the move

Bags are packed. 

Walls are empty.
Hearts are heavy.
The shipment has been sent. 

Tears are starting to well up. 

For the last seven and a half years, my parents have been living and working in Beijing and on Monday, this chapter in our family's history will come to a close. It has not been until recently that I have realized how much my parents being here has impacted me. I am proud to tell people that my parents live in Beijing and I love coming to see them and being a part of their ministry here. I love learning new Chinese words and phrases each time I come. I love getting to know and encourage their fellow workers and people that have become like family in the absence of our own here. I love getting to witness the work that our Father is doing through my parents and through the believers here and in some small way getting to participate. Although I have never lived here, it feels like home...one of my many "homes" on this earth...and as we pack the last few items and prepare to leave this chapter of our lives, the emotions are rising. I am not unfamiliar with goodbyes, but this is not just goodbye. This is leaving what has become a part of mine and my family's identity in the past seven and a half years. I hope and pray that this place and the people here will remain a part of my life. 

There are many unknowns in the weeks and months ahead. I am trying to remain focused on the One who does not change and submit any anxiety about the unknown to Him. The One whose presence and love is unconditional and does not vary dependent upon where I go, where I leave or which job I take. 

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Romans 15:13