Two Days and Counting....A Letter to Our Kids

Last day at the kids' amazing school...happened to be Pajama Day, treats at the end of the day and extra recess!  Not too bad!  

This was written on October 22nd; the day we told the kids about the move.  As we leave in two days for the Northwest, these words ring truer now than they did then.  We have swallowed.  And now we are ready.  

Dear Cameron and Kaylee,

In a few hours, your world will be rocked.  The sea billows will pummel the steady ship that has been your constant, secure life thus far.  My heart waits in anticipation to your reaction, but what I want you to know is how much we love you.  How much we pray for you.  How much this decision is not just about me and Dad but about all of us as a family on this ship together.  The rudder may be steering us in a new direction where the scenery looks different and the newness will be apparent, but you’re never alone.  The Captain is the One who is in charge, and we are trusting Him to guide and direct our every step in this unchartered land, and we stand on the bow, knowing we are a family. Although the unknown can be terrifying at times, we are also very excited.  This is part of our family’s story.  Each turn.  Each bend. Each wave.  Each storm.  Each sunrise and sunset.  Each day. 

We understand that this won’t be easy, and it will be a paradoxical mixture of bitter and sweet meshed together through tears and laughter.  We will focus on the sweet until we need to swallow the bitter.  And we will swallow.  And it will sting and it will burn and it will hurt.  But the sweet we will also savor and delight in, and somehow in the middle of it all we will remember all the precious memories that will remain in our hearts from our current, familiar land.  Even as the roots are getting pulled up from the ground, little roots will break off and remain in the pot; those are the pieces of us, the friends, those dear to us, that can’t physically go with us but will forever be in our hearts, part of the greater plant.  And as we are transplanted those same roots will grow in the new land with new soil, new possibilities, and new depth that helps the plant grow taller, stronger, and more beautifully. We love you more than words can say, and we are excited for you in this unfamiliar adventure.  We wait in anticipation to see how the Lord will work in all of our hearts and how He will show His faithfulness to us as we journey through these waters.   Hold on.  Here we go. 

We Love You More Than Words Can Say,

Mom & Dad