We are just a little over 2 weeks out before we move our family to Uganda. Add to that the normal busyness of the holiday season and you can imagine what things have been like around here. We are making progress though, even if it isn't at the speed at which I hoped.
Last weekend we had our big yard sale to get rid of everything we can't take with us. We will be allowed 18 - 50lb bags. We are hoping to fill a lot of those with just medical supplies for the clinic. So that leaves us with a lot to get rid of. All we hope to leave behind is a hope chest full of our memorable items. The rest will be sold or given away. I have to admit, it is a very freeing feeling. There have definitely been some hard things to part with..... the wagon that has pulled all of children around for years.....the dishes that we were given at our wedding, that we have used every day since....... a collection of African artifacts and giraffes that my dad helped me gather. I did keep a couple of those things for memory purposes.
I just keep reminding myself of Matthew 6:19-20 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
I know in time I won't even think of these things that we are parting with, and likely not even the things that we keep behind. It is still definitely a big part of the process though, saying goodbye to things. Maybe it is just a step in preparation for the hardest part yet to come. Saying goodbye to our family and friends. Or my sweet dog, Jax, that I have had for almost 13yrs. (longer than I have known Jason!) Through all of the hard things though, God keeps reassuring us with a peace that passes all understanding. A heavenly comfort in knowing that we are in His will. We do appreciate your prayers though, so very much.
(from Kari)
