Good bye is never easy.

In fact, saying good bye to people you love, who have invested in you, cared for you, who truly are family, is altogether difficult.

We have one day before we head out of town, and though I’ve tried diligently to avoid the tears, I can tell they are coming.

God has blessed us in incredible ways these last five years with friends who have stood by us, stood up for us and shared their lives with us.

Proverbs 18:24b says “A real friend sticks closer than a brother.”

We’ve had the privilege to experience that firsthand.

Saying good bye is hard. For some, there is a strong likelihood I will never see them again, which spurs my prayers on. Some, I know that we will rejoice together in heaven one day, and our parting, though hard, is full of hope.

And then there are friends that have seen us personally and intimately through nearly every high and every low, and I don’t want to say good bye at all. I find myself not saying or showing all that I’m feeling because my love and gratitude for their dear friendship runs so deep I’m not sure I know how to adequately express my thanks. Last night was a prime example.

These are the kind of friendships that God intended to be indicative of His church. I have learned so much of the Father through these wonderful friends, and I hope I can be that kind of friend to those in our new church family.

I can tell you I’ve never been more thankful for texting and Facebook and other methods that will make it so much easier for us to be a part of each other’s lives!!

Thank you friends. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.