Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Saying Goodbye...

In just a few short weeks we will say goodbye to my brother-n-law, sister-n-law and their four young kids. They will be leaving for the mission field in South East Asia! As much as we are excited for the new journey God will be putting them on, we're very sad that we won't see them for 4 years!

It's been a tough couple of weeks as we start the goodbye process. Josh keeps asking if maybe they made a mistake and it's only 4 months instead of 4 years. I think he's really starting to understand the fact though because he's said "So I'll be almost 10 when we see them again?" Another hard thought is that they won't get to meet our new son until he's 4 years old!

I know God has given them this special gift in their heart to serve Him in ways I can never imagine. I don't think I could leave me home and family to move clear across the world and work in a country that I don't know anything about. I am so proud of them for taking this leap of faith and trusting God to take care of them! I think they are amazing people!!

We will be having a goodbye party for them in April. I'm sure there will be lots of laughing, crying and hugging going on! Please pray that God will soften all of our hearts as we prepare to say goodbye. Please pray for our kids because this is going to shake up their world!

Probably the hardest part has been the fact that my mother-n-law has cancer and isn't doing well. We can't tell what part of the process she's in exactly but she is in hospice care now. Things just don't seem good as far as we can tell. So it's been hard to have to deal with all the emotions that come with that along with the thought of them possibly not being here when she passes away!

5 comments:

Shalee said...

Yes, saying goodbye is hard, especially when it's to someone you really love and know. And your MIL's condition does make the goodbyes more bittersweet. But God be praised that all these goodbyes are not permanent. Whether it is in this life or the next, you will meet again and there will be smiles on all your faces.

May God bless the work of your BIL and his family and may God comfort you all concerning your MIL. I'm praying for you Stacey.

Tina said...

I love you Stacey...these next few weeks will be tough...but I am glad we have them together!

Jodi said...

Wow, Stacey, I am with you friend. It will be hard, it is hard, as I have already said good bye. but I loved how you asked for prayer for all hearts to be softened. God is good and has blessed the Thomas family. They will have 2 new cousins and nephew and other 4 year old for them to come home too.
We will have to help each other get through this time.
Praying for you and your family Stacey.
Thank you for being a wonderful sister n law to my sis. I know she loves you so very much.

Anonymous said...

We'll all miss them, but wouldn't wish them to stay ... excited / depressed for all of us ... if you know what I mean.

GiBee said...

It's really hard when a loved one is placed in Hospice care ... and even more difficult saying good bye to loved ones that you want to be around. I'll be praying for you!