Closure Part 2

Apart from Chicago, I only consider one other place really “home” and fortunately, I was able to go back to my hometown in Minnesota to celebrate my cousin Erica’s wedding.  My brother, Nathan, and I roadtripped to Minnesota last week and spent a couple days hanging out with old friends (as in “we’ve known them for a long time,” not elderly).  Throughout my long weekend, I was reminded time and again of God’s promises and provision.

 

                                                                                                                                    On Thursday, I went to Annie’s Parlour a local old-fashioned burger joint and soda shoppe with Gloria, a childhood friend, who has brought sunshine into my life for so many years.  It was exciting to hear of God’s working in her life and our ever-changing understanding of God in our lives and in the world.  I was reminded of God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11 that He has a plan for us even when we can’t see the possibilities and He will reveal those plans for us in His time.  

 

  On Friday, I met for coffee with my blessed best friend in the midst of a work crisis.  I began our conversation with mixed feelings about my role in friendships and feeling as though I had to give them up while I was away, but as true friends will remind us all, friendships don’t fall away, but may change when we are apart.  I was feeling insecure about moving away from lifelong friends, but on my way to the next event from coffee the rain started to let up and a beautiful rainbow spread across the sky, a simple reminder of God’s covenant given to Noah, who despite the ridicule of man, honored God with His obedience. 

 

While I may not be able to attend my cousin, Vivian’s wedding,

I was really excited to be able to share in a part of the process

by wedding dress shopping with her.  While the affectionately

dubbed “cake dress” will probably not be the one, it was fun to

play dress up!  🙂  I appreciated being a part of the fun and not

the stress! haha!

 

 

 

 

and while at times stressful, I was really happy to be a part of my cousin Erica’s wedding! 🙂  I was particularly excited to see extended family, like my popo 

                                                                 (grandma), aunts, uncles,

                                                                cousins and their families.

                                                                I will most definitely will miss them all, but I know that they will be remembering me in their 

                                                                prayers and faithfully supporting me on this journey. 

 

 brother Nathan, cousin Josh, cousin Kristen, Priscilla, cousin Vivian, soon-to-be-cousin Bryan