Saying Goodbye is Never Easy

 Saying goodbye is never easy - especially when you are saying goodbye to one of your best friends.  My older sister Teri, her husband Steve and their son Judah recently moved back to Reno, NV.  Steve & Teri initially moved to Reno in 2006 to help plant a church.  While out there, they helped plant another church, Coram Deo. 

Steve, Teri & Judah Meek

Fast forward a few years, they felt that God was moving their hearts to come “home” to the Quad Cities.  We were surprised and so excited about the prospect of them moving here!  Soon after moving, they had Judah (same age as my twins).  We hardly knew Judah due to the distance between us.

We were blessed to have 4 years with the Meek family.  We had many backyard parties, birthday celebrations, girl’s night(s) out, etc.  During these 4 years, we realized that, although they loved being near family, their hearts were still in Reno.  They love the outdoors and Reno has so much more to offer than the Quad Cities!  While God was preparing all of our hearts for their move, He was quickly opening doors for Steve.  Steve was offered the Executive Pastor position at Coram Deo.  He accepted the offer and they placed their house on the market.  It sold within a week!

Uncle Steve with Alex (aka "Boots")

Another "Steve" mohawk for Casey!

 July 1st - Heritage Church held a going away bash for Teri, Steve & Judah.  Here are a few pictures from their goodbye during church..

"Laying hands" on Teri, Steve & Judah

Praying over the Meek Family

Steve was the Children's Pastor at Heritage.  During the service they had all of the elementary kids come up to be a part of the service.  They sang a couple of songs with us, including Steve's request of "Roaring Like a Lion" by Newsboys.

Will with a sign that said, "God's Not Dead"!

Later that evening, our family had a separate party to say our final goodbyes.  While the hugs were tearful, God blessed our time with MUCH laughter and for that, we are so thankful!

Teri, Mom, Deb, Dad & Becki (missing older brother Dave)

Teri, Deb & Becki

John, Fran & Tammy Truitt with the Meeks

Mom, Dad, Steve, Teri, Deb, Brad, Becki & Matt (missing Dave & Peggy)

Mom, Dad, 3 of 4 kids & spouses, 8 of 11 grandkids

Teri, Steve & Judah - we will miss you terribly.  I praise God for cell phones, email, Skype, facebook, etc.  It will make the miles between us seem smaller...but I will dearly miss our get-togethers over dinner, shopping at Kohls, IKEA, hanging out at Mom & Dad's, and the many other "norms" that we had created.  It helps immensely to know that you are where God NEEDS you to be...but it doesn't stop the tears from flowing right now.  I love you & look forward to our next time of seeing each other in person.