goodbyes

the season of goodbyes have begun.
there's no turning back now.

~about a week ago i had a nice "goodbye" dinner with my friends jason & mallika
~sunday i had a "goodbye" lunch with my friend chris in ann arbor
~last night i cried a few "goodbye" tears at small group realizing i have only 8 tuesdays left with these friends
~yesterday my boss & i told a few people in our office. they all cried. i was not prepared for that at all. today she made the announcement to the whole company (about 26 in our office) and i started the emails to colleagues around the world. i actually shed a few tears after i got the nicest email from one of my account reps in Salt Lake City and another from a colleague in Germany. six years is a long time to work with someone and these people have become really dear friends.

fun fact:
i checked today, and since 2005 (when we got our new computer system) i have moved over 1200 shipments of household goods around the world.

with each email or announcement or "one last picture" the reality of this move set in a little harder. a few times the thought crossed my mind "what if this doesn't work out" or "what if i change my mind". i'm not feeling that way, but when reality sets in-- crazy thoughts cross my mind!

goodbyes are really really hard for me. and of course i'm taking this one in my mind all the way to thinking-- what if I don't see that person on this side of eternity again? which begs the question... will they be worshipping Jesus with me? have i invited them?

lots on my mind.

on that note, i leave you with a quick trip to 1982.

Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can't believe the hopes he's granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But well keep you close as always
It wont even seem you've gone
cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever
If the lords the lord of them