Thursday, August 14, 2008

checking in...

Hi everyone! I have SO missed being online and checking in with you all. I'm at the library this morning checking in. We're still computer-less (for now.) We're waiting on a couple of John's freelance checks to use towards a new computer, and hopefully it won't be much longer!

Lots of stuff going on around here...

Our kids started school this morning. John dropped Will off at the middle school on his way to work. I didn't cry when they left the house, but I cried when John called to tell me that he made it okay. Will had middle school orientation on Tuesday, and it was a rough day. He didn't get his locker assignment due to a computer error and he didn't get on the same team (6th graders are divided into two teams for their core classes) as most of his buddies, and he came home from orientation and had a mini-meltdown. I was upset that he was upset, and trust me, it wasn't a pleasant afternoon. Thankfully (after a lot of prayer), he was once again excited to jump in and give things a go this morning.

The girls did great. They were a little apprehensive about their teachers (they didn't get their first choice) but they were excited this morning, and I'm confident that they got the teachers they're supposed to have. John and I have prayed about it all summer...and we've trusted that God put them with the teacher that will best challenge them and help them to become confident in themselves.

So, here I sit ALL BY MYSELF. I'm feeling a little lost, and not sure what to do with the rest of my day. Hmmm...probably laundry. *smile*

This week has been very emotional for me. Sunday was our last day at our church. We LOVE our church, but have really felt led to find a church closer to where we live--in our community. Our decision was heavily influenced by Will starting middle school. We feel that it is so important for him to go to school and church with the same group of kids. Currently, we drive 30+ minutes to our church, and we're hoping instead to find something very, very local.

Saying good-bye is never easy, but I was totally unprepared for the emotional upheaval that was triggered by our leaving. I cried most of Sunday and Monday. We've been at our church for 4 years, and in that time we've made some amazing friends. We shared our decision last week with our pastor, and with our close friends, and they're all very understanding but it's going to be a hard transition for us. We're confident that God has a place for us, but finding a church home is never an easy task. We're praying for lots of wisdom and discernment in this regard.

Also, this week, I learned that a dear friend of mine was involved in a very serious bicycling accident. He survived (PTL!), but sustained some very serious injuries. He and his family need our prayers, so if you'd like to pray for the Johnson family, I know they'd be grateful. You can click here for updates and specific prayer requests.

That's all I can think of for now. I am SO behind on all your posts. My reader tells me that I have 488 unread posts...oh my...how will I ever catch up? Please be patient with me, and know that I miss you guys!

25 comments:

Megan L Hutchings said...

Sweet Meredith ~ What a week you have had! I am so sorry that Will is having a few issues transitioning to Middle School. It is tough being that age, but I hope each day gets a little easier ;). I love how positive you are about and for your kids. Something I will definitely have to remember when they start school!!!

Good luck finding a new church! I have gone to the same church my entire life and I can't imagine changing. We will be praying for you!

leigh said...

We miss you too! I'm sorry you are having such a tough week...and now I'm depressed that I'll still by crying on the first day of school in middle school! I'm wondering how I'll do when we start our second year of preschool in a few weeks.

Sounds like you have alot of change going on in your life...there will be lots of new people to meet!

Deidre said...

My goodness, what a week! I pray all your kiddos had a great day today. Change is never easy. Not at school and not for church :) But, it sounds like God has amazing new plans for your family. I cannot wait to hear all about it :)

Heather said...

I miss you, Mer! I am going to pray for God to continue to be close to you with all you are experiencing. I know He will!

elaine@bloginmyeye said...

So glad to see you checking in! Changes are afoot. I will continue praying. Bless you, friend.

His Girl said...

OH HOW I HAVE MISSED YOU!!!!

Betsy said...

I can so relate to your school anxieties with your kids. I remember every year hoping that my kids would get the teacher they wanted and on the same team with their friends! I hope Will comes home happy. I know your heart is heavy for all of your sweeties.

I'm having a crazy emotional week, too. I guess it's all part of being a mom! :) I'll be praying for you!!

Unknown said...

I have missed you too! But look forward to that day you post and let us know your back for good!

I will be praying for Will ( And for you!) on the school situation. Augghh! Sometimes life is hard huh?

I will also be praying as you find a new church. I agree completely though on finding a place where Will can go to church with kids he will go to school with! It's so important at that age.

Hang in there!

Becca~CapturingSimpleJoys said...

I've missed you too and kept checking in just to see when you'd post next.
Bless your heart ~ what a week! I have a fantastic book recommendation for you...Secure in the Everlasting Arms by Elisabeth Elliot. Such an encouraging book!
I'll pray for Will, your new church and for your friend.

Julie said...

Mer,
I know that looking for churches is hard.

I am praying for Papa God's direction for you.

Hugs,
Julie

Gretchen said...

Mer, I've emailed you. Just want you to know I feel ya, babe! Hang in there. NO one will know if you delete the 488 posts and start fresh. But don't delete mine. KIDDING! I kid. Really, give yourself time and feel the hugs, Girl. xxxooogretchen

Amber said...

Missed you, Mer! Can't wait until you're back on for keeps.

Praying for you guys! Changing churches is tough...but, God is Big! He's got great plans!

Hope the kids had a great first day.

Leah Belle said...

missing you lots! grateful to hear about your week...praying for you now.

Lindsay said...

Hi Mer...

Praying for you as a new school year begins along with finding a new church. Somehow tis not so hard when there is a problem but when tis a church you love...well that's another story. Most of my other COS friends are Presbyterians (Evangelical though) so if you're interested in recommendations in that area... well let me know via e-mail.

Brenda said...

Hi Meredith, I so understand what your experiencing with changing churches. I'm glad your pastor and friends were understanding, because, believe me, when they're not it so much harder to do what the Lord wants you to do. Glad your kiddos are doing fine with school!
God bless,
Brenda

Unknown said...

It's great to have an update from you! I'll be praying that you are able to get that new computer soon.

I can't imagine leaving my church. We have been at the same church for 12 years! It's very contemporary and always looking for new ideas...there's nothing around here like it. AND it's really like my family...I even spend Thanksgiving with several families from our church. I'll be praying that you find some place you can call home closer to your community.

Jackie said...

I'm glad you are back...missed reading about what is going on in your corner of the world! Sounds like you have been busy.

You're so right...saying good-bye is never easy, but knowing you are following God's will for you life makes it all a little better.

Angie said...

Oh Meredith - how I can relate. We left the U.S. on Thursday to return to Moz. I cried everyday our last week in Louisiana. I knew in my heart it was time to come back but it does not make saying goodbye easier. I cried an ugly cry at the airport - I didn't even bother wearing makeup that day. My kids were hugging me saying "it'll be ok mama". And it is.

I'll be praying you find the church God has for you. so glad your kids first day of school went well. My kids are at their first day back right now. I'll be anxious to hear how it all went. I'm most concerned about my Will.

Love,
angie

Angie said...

Oh Meredith - how I can relate. We left the U.S. on Thursday to return to Moz. I cried everyday our last week in Louisiana. I knew in my heart it was time to come back but it does not make saying goodbye easier. I cried an ugly cry at the airport - I didn't even bother wearing makeup that day. My kids were hugging me saying "it'll be ok mama". And it is.

I'll be praying you find the church God has for you. so glad your kids first day of school went well. My kids are at their first day back right now. I'll be anxious to hear how it all went. I'm most concerned about my Will.

Love,
angie

Angie said...

Oh Meredith - how I can relate. We left the U.S. on Thursday to return to Moz. I cried everyday our last week in Louisiana. I knew in my heart it was time to come back but it does not make saying goodbye easier. I cried an ugly cry at the airport - I didn't even bother wearing makeup that day. My kids were hugging me saying "it'll be ok mama". And it is.

I'll be praying you find the church God has for you. so glad your kids first day of school went well. My kids are at their first day back right now. I'll be anxious to hear how it all went. I'm most concerned about my Will.

Love,
angie

Angie said...

sorry I posted three times. Not sure how that happened!

Jenn said...

Playing catch up today in blogland.

I have enjoyed catching up on your blog. But I am so sorry to hear that your computer crashed. We definitely miss you around here. Hope you are up and running again soon.

ExploreColorado said...

I guess you found a great way to limit your computer time :) Sorry to hear about your computer.
Sounds like your kids will have a good year at school!!! Isn't it neat how God provides.
Vickie

Kelli said...

Hi, there, I just found your blog from Jessica's and I, too, took my last child to start kindergarten last week and boy, is it quiet here!

I can relate to how you're feeling and how you are doing trying to figure things out. I have 4 sons, and my oldest started high school this year, the same year my youngest started kindergarten! (sigh>)

Oh, well, I'll be back around again to read you and drop in on me sometime, I'm just starting to blog but I'm really enjoying it!

www.kelli-kelliscrazylife.blogspot.com

Wendy Anderson Schulz said...

I will be praying for you to find the right church quickly. I know that is such a hard transition. I admire you and John for taking the right path for you and your kids, and not just sticking with what you know. Glad to read the kids all had good first days. Tomorrow is our first day - Sarah is off to kindergarten and I am a wreck! :)