Sweet Sunday

Yesterday was our last Sunday at FBCHW. It all began the night before really as we took our students out for one last youth event. We already had a Grizzly game planned so off we went. After the game 2 of our girl students, whom I'm very close with, spent the night. Both of their moms had called last week to ask if their daughters could spend the night because they were going out of town. I happily agreed to the first and laughed at the coincidence the next day of the second. They were thrilled (and I mean this sarcastically) to learn that there was a men's breakfast at 7:30 Sunday morning that d had to attend. So rather than taking 2 cars, we dropped him off and then went and had breakfast ourselves. I was so thankful for this extra time with them.

It was by no coincidence that the special music for both services yesterday was about following God in obedience. The funny thing is the lady who sang that morning wasn't even suppose to. She did it at the last minute because the lady scheduled to sing was sick. As she sang each verse and chorus, I couldn't help but tear up to know it was yet another confirmation from the Lord that we are doing what He has called us to do... we must go... no matter how hard it is to say goodbye.

 D was asked to preach both the morning and evening services. He loves to preach so he was honored to be asked. With that added responsibility, he ended up speaking 3 times yesterday... that's not including the 2 meetings he also led. He preached the morning service on obedience... a topic we know all too well now. It was a great reminder that when you're called to obedience there are only 2 options: obey or disobey. I mean we all know this but how many times do we procrastinate... slow obedience is still disobedience. I'll write more about his messages another time.

At the end of the service the church presented us with a plaque, love offering and a gorgeous picture to remind us of the journey we're on and to remind us... that He will direct our path. The pastor was also pretty bold in stating that he believed that FBCHW would see us on staff again. We of course have no idea what God has in store for us, but we were honored that he would want d to fill his pulpit.

That night D preached again and then they had a fellowship time for us after the service. I was really good all day until then. People coming to say final goodbyes.... Wednesday is actually our last day but many of the people we won't see because we'll be with our students. So they cried, I cried... it was a sight for sure. As everyone was leaving, D had to go counsel with some students in his office so I sat down and read some of the letters that we were given. That did me in... I was in full ugly cry mode. I was so humbled and honored to be reading the sweet words that were so thoughtfully written to us.

Yesterday was no doubt a very hard day. It was a challenging day. It was an encouraging day. But it was indeed a sweet day.