Today marks a very important day in my life and the lives of many others. Dear friends/family are moving away to fulfill God's call for their family in North Canton, Ohio. And, it has been an incredibly emotional time of saying good-bye, praying for this time of transition for their family, and trusting the Lord's plan in all of it.
Having said all this, it doesn't change the fact that it breaks my heart to see them go. And, selfishly, I wish things wouldn't change. I wish I didn't have to see their girls grow up from a distance. I've thought over the last few weeks about the immeasurable impact Ryan, Debby, Kinsley, and Addilyn have had on my life. And, I can't help but cry. God has blessed me beyond words to have met the Johnston's 9 years ago. We have lived alot of life together since then.
I remember going on my first ever international mission trip to Romania with Ryan and Debby. Debby and I were on the same crew. God really spoke to my heart that week and for the first time my heart broke for the nations. I've never been the same since. I remember many winter break trips in college to Passion conferences, and God moved in incredible ways in my life. I remember Rush Weekends, disaster relief trips, and girls' Bible studies. I remember when I felt the Lord calling me to serve in Africa for a summer. And, of course, Debby was there to remind me it wasn't ok to stay home just because I was scared. I'm still learning from the things the Lord taught me in Senegal, West Africa in the summer of 2006. I remember the Lord continuing to break my heart for the city of Memphis and learning to serve this city alongside the Johnston's. I remember Faith Walk's and Crossroad's weekends. I remember meeting with Ryan and Debby and feeling called to go to China. I remember them being there to pray for me and see me off at the airport. I remember.
I remember helping paint Ryan and Debby's first house before they moved in. I remember meeting their first foster son for the first time. I remember going to the hospital to meet Kinsley right after she was born. I fell in love pretty fast. I remember holding Addi for the first time a few days after she was born. And, I fell in love again. I remember babysitting all the foster children the Johnston's cared for and loving them like my own. I remember snow days with the Johnston's, 4th of July's, other holidays, and birthdays. I remember walking through joyful times and difficult times together. There are so many, many memories.
Ryan and Debby, I love you guys more than you know! There has never been anyone else (besides my parents) to love me like you have. Thank you for discipling me and speaking truth into my life. Thank you for not being afraid to make me cry or make me mad. Thank you opening up your home to me and making me feel like part of your family. Thank you being real and not perfect. Thank you for being godly and not religious. Thank you for always being there for me. I love, love, love you. And, I'm praying hard for your family as you make this huge transition and start a new adventure in Ohio. I know the Lord has called you there and has great plans for you! Get the spend-the-night room ready. I'm coming to visit soon!
Having said all this, it doesn't change the fact that it breaks my heart to see them go. And, selfishly, I wish things wouldn't change. I wish I didn't have to see their girls grow up from a distance. I've thought over the last few weeks about the immeasurable impact Ryan, Debby, Kinsley, and Addilyn have had on my life. And, I can't help but cry. God has blessed me beyond words to have met the Johnston's 9 years ago. We have lived alot of life together since then.
I remember going on my first ever international mission trip to Romania with Ryan and Debby. Debby and I were on the same crew. God really spoke to my heart that week and for the first time my heart broke for the nations. I've never been the same since. I remember many winter break trips in college to Passion conferences, and God moved in incredible ways in my life. I remember Rush Weekends, disaster relief trips, and girls' Bible studies. I remember when I felt the Lord calling me to serve in Africa for a summer. And, of course, Debby was there to remind me it wasn't ok to stay home just because I was scared. I'm still learning from the things the Lord taught me in Senegal, West Africa in the summer of 2006. I remember the Lord continuing to break my heart for the city of Memphis and learning to serve this city alongside the Johnston's. I remember Faith Walk's and Crossroad's weekends. I remember meeting with Ryan and Debby and feeling called to go to China. I remember them being there to pray for me and see me off at the airport. I remember.
I remember helping paint Ryan and Debby's first house before they moved in. I remember meeting their first foster son for the first time. I remember going to the hospital to meet Kinsley right after she was born. I fell in love pretty fast. I remember holding Addi for the first time a few days after she was born. And, I fell in love again. I remember babysitting all the foster children the Johnston's cared for and loving them like my own. I remember snow days with the Johnston's, 4th of July's, other holidays, and birthdays. I remember walking through joyful times and difficult times together. There are so many, many memories.
Ryan and Debby, I love you guys more than you know! There has never been anyone else (besides my parents) to love me like you have. Thank you for discipling me and speaking truth into my life. Thank you for not being afraid to make me cry or make me mad. Thank you opening up your home to me and making me feel like part of your family. Thank you being real and not perfect. Thank you for being godly and not religious. Thank you for always being there for me. I love, love, love you. And, I'm praying hard for your family as you make this huge transition and start a new adventure in Ohio. I know the Lord has called you there and has great plans for you! Get the spend-the-night room ready. I'm coming to visit soon!
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."
Numbers 6:24-26
Numbers 6:24-26
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| I love the Johnston's! |
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| I'm part of your family. Kinsley said so. :) |
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