Saying Goodbye...

Saying Goodbye is a strange thing sometimes. Over the last number of months we have slowly been saying goodbye to people or places.
Often I would find myself somewhere and wonder, will this be the last time I am here for a long time? Is this the last time I will be taking my kids here? When will I see this person next? Its not easy to say goodbye. The last 2 weeks we have said goodbye to so many friends and family. Tears have been shed and many hugs given. As I sat on the plane and watched the mountains disappear into the horizon, I couldn't help but reflect on the last few years. I was not quite 20 when I moved to BC. I made the journey and did not know anyone. I was ready for something new, excited for the people that I would meet and the experiences I would have. Little did I know that I would leave 8 years later with my husband and 2 kids and so many memories.
We have left family and close friends behind. I have so many memories with many of you. I am so thankful for all of you who have shaped and influenced my life and have poured your time and energy into my family and my children. I sincerely hope that we will remain close. I am sad when I think about the fact that I although I want to remain close to all of the people I know, sadly, many people will not stay in touch and will move on without us. I have hope though that we will remain close with many of you and that this journey will deepen our friendship.  I hope to see some of you when you visit.
As we go into the next few weeks before we leave, we are preparing for more goodbyes and more last hugs and more tears. I will cherish this time with family and even though I know we will meet again (hopefully soon) it is still hard. I know we will miss weddings, birth and unfortunately, probably some funerals too. But we know in the end that this is what we are called to do and even though it is hard and a big part of me would rather stay in my own house with all of my stuff, I know this is the step we must take and have been working towards for many years. We are excited to embark on this adventure and hopefully, you will come along too; whether visiting us in person or sending us updates on your life and adventures here at home.
So thank you to all of you who have made me who I am and have spent time with us as we got ready to leave. We feel so blessed by you.