We got an update from Danell last week so she could update us on our fundraising. We have 10% of the funds we need committed in order to buy our plane tickets. I am so humbled and feel so blessed by the love and generosity of our family, friends, and church family. The reality of us moving to Africa is beginning to take hold in many different ways for our family. I spent most of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday selling many of our non essential clothes, toys, books, movies, etc at our second garage sale. Bryan has begun to feel the reality of this move when a neighbor asked to go through our house (not sure how serious she is about buying) and another person showed interest in buying our couches. But saying goodbye to our house and our belongings is not a very hard part for either of us. We know it is only material possessions which can be here today and gone tomorrow. The hardest part is starting to realize how much we will miss our family and friends.
This was evident today when I was having a conversation with my son Elijah. He had a few problems while staying with his grandparents this past weekend and I wanted to talk to him about his lack of patience when he wants to do something. During our talk, I mentioned that this was probably the last weekend that he will have stayed with them before we leave for Africa because he will be in school soon. I meant that they will not have the kids alone again (they will be stuck with Bryan and I visiting too), but Eli misunderstood my meaning. I later found him on the couch with his head buried in his lap trying his best not to cry. I came over to him and asked what was wrong and he just started to sob uncontrollably. He told me he would not get to see Oma or Papa for 5 years and he felt bad that he had not been good on their last visit. It took me awhile to explain that we will see them again before we leave, but that was the last time he would go without mom and dad coming with him.
That is the hardest part of following this call to move to Africa. We have such a great family who all love us and are wonderful to be around. We have fantastic neighbors and friends whom we have known for years and our church family is amazing and welcoming. I have a greater respect for Abraham in the bible now because he did not have the convenience of modern technology. When God said go, he went knowing that was the last time he would see some of his family and friends. We have the privilege of having email, skype, letters, facebook, mission trips, and other ways to keep touch. So, after all that rambling, please know that we do not take any of your friendships for granted and appreciate all you have done and will continue to do for us. With all our love......the Geurinks
That Elijah - he is so mature and sensitive! You guys have done a great job with him! We are going to miss you guys too!
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