BY: MEGAN DRAKE and JORDYN FERRARO
Moving out of our apartment has always been a dreaded thought. Over the past two years, we’ve accumulated more stuff than two people should have (we blame all the Target runs). Every time moving was brought up we would casually laugh and say, “Thank goodness we don’t have to do that yet.” Until, about a week ago when the time finally came and moving couldn’t be put off any longer. It was time to start putting our life into boxes and slowly watch our life in Glendora come to an end. But with moving came one thing we dreaded even more, the goodbyes that followed.
Of course we are beyond excited for this adventure we are about to go on, but that doesn’t make the hard things about change or leaving any easier. To be honest, this move has been painful. Filled with closet & car cries, long hugs, countless boxes, and lots of reminding ourselves that we need to take this step in order to move forward. The last month in our apartment was filled more with somberly cherishing every sweet moment than bouncing off the walls with excitement for Europe. We had to find the balance between the craziness of moving and quality time with friends, which ultimately meant zero sleep. We used every bit of time we had outside of our normal work week to try and fit in all the things we wanted to do and spend time with the people we wanted to see. We made the conscious choice to be present over perfect, understanding that despite the chaos of our lives (& unwashed hair), the hours of sleep that were missed do not even compare in importance to the time we got to spend with friends. Lets just say, by the end of this crazy week, we were professionals at rallying.
The goodbyes came to be even harder as we realized how immensely God has gifted us with some of the best friends during our time in Glendora and Azusa the last five years. Friends who have blessed us beyond measure, who have become our home teams, our people. They are filled with the love and goodness of God, consistently pushing us towards the life God has set aside for us. Each friendship has highlighted and brought things to our lives only God can orchestrate. Needless to say, it was difficult saying goodbye. We have had to come to terms with the fact that we will have to continue to maintain and grow our friendships from a distance. But, it also means, we have more visits abroad to look forward too!
So here’s to the bittersweet moments and the difficult goodbyes, to the people and friendships that will stand the test of time. You make goodbyes hard in the way that reminds us of how much we love you and have had our lives changed by you. This is a thank you we don’t want to miss giving to each and every one of you because you mean the world to us. It is your encouragement and love that gives us the drive and courage for the adventure ahead. You will be dearly missed, and seriously, come visit.
Of course we are beyond excited for this adventure we are about to go on, but that doesn’t make the hard things about change or leaving any easier. To be honest, this move has been painful. Filled with closet & car cries, long hugs, countless boxes, and lots of reminding ourselves that we need to take this step in order to move forward. The last month in our apartment was filled more with somberly cherishing every sweet moment than bouncing off the walls with excitement for Europe. We had to find the balance between the craziness of moving and quality time with friends, which ultimately meant zero sleep. We used every bit of time we had outside of our normal work week to try and fit in all the things we wanted to do and spend time with the people we wanted to see. We made the conscious choice to be present over perfect, understanding that despite the chaos of our lives (& unwashed hair), the hours of sleep that were missed do not even compare in importance to the time we got to spend with friends. Lets just say, by the end of this crazy week, we were professionals at rallying.
The goodbyes came to be even harder as we realized how immensely God has gifted us with some of the best friends during our time in Glendora and Azusa the last five years. Friends who have blessed us beyond measure, who have become our home teams, our people. They are filled with the love and goodness of God, consistently pushing us towards the life God has set aside for us. Each friendship has highlighted and brought things to our lives only God can orchestrate. Needless to say, it was difficult saying goodbye. We have had to come to terms with the fact that we will have to continue to maintain and grow our friendships from a distance. But, it also means, we have more visits abroad to look forward too!
So here’s to the bittersweet moments and the difficult goodbyes, to the people and friendships that will stand the test of time. You make goodbyes hard in the way that reminds us of how much we love you and have had our lives changed by you. This is a thank you we don’t want to miss giving to each and every one of you because you mean the world to us. It is your encouragement and love that gives us the drive and courage for the adventure ahead. You will be dearly missed, and seriously, come visit.