Pumpkins, Promises, and Packing

Steph, my best friend, came down Friday night and Saturday so we could go the beach- last time together before we'll be five states apart instead of just 2 hours. It was SO much fun- we splashed in the water, built sandcastles (or rather she built sandcastles while I took a nap and got a spectacular sunburn on my back), we ate boardwalk fries, and walked everywhere, we talked about everything under the sun (and a few things that aren't), we went shopping and sang songs... it as a wonderful time. I had kind of expected it to be a sad time. I remember, all too vividly, as I'm sure some of you other missionary kids do too, that horrible gut wrench every time you would come back to the States and find out that the people you had been calling your "best friend" all this time had forgotten you, or was to busy with their regular friends to say hi to you this time. And I've been dreading that with this move too- that when I come back, everyone will have moved on. Well as I've gotten older, I've gotten a bit of a new perspective: people do and should move on- that's how God made life to work. Staying focused on the past does nobody any good. But I have also gained some precious gifts of friends like Steph. No matter the miles (or kilometers), no matter how different our lives are- our friendship is precious gift from God, and I have no doubt that "We'll be friends till we're old and senile- then we'll be NEW friends." I am SO thankful for the friends past and present God has given me- and especially the present ones that will be around in the future :).

They're starting to put out fall decorations in the stores. I love fall- if I had to pick a favorite time of year (besides Christmas of course) it would have to be fall. I am kind of bummed that I will miss the leaves changing color this year. It was so wonderfully gray and drippy on Sunday I felt the need to make apple pie and drink hot spiced cider. God puts so many good things in all the seasons! I am excited to see what fall looks like in Missouri. After all, God "gives us richly all things to enjoy"He promises that He has a purpose for everything He asks His little ones to give up and that it is "not worth being compared" to the glory that is to come (2 Cor 4:16-18)

Packing continues- I am so proud to have finally reached the "I'm having trouble finding things stage :P. There's a large pile in the corner of my room to be sorted through, and I have yet MORE stuff to run to the Thrift store- how did I possibly fit SO much stuff into one relatively small room? Thank goodness for the chance to get rid of some of it!

O00- discovery of the week: Space Saver bags. I wasn't sure they would work, but I figured my little corolla was going to need all the help it could get fitting 95% of my earthly possessions inside. I am SO impressed! My comforter shrinks to 2 inches thick and there was room in the bag for some blankets as well! Hurray! I only bought three, but I am seriously considering getting some more :).

Car is getting its hopefully final inspection/tune up before the big move on Wednesday- please pray that all the kinks get ironed out quickly this time!

Also feeling under the weather this week- please pray for strength (physical and mental) to do all that needs to be done this week

Praise for awesome weekend

Praise- got AAA for the trip out to Missouri

Praise- 15 days until Jesus and I head out on our next crazy adventure!