Saying Goodbye...

I am sitting in the love seat in our living room, looking out over the apartments of a people who have changed my life forever over the past seven years. It is fitting that an airplane just flew over, as we leave for the airport in just 1 1/2 hours to leave this place indefinitely. The people here have impacted us in so many ways. Some good, some bad. It is most definitely a test of character to live here in Chengdu. Rules aren't really rules, people stare at you and tell you your children are not warm enough, and every now and then you are ditched by the old lady throwing elbows and yelling at every one in sight. However, as I leave here, I choose to remember those things as opportunities to grow in patience, kindness, and love. I think about all of the amazing adventures that Brian and I have had here, and I think about all of the people (Chinese and foreign - most commonly meaning North Americans) who have loved me and shown me so much grace as we have ventured these first seven years of our lives together. The tears have not hit me yet, and I wonder if that is because there is so much to do once we land on US soil again, or if it is just because I am so incredibly thankful for God's providence on this journey. He has brought us here, and he calls us "home." He guides our steps, and I leave this place with confidence that He will sustain us in everything. I have already witnessed this truth for the past seven years, and I look forward to seeing Him over and over again in the leading of our path.

We came here after being married for two weeks. We spent five years with no kids, traveling the amazing country of P.R. China. We poured our lives into this city and our school. We landed here without knowing a lick of Chinese. Our apartment was surprisingly beautiful. The city did not expand much past 2nd Ring Road. We rode our bikes everywhere - yes, even to the bulk market. We bought a scooter pretty quickly. We met lifelong family friends - some we already even knew from the States.

We made a ton of amazing memories in the middle of everything...

And now we leave a family of four with two beautiful little girls who bring us blessing beyond measure! We take one last long flight (hopefully for a while). We can hold a simple conversation in Chinese. The city has expanded beyond 3rd Ring Road. We leave our motorcycle and scooter for a motorcycle, Jeep, and minivan in the U.S. We say goodbye (but not forever) to our lifelong friends and look forward to catching up with the ones who left us long ago. We thank God for all that he has made us in our time here, and we move on...

I am thankful on this day, as I leave this land, not knowing if we will ever be back, or if I will ever see some of my dear Chinese friends again. I am thankful for the conversations held, the hearts poured out, and the way that our world views have been changed and remodeled. We leave here a very different people from when we came. Thank you, Lord! Thank you!