We got into our cars and drove away as two of our friends stood waving goodbye. I watched them in my rearview mirror as tears streamed down my face. As we took a right turn onto 16th Street for the very last time, 3 years of memories flashed through my mind. Our hearts were overjoyed by the way(s) we were blessed in Rochester, and also sad at leaving the "home" we had been allowed to create in Minnesota. I took mental photos of the "skyline" one last time, and then it was gone. Gone for goodness only knows how long.
We spent a fun-filled weekend in northern Michigan with some of our greatest friends, and as Monday morning crept up on us, we were dreading saying "goodbye" to them as well. And just like every other day, Monday came and went, and here we are… we're currently in NC saying our final "farewells" to my (Toni's) family and friends, and then we're off to Chicago (with a pit stop in Nashville) until our departure on July 2nd to Washington DC.
Saying "goodbye" is a scary thing. No one really ever wants to do it. It's not fun. It hurts. But with a goodbye comes a whole new world (literally) of "hello"s that wouldn't be possible without that former goodbyes. It's nerve racking and exhilarating, scary and exciting all at the same time.
Imagine what it would be have been like in "Bible Times"…when they said their goodbyes, it was for good. There were no cell phones, no internet, no FACEBOOK. And I think THIS is scary!?
We've cried.
I'll be honest: I've had moments of doubt (because of saying "goodbye")
I'm scared.
I'll miss all my comforts.
I'm learning that I'm really spoiled.
Saying "goodbye" is really hard.
Preaching the gospel means people hear about Jesus.
This is going to be the best year.
God is going to rock our worlds.
Love.
Hundreds of lives will be changed.
We leave for Washington DC (launch) in 2 weeks and 3 days. That's not very long. That's so soon. There's still so much to do in these next 16 days, but it's going to be busy! And so good.
When we get on that plane to fly to India, all our "scary" emotions, I believe, will fade away. Everything will be renewed. Nothing else will matter except the goal to which God has called us to fulfill.
I'm scared, nervous, excited, terrified, and just about every other emotion one can feel. But that's okay. It's normal. I'm grateful for the "normal" emotions. After all, Jesus was nervous, too. So nervous that He sweat drops of blood.
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We've raised just over $26,000 so far! Y'all totally blow our minds. We're so humbled and grateful for all your thoughts, encouragement, prayers, and support throughout this process. It's not over yet, though. We're just getting started! We still have a little less than $5,000 to raise, and a entire year's worth of awesome God-filled stories to share! God's going to rock this world, y'all!
