One month from today...
We will be on a plane headed for Italy. I can't believe how quickly the past 5 months have gone. We have been very busy preparing as best we can. The work visa has been processed, the doctor's visits and physicals are done, we have our international driver's licenses, and the moving company has evaluated our stuff and will be packing us up on May 24th. Right now one corner of our bedroom looks like an episode of "Hoarders". Since we have a furniture allowance we're not taking any big ticket items but we are stocking up on items that will be hard to find or will be too expensive to purchase in Italy.
As I've stated before what is completely amazing to me is to see God opening all the doors for us and pushing us through. While we've had to check and double check everything, it seems like the waters are all parting ahead of us and everything is just falling into place. This was most evident to me when we decided it was time to sell our two cars. If you've ever been through the process of selling a car it can be rather daunting, especially if you're selling to a stranger because you never know if they're going to follow through on everything. A few months ago I jokingly said to my neighbor of 13 years, "Hey, you guys want to buy our van?" She very seriously said, "YES"! They have twin daughters going off to college in the fall and need an extra car. Then a few days ago my husband called them and not only did they agree to our asking price they told us we could continue to drive it until we're ready to leave. The next day at church we were approached by a friend asking if he could buy Mark's car. He also agreed to the asking price and said we could drive it until we're ready to leave. An amazing coincidence? I think not! God is definitely working things out for us!
At this point it's probably a good thing for us to be so busy. That way I don't have time to think about how much I'm going to miss our family and friends here. Our oldest son just graduated from college and has a job lined up which is great but I really wanted to be here to help him get settled in a new apartment. Our youngest son will be going back to college in the fall and I hate the thought of not being here to get him into his new dorms. I know they're technically grown-ups but it's still hard for a mom to let go of some things. I'm thankful that my parents are close by and are willing to help with such things. They have blessed my life in so many ways and this is just one more reason I love them so much!
We also have a group of very supportive and loving friends that will be so missed. They are taking us out for a farewell party in a few days and while I always enjoy our time with them this one will be bitter sweet. Saying good-bye is never easy but I know we'll be making new friends soon.
As we continue to anticipate the things to come I ask for your prayers. I am confident that God is leading us on this path and I know he'll bring us through any obstacles we come across along the way. Hopefully the next time I post it will be coming from Italia. Get ready for lots of pictures!
Arrivederci!
