My daughter’s last day at dance is tonight.
And my oldest two will sit under their current piano teacher one last time tomorrow.
And they will bid goodbye to classmates this week.
And I’m a mess.
Thrilled, expectant, excited – but sad.
Happy, sure, ready – but heavy.
And I know this drill.
I’ve packed up many, many times throughout my life. I always feel the elation and the trepidation thick and simultaneously.
But it’s stronger this time.
Looking back at what has transpired in this place over the last 4 years, and looking around at the people, and the objects, and the love that are currently circled around me – I feel the loss of it all.
As I peer out to what is ahead, I feel a very certain call, equipping, anointing, and thrill over what is next.
Moving does this. Your heart and mind end up being a turmoiled but primed mix.
When you transition, what you hope for in the future and what you currently love, collide.
And it makes one feel all the feelings.
I’m letting myself.
Because this is a big one.
We’re flying up and over to northeastern Tennessee here soon because my husband has accepted a pastoral role there. What wild grace.
The folks that are in our upcoming faith family have already made us feel warm, welcomed, and loved thoroughly. I’ve always known that Tennessee people were good people, but now I’m really experiencing it for myself. Bless them.
And the people down here in Gulf coast Texas are loving on us well and sweetly and loosely as we ready to launch. I ache at the thought of saying all these goodbyes.
I’m sitting outside here in the sunshine under my tall Texas pine trees. Chickadees and house sparrows are flitting in and out from every which way feasting on my boy’s bird feed. They rest and indulge and find their filling for a moment and then they’re off again. I hope they follow us as we fly away.
And I hope you do too. I want words to flow often as we go through this shift in seasons.
Prayers please?
Thanks, friends.
Big hugs all around.
I am excited for you as you work through your transition time. While I will feel the extra miles between us, I will be thinking of how you, Derek, and the Littles are broadening your experiences and carrying your love for Christ to more people who are thirsty for the word. Blessings to you all,
MawMaw Jan
Sweet Kate, you and your family are in our prayers. What an amazing journey is ahead!!! I pray God’s arms of love be around you and yours during this move and in everything you do. We love you here in Texas and are so excited for you!
Lisa Sinclair
Katie, I can only imagine the emotions you are experiencing. You, Derek, and the kiddos have captured and collected many precious memories during your stay in Texas. They will forever remain in your heart as will all the incredible friends you have gained throughout the past few years! I have met some of them during my visits to Texas and it only takes a few minutes with them to know why those friendships are so rich.
And what an amazing opportunity is before you as you and the family move onward to a new calling, one that I know you and Derek will execute with enthusiasm, diligence, graciousness, and humility. I am so excited for all of you as you begin this new season! You are all in my prayers! I love you so much!!
~Patty
I had no idea when I saw you at LIT!! Oh my word, the ride y’all have had! A wild one with allll the feelings. Much love goes with you and with long heart strings. His grace will be before and behind you. Already miss you. ❤
Kate,
Mixed feelings as well. Sad to be loosing a sweet friend and amazing teacher but so thrilled for your family and how God will use you for His Glory in Tennessee! Just know how much you are loved and what a significant impact you have had in our dear community.
Kathy W
Oh Kathy! You have been such an encouragement to me over the last few years. I’m grateful for your friendship! Big hugs to you!
KMac! My goodness what a blessing you have been! I will always remember you inviting us into your home overnight when our AC broke! You are a gem. Thank you for your encouragement! I will miss you! 🙂
Patty! You’re such a blessing to me! Your kindness and generosity and prayers mean the world!! THANK YOU! Love you so much!
Thank you Lisa! It helps knowing that kind folks like you are praying and rooting us on! Big hugs to you today!
MawMaw! I already feel those extra miles! Would love for you to be able to visit us up in TN somehow!? We would have such fun! Thank you for your constant encouragement to me here on the blog, and for your continued prayers. It means A LOT to me. I love you!
Does this put you little closer to the U.K.??
It does, kinda!!! LOL! I plan to visit soon! 🙂
Sweet Kate. Your words touched me deeply because we are going through the same emotions here at Christ Fellowship as we watch Greg leave. This is a hard week. Even great transitions are hard. I will be praying for your family and I know you will be praying for us as well. God is doing a beautiful thing in all of us and for his Glory. It is going to be amazing!
I knew it would be so hard to watch Greg step down. I am praying for all of you as y’all pray for us! SO thankful! And so excited! Blessings to you!