I went down to the church last night to gather my materials for Super Church, and it hit me: this would be my last time to do Super Church here! We had just had a thunderstorm and the air was heavy. Lightning sparkled across the distant sky and the smell of rain was very strong. I stepped off the porch of the church and a wave of emotion washed over me. I remembered how we felt on September 11, 2005, the night we were voted in unanimously. How we envisioned being here forever. My children have grown so much since we first unloaded and introduced ourselves to these dear people. And now, while they are not completely grown, they certainly have grown and changed so much. The childhood memories they've made will stay locked away down here for many years, at the least, and maybe forever.
It's time for change, and oh, how I dislike change. I long for security!! But, with security comes laziness (at times) and perhaps I was getting lazy here! I know God is leading us away, and I gladly obey. Yet, I am human. I don't mind telling you I will miss these kind faces. I hope they will miss me, too.
Before I start crying, again, I had better proceed! These photos were taken on Old-Fashioned Day, April 27, 2008.
Scotty and Ann Bristow(pictured with grandkids, Micah and Aspen): The people who make the world's best BBQ brisket! Miss Ann has taught Mitch's Sunday School class the entire time. They are both hard working, faithful and giving people.
Caroline Sanders: One of the sweetest ladies I know! She has baked us everything from homemade rolls to kolaches to cupcakes. She has written us notes of encouragement and given us money every time we go on trips. She prays for us and she loves us. You know what? We love her, too.
Doris Hinds: Lauren's Sunday School teacher the entire time we've been here. She is a great artist! She has drawn our cover for our bulletin and painted a mural for the wall, as well as for the baptistery. She has shown love for Lauren as she faithfully studies and prepares for her class, even though Lauren is her only student.
Randy and Teresa Sanders: Again, these are two faithful, hard working people. Teresa is always offering to help out any way possible. She works in the nursery a lot! Randy is faithful to all our soul winning efforts.
Lynn Nelson (pictured with grandson, Jordan): This lady makes the best Watergate Salad in the world! She made me a whole bowl full at the end of February for no reason!! Well, I guess the reason was she wanted to thrill me, and she did! She is a blessing!Everyone of these dear people will be missed by my family. It tears my heart out. I will be so glad when the trumpet sounds and we can all be together forever. No more goodbyes. Won't that be wonderful?
Thank you, Northside Baptist Church, for treating me like I was a Texan! ;]
I will miss you.
