Finishing . . . .

Packing up an office. . . . a lifetime. . . a classroom. . . .

Early morning coffee with friends we won't see for a many months or years. . . .

Late evening conferences with parents we've come to love as family. . . .

Tears almost every day--sad ones, happy ones. . . .

A final concert in the bar formerly known as "The Rabbit Hole. . . ."

Little girls walking across a rickety stage with their preschool "diplomas" in hand. . . .

A week full of goodbyes and "thank yous" and many more things that fall short of words here.

To all our friends and loved ones at Trinity, and to all the Kindergarten parents and children--THANK YOU.

Your care for us and obvious sorrow to see us go is a painful joy--painful that we are loved so much, joyful that you will remember us and pray for us and support us.

If we could leave you with only one thing, it would be this: That there is a strong and powerful Guide for us, a Counselor, a Comfortor, and He will lead you--and us--into all Truth. And isn't Truth what we're all looking for, deep at the core of our hearts?

Peace be with you. As the Father is sending us, so He is sending you. Listen to His voice through the Spirit, and you will find adventure around every corner, in your workplace, maybe in your own backyard. . . . even greater: you might be found by Him. A scary and delightful experience!

From our hearts to yours--Peace!

Dust and Jan, Lil' and Zo'

PS. Can someone leave and not be gone?

We sat today at a memorial service, and celebrated the Grace of Jesus in the life of Irene Rubin, sang out our hearts, and remembered our beloved organist and friend who--after 77 years--moved on to greener pastures. . . . and it felt like any moment she might walk in and take over for Earlene on the organ. I caught myself thinking that she just might, and then getting angry that she wasn't. And yet, the greater truth dawns that this is not goodbye--a farewell, a "see you later," but not goodbye.

Can someone remain close--even if it's on the other side of death, or on the other side of the world? We trust that inside of the Son, it can be so.

As for us, we refuse to say goodbye. We'll say, "see you later" instead.