We are in the middle of moving once again, heading back to Guatemala for the next six months. When we return we are hoping to find a stateside place to stay put somewhere for a while.
Each move we have made has been bittersweet for various reasons. Not surprisingly, this one feels especially off to me – after nearly 30 years of goodbyes with my Dad, he will not be here and that is really hard…
Last month our family somehow made it through planning and attending a service celebrating my Dad’s life and then his 81st birthday the very next day. I don’t know that any of us felt very celebratory, but we made it through.
During my first weekend at our own house in over two months, we spent some time exploring nearby Sequoia National Park and went on a fantastic hike to Tokopah Falls. It was a glorious day.
The next weekend, we spent a final day at Hume Lake — we feel so spoiled to get to live close to such beautiful places.
I nearly forgot! In September, Jason & Luke took their annual backpacking trip. Since Luke is 10, this was his first two-night trip. It was very chilly, but they had a blast exploring together.
Jason also made a solo trip to Spokane to visit his family and also participate in the wedding of his mom’s brother.
Then it was time to enjoy Halloween festivities with my siblings and the kid’s cousins. My Dad’s absence is so noticeable and painful that these special family days are very hard, but we were thankful for the opportunity to be together.
The kids and I even had the chance to make a stopover at my Aunt Lori’s house for a fun afternoon of driving crazy carts and making felt baskets together.
Now, it’s time for some very tough goodbyes. Even though I’m looking forward to being in Guatemala again, this departure is going to be hard as we leave behind special family and friends.
Of course, we also had to have one final picture at Jason’s office — a place he has enjoyed very much and a place that allowed us to live close to family for these past two seasons.
May the Lord wrap His loving arms around all of you and hold you close! You are in our thoughts and prayers! ❤️🙏❤️
Thank you so much Doris. Really appreciate the prayers.
Awww! Loved this very much. Bless you and your family on this incredible journey. Looking forward to hearing more about it!
Thanks Christon!!
The Joys and the heartbreaking times of life are for us to experience in this broken world. With God’s abundant goodness and peace we can survive, and learn, and be transformed. Much love, Carrie and family, as you walk through it all with your constant companion, Jesus!❤
Thank you so much Gwen, I have definitely been thinking about how changed my perspective has been by my loss. It’s an education I didn’t want, but I can still appreciate what I am learning…Thank you for your encouragement.
I love your updates and following your sweet family’s adventures! But I’m so sad to hear about and sorry for the loss of your dad, Carrie! Praying for you and your family ❤️
Thank you for keeping up with us from a distance Leah. I always enjoy seeing your updated family photos! Thank you for your prayers as we navigate this loss. It’s really hard and I appreciate the prayer.
Prayers for goodbyes and hellos.
May the tears and laughter be plentiful and God’s grace and presence evident each moment.
Love and prayers from this side of the ocean.
Thank you so much Shan. Appreciate the prayers so much.
I miss you. Another journey unravels. New times ahead with reflections of the past. Heartfelt lessons of life while going forth with one another. Your family, your goals, mission, and one another. Enjoy and i look forward to the next adventure as i dream of such times.
Thank you Jessie. Your perspective is always exactly what I need to hear.