A Chapter Ends...but the Story Continues...

 The past two months, my heart has been full to bursting.

In May our boys were home...not all at once, but enough for this mama’s heart to be thankful. Their visits have stirred up a flood of memories: youth group shenanigans, mission trips, praise band rehearsals, and the little church band they started with their friends...Psalm 23.

Over the years they’ve poured their hearts into serving alongside us, and I can’t imagine a greater privilege than worshiping and serving the Lord shoulder to shoulder with our own children.

I’ve watched them grow into men here. I’ve seen them form friendships that will last a lifetime, fall in love with young women, who are beautiful inside and out, right here in this community, and begin new lives and families that are now woven into ours.

Every memory...big or small...is resurfacing like treasures pulled from a deep well: broken bones, flat tires, late-night conversations, concerts, graduations. And with each one, my heart breaks a little more as we prepare to leave the place we’ve called home for 16 years.

The tears come easy these days. But so does the gratitude...for all that PVBC, the precious friends we've made, and this season of life have given us. We will carry it with us forever.

We have loved and been so deeply loved by the people of PVBC. Together, we’ve raised our families, celebrated births, graduations, and weddings, and stood beside one another in seasons of grief, sickness, and loss.

We’ve watched each other's children grow into adults and through it all, we’ve shared life with you. You are family.

Leaving is not easy. Our hearts are heavy, but when God says “go,” you listen. He has clearly led us to this next step, and though we grieve the leaving, we’re also filled with hope and expectation for what He has prepared.

We will always think of Wilmington as home because part of our hearts will always be here. Thank you for loving us so well. Thank you for the honor of loving and serving alongside you these last 16 years. 

We go with full hearts and grateful spirits, so excited for what's to come at Mount Home Baptist Church and praying that God continues to be glorified in all of our next chapters. 

I leave you with two things. 

My favorite verse:

Isaiah 43:1 - "...Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You Are Mine."

And a prayer:

Father, wrap us up in your loving arms and squeeze us tight to Your heart, so we can rest in the never-ending, immeasurable, and unshakable love You have for us."
Amen