Is he really going to live at another church??

The time had come for Josh to leave.  The week was filled with packing and family time, but it flew by too fast!  

Sunday night my kiddos sang in church.  First Silas and Callie sang "He's still working on me."  They did a great job and I was so proud of their smiles through the whole song.  Then, Josh, Beth and Brenna sang.  They did a new one that they had been working on, "God's Been Good."  I love that song!  As I played the piano while they sang, I fought back many tears.  Then, at the beginning of the 2nd verse it was Brenna's solo, except she didn't sing, Josh did.  I looked up to figure out why the switch and saw Brenna with head in hand, crying.  Josh had his arm around her giving her comfort.  Oh my!  How we are going to miss him!  

 Then, Josh sang a solo, "The Heart of the Problem."  Another great song.  His voice was strong and carried the message very well.  I was so proud of him.  It was then that I began to feel an aching hole in my heart.  It was almost time to say good bye.

That night was hard.  Watching Josh say goodbye to Beth, Brenna, Silas, Callie and Micah was very tearful.  Prayer time lasted a while because there were sniffles from everyone.  Callie had a couple of little tears, but nothing major.  When I tucked her in, we had this conversation:

Callie:  I sure am going to miss Josh when he goes to college!

Me:  Me too

Callie:  Momma, is Josh going to live at a new church?

Me:  (I had to think for a minute what she meant by living at the church,  then I realized she wanted to know if we would at least see him when we go to church)  Yes, he will live at another church.

Callie:  (with huge eyes) You mean he is really going to LIVE at another church???

Me:  Yes he is.

Then, her tears and sobs really started to flow.  I think it's hard for a 4 year old to understand what moving to college means.  Josh came and tucked her in and told her he would be back soon and that he loves her so much.  I love the bond of siblings!

With about 4 hours of sleep, the alarm sounded early Monday morning.  Patrick and I got ready while Josh finished last minute packing.  Then, it happened.  Josh opened the door and stepped outside.  I just stood there.  Did I possibly have more tears?  I tried to be strong, but I missed him already.

It was hard to say goodbye  at the airport for all of us.  What a change this will be!

I've said before how the Lord always gives me exactly what I need.  He truly is the best comforter!  That very morning in my devotions I was reading in Psalm 89.

21 mine arm also shall strengthen him

24 But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him

33 Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.

  I was so excited when I read those verses!  I know these verses are talking about David and not my Josh, but I just felt that God was telling me,  "Kami, it's going to be okay.  I love Josh even more than you do. I will take care of him!"  God is so faithful!