By the time you read this, I hope to be surrounded by boxes, or even better, to have empty boxes neatly stacked ready for the recycling bin. As I write this, it has been three weeks since Paul and I watched my belongings disappear into a moving truck, to eventually, I hoped, reappear in Arlington. For me, the move was more significant than some I have made in the past. This time, I was not just moving to another country but also beginning life as a ‘mature’ newlywed. And, I was leaving my 23 year old daughter and my cat, who won’t discuss her age.

            The contents of my boxes had to be streamlined. After all two households were being joined, and some things had to go. The process of packing and de-cluttering was sometimes an emotional one. There would be times when a seemingly insignificant object would bring back memories of a time that my daughter, Seeta, and I had spent together, and I would shed more than a few tears. It was not that I was unhappy. I was excited about all the new blessings in my life. But, that did not prevent me from grieving for those things that would not be the same anymore. My daughter now has her own apartment, which she is sharing with said cat, and I believe she (my daughter, not the cat) has some rather interesting wall colors – something to do with the 70s I am told! And, I am settling into our home with rather more subdued wall colors.

            When the boxes finally arrive, I will be reunited with old friends, especially my books, and with bits and pieces that hold precious memories. I know we are encouraged not to get too attached to objects because they could disappear in an instant. Still, it is good to see familiar pieces, and to recall the memories that they hold. I am reminded too of the importance of not taking life and time and loved ones for granted. God grants us these precious gifts, and we do not know for how long.

            I feel very blessed to be at Pohick. I am excited about the ministry, and I look forward to getting to know you. I know that many of you have been through moves and changes. I suspect that no matter how good the change, it is always a challenge, and sometimes it is tempting to look back at ‘the way it was’ not because it was really any better, but because it was at least familiar. But God leads us on and in to new places. His hand is on us. I am encouraged by the wonderful verse from Jeremiah, one that is very special to me, one that is written on a little tile given to me by a close friend, who has more than her fair share of difficulties, but a strong and bright faith:

            “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”   (Jer 29:11, NIV)

            I hope that this verse encourages you, and I ask your prayers for me, for my husband Paul, and my daughter Seeta, as we all adjust to our new lives. And I will pray for you.