Farewell

In about 8 hours we will head down the road and say farewell to Canada. These last couple of weeks have been full of sweet memories but also tearful good-byes.
It started with a beautiful farewell party that blessed our socks off. We were humbled to tears throughout the afternoon by the friends and church family who were there to encourage us! We shared the following in a thank you to those who came:

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you”

As we look back on the last few months and on the sweet farewell party our hearts are full of thanksgiving for all of you. God has used you to encourage our hearts, speak words of care and wisdom into our lives, and help us to “give thanks in all circumstances.”

You have been instrumentally used by God to remind us of His faithfulness and His personal care over every detail of our lives. We are eternally grateful for your friendship and for the season of life we have had in Canada. We have so many sweet memories!

As we enter a new season of life, we can honestly say that we do so with rejoicing. Thankful for where God brought us and thankful that His hand continues to guide us still. Though there are still uncertainties...He has begun to open doors in amazing ways.

The kids will start school again on Monday at the local Christian school...we never even thought that would have been possible! We stand in awe at how God orchestrated all the details, and the kids are excited (although, I have a feeling they will be a bit nervous on Monday).

Then, just today, God opened the door for us to rent a house from a family in my parent's church. So, our household goods will not be sitting in a "truck terminal" in Portland for months but be filling a home, as of this weekend. We are blown away! What a treasure it continues to be to see God's faithful provision for us. It feels a little bit like we are living Isaiah 30:21:

"Your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left."

Having said that, I have no idea when we will have any type of internet connection for our home...so, don't panic if you email and there is no response...would you just keep praying for us through this time of transition? We would be so grateful! We'll eventually be "up and running" again but it's going to be a bit crazy for a while, I think.:)

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8


Comments

Bryan, Kristin and Family

As much as we are rejoicing that you are coming to Hood River (and we are rejoicing!), I am sobbing for the saints that you will leave behind. While I know God's grace will fill the void in the beautiful relationships you have made with His people, saying "good-bye" to the faithful is, oh so difficult. Knowing how much you love the church and the sheep of His pasture and hearing the stories of how much they have loved and cared for you is the divine design of how the body of Christ is supposed to function. Several times in our lives we have experienced the need to say "farewell." Acts 20:36-38 describes the scene and the memories that your departure from Canada has resurfaced in me. "When he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And they began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they were accompanying him to the ship." I want to personally thank all the saints at Cloverdale who have ministered to the Pichura's as they have ministered to you. The bonds and blessings will be renewed in glory! Can't wait!
As I look at the pictures of the "Farewell Blessing" given to you by your friends and then as I continued to read at how the Lord is so graciously providing, my eyes are full of tears, and my heart is joyfully overflowing! I cannot wait to talk to you. Love you all so very much, Mom