Beginning of the end

Tonight marks one week out from our last night in Kansas City, so I thought I'd take a break from packing to write once more before the big move. We're entering into our week of lasts (does anyone else ever look at change this way)?!? Brian mowed the lawn for the last time today, it's our last Sunday night here, I'm getting my last haircut in KC tomorrow, etc, etc... :) I'm sitting on the couch surrounded by boxes - my parents came up this week for several days and were an incredibly huge help, serving us by doing everything from cleaning our carpets to washing my car (both were embarrassingly dirty)! We could not have done this without them! Although we still have a lot to do, we're feeling on track and hopeful that everything we own will be in a box by this time next week.

The last couple of weeks have been bittersweet as we have started saying goodbye to dear friends here in KC. The Lord answered our prayers by surrounding us these last three years with people who are not only really fun, but who have also challenged, encouraged and sharpened us. We feel truly blessed.

Our great friends, Lea and Valerie Bailes - at the Royals vs. Rangers "buck night" last week. 

Camping at Smithville Lake last weekend with Jake and Jamie Kirby and Mike and Camille Potchad. Got to pull two ticks off Stryder afterward (one of the nastiest things I have EVER done), but getting to spend time with these two couples was totally worth it!

Our Tuesday night Bible Study group sent us off with a special dinner last week. We have never been around such a warm and welcoming group of friends - what an example each of them has been to us as they have lived out what it looks like to be the body of Christ.