a large play area for 3 different age groups, and the designers poured their heart into every detail. There are inspirational quotes posted throughout the park, which add to the whimsical feel of the fun, fort-like structures. We spent a few hours exploring, swinging, jumping, climbing, singing, and joyfully screaming just because. I soaked up every cheerful moment. Several times I struggled to hold back the tears, mostly due to the overwhelming feeling of love and bliss these two little souls have given me. Once we were nice and steamy, we loaded up to head to our ritual post-splash pad stop: Dairy Queen! Over a basket of steak fingers, we laughed and shared our favorite moments of the morning. Before heading home, we treated ourselves to some DQ ice cream treats. YUM!
Zach savoring his milkshake.
Max shamelessly making a happy mess with his ice cream cone.
The splash pad may have been closed, but that
doesn't mean we can't have a water party of our own.
Brothers and best friends.
I had a few errands to run during the afternoon, but I hurried over to give the boys one last hug and kiss. Thankfully, for all of our sake, I had an appointment for which I was running late, so a quick adieu was in order. One of my prayers has been for strength in letting go, and the Father seems to be answering that prayer with rip-the-band-aid-off goodbyes. My heart is bigger and better as a result of having known Zach and Max. In my heart, they will forever be "my boys." I love you sweet boys! If you have your little ones with you, give them an extra squeeze, and count yourself blessed beyond measure.
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• • • FRIDAY • • •
While packing, I had to say goodbye to a lot of earthly possessions, whether for good or for a while. One of those items: hair products. I am sure most women understand my pain.
I had to condense my entire hair products and accessories
into this single bag. Nothing more can be said.
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• • • SATURDAY • • •
Sometimes goodbyes are interrupted with a hello.
A little after 5am Saturday morning, I received a call from my BIL, Timothy. I answered the phone to hear an elated shout, "we're having a baby!" Now, my cup already overflows with the gift of family, and God hasn't disappointed with my in laws by any means. I know that in America it can be rare to have a close family, but even more rare to have that closeness extend to your in laws. Well, meet the Ballards. I have a wise, gentle father-in-law; a fun-spirited, giving mother-in-law; 2 incredible brothers-in-law who desire to serve the Lord wholly; and 2 precious sisters-in-law who are better sculpted into what I need in a sister than I could have personally ordered from the Creator Himself. For some reason, the Lord has been gracious enough to add to our bounty with our nephew, Pierce, and He was now going amplify our love again with Shepherd. My sweet sister, Krista, asked me to be there to help her during her natural labor and delivery, and I was beyond honored to be requested at such a private and personal event. Although I felt like all thumbs during most of the birth, it was an incredible experience I'll cherish forever. Since I was a child I have been obsessed with pregnancy, labor and delivery, and babies in general. As we've struggled with infertility, this was my first, and possibly only chance to be apart of the joy of birth. I've witnessed it by video many times, but I think it goes without saying that in person, with someone you love so much, witnessing a new life emerge is, well, there are no words. Krista did amazing, as I had expected. She was one of the most dedicated, committed expectant mothers I've ever known, and it paid off, as her entire labor and delivery was under 9 hours! Timothy was a marvelous coach and husband. He was so excited, and so focused. I was impressed by both my brother and sister, during this stressful, yet joyful experience. Shepherd didn't want to come into this world in the normal manner. He felt it would be more interesting if he crossed him arms, in order to increase his girth to 17 1/2 centimeters. Poor Krista! Alas, prayers were answered, and everyone went home healthy and exhausted that afternoon.
Aunt Brandi got to snuggle with this little man
while daddy and the midwives tended to mommy.
First time to meet Uncle Bradley!
At this point I was already feeling surreal, but adding the birth of my nephew to the list made me feel like I was living in a dream world. It was so strange to feel so many emotions, and yet still feel numb. My appreciation to TK is felt deeply, and I hope they have an inkling of an idea of how much I love them.
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• • • SUNDAY • • •
Our last service with the brethren at DC was bittersweet. I think it was a blessing that I was so dazed, since it allowed me to quickly hug and leave. Our congregation has gone above and beyond in their support for our move and stay in Phnom Penh, and even though "thanks" is not enough, it'll have to suffice. Just as I'm anxious to see what the Lord has in store for our growth here in Cambodia, I anticipate many good works from the DC brothers and sisters. We love you guys!!!
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• • • MONDAY • • •
Final dinner with Bradley's family.
Let's just say there were many tears. Two elegant prayers were led by Timo and dad, as we sat in a circle, linked hand in hand. None of us wanted to say goodbye, but due to the greater cause of following the Lord, we managed to part ways. Bradley and I have commented numerous times that we don't know how past missionaries did this kind of work, as we're extremely blessed to have technology to keep us close in this day and age. Skype may not be as wonderful as a hug, but it sure beats a handful of letters posted 5 months back.
Lil' bundle of happiness
B-b-b-b-bad, bad to the bone...
Yeah, I'd be in love with my reflection too, if I was this cute. ;o)
I just want to kiss those sweet little lips!
Precious how you can see the glow of love
and godly pride on each of their faces.
Children's children are the crown of old men, and
the glory of children is their father. - Proverbs 17:6
I think one of my favorite moments was as Bradley and I drove away, mom came over to the car to grab our hands just one last time. As children, mom would always send the boys off with her final encouragement of, "remember who you are." Through tears Bradley remarked, "we'll remember who we are." Mom was unable to respond, but I know she appreciated the sentiment and thanks wrapped up in that short phrase. Everyday we're striving to remember who we are.
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• • • WEDNESDAY • • •
Final breakfast with my mom and Steve.
Phew! By the time we made it to this ultimate farewell, I was slightly an emotional wreck. Crying freely in public is very rare for me, but I had a difficult time gaining control of the tears after one of mom's comments. I knew the emotions were real, but I also knew that the combination of stress and exhaustion had caught up with me. Both mom and Steve were very kind and understanding. Mom came back with us to the house, both to help, and to take our car back to her place for the next 2 years. If it had not been for her and Peggy, I don't think I would've made it with my sanity intact. Thanks to mom, I was able to make it through our last day without losing it again. She's a cryer, but was able to hold it together for my sake. Thank you mom. Love you.
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The remainder of our days in Texas held a lot more departures and stress than we'd anticipated with packing up our homestead. Trying to fit 2 years worth of living into 4 suitcases and 2 carry-on items is challenging, to say the least. With the help of friends and family we were able to pull it together. Now, I'm not saying we pulled it together splendidly or without a sacrifice to our sleep schedule, but the necessary tasks were completed. So, with roughly 12 hours of slumber over a 4 day period, Bradley and I set out to begin the next chapter in our life: Cambodia.
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