Monday, August 25, 2008

Change of Seasons....Part 2


In my last blog I wrote about the excitement and anticipation for the change of seasons. Our family is currently going through another 'change of seasons' - one that I am not so keen on. Dan and Karis left for Yaounde', Cameroon on Thursday and tomorrow Tim drives out the truck to Kansas and Kristen will fly out on Thursday. For the last two years we have enjoyed having John's family close. And even more so, have enjoyed them as friends. Tim and Kristen shared John's schedule so we found ourselves spending a lot of time with them and their Wii. And in our first year of marriage Dan and Karis would spend a lot of time at our house on their weekends off of deputation. We said one good-bye last Thursday and I found myself saying another good-bye already today. Thinking that Tim and Kristen won't be around has taken a lot to get used to. I don't think I can fully express all in a blog...my heart is sad. I know the Lord still has us here and has led them to where they are supposed to be - what more blessed place to be. In the midst of these two years of adjustment to Virginia Beach John's family has not only become my family, but my friends. They have helped to strengthen through tears and laughter. And not all of his family is gone...just two so close together. I think about the past two years and I think about the future - how it is uncertain. We all enjoyed a season together with baby nieces, dating, engaged, and newly married couples, Thanksgivings with so much food, late Sunday night football games and coffee, Dr. Pepper and plenty of laptops. It was our season. I hope our children have a season similar to the one I just shared with my husband's family. It has been blessed.

7 comments:

Tim, Kristen , Megan, Emily, and Anna said...

Awww...you and John have been a huge blessing to us as well!! We have really enjoyed your great friendship and we will definitely miss you as we are in Kansas. We did make many good memories together both at your house and our house. Our House....homemade pizza, Sunday football, movies, Wii, etc. Your house...wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners with amazing decorations (hopefully I learned how to host a cute seasonal dinner from you!!), games, family get togethers, and so much more. We love you a ton and can't wait to see you. We are praying for you!!

Katie Barker said...

Wow - your writing made me sad too. You expressed yourself well - I wish that I had such a season to experience with my siblings now that we are getting older and can actually hang out together!

Laura D said...

It has been a difficult few weeks for you guys. VA Beach is going to be different without those families! I know Roderick has been bemoaning the loss of his carpool buddy for a couple of weeks! It's so hard to see your friends leave. It does cause you to want to make sure you spend lots of time with the friends that are still here and make sure you make the most of those friendships. So...maybe its time we get a Wii...HAHAHA

Debs said...

Sweet post, Beth.

Unknown said...

GOod expression of yourself. It also made me thankful for the time we spent in CO with Richard's family. They also made it so easy to adjust to CO. Its so fun to spend time with families. And also with my two sisters we always have a great time together since we are all in the same stage of life. Families are such a blessing.

Unknown said...

Well, Bethany, you had me crying -- but you are so right -- we can thank the Lord for this season of our lives that is changing. With Dan and Karis and the girls in Africa, our hearts are hurting, but what rejoicing we have had when we were all able to be together for holidays. God's grace will help us to adjust to a new season of our lives now, and it is exciting to look forward to God's plans for us. We are so excited to have Tim, Kristen and soon, Megan Joy here with us in Kansas! I know you will miss them -- saying good-bye is never easy!!!! The Varner and Armstrong family definitely know that!
Much love,
Mom Varner

Laura D said...

Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking about you as you say another good-bye today.