What a Year
I was chatting to a friend of mine the other day. We were reflecting on 2007. We're not sure we like it all that much.
Lots has happened since I returned from Athens, the biggest event being an emergency trip home (to Missouri) for what ended up being my grandpa's funeral. Without going into too much detail (we told the story at least 100 times, as his death wasn't exactly expected), I arrived on a Thursday, he died Friday afternoon, the funeral took place the following Tuesday and I was back in England by Sunday (didn't have to preach, though). It was really good to be home, though. I had been fighting homesickness pretty badly all through the holidays, and although I would rather still have my grandpa with me, it has done my well-being (mental, emotional) much good to have been home.
However, that trip home and my return to these distant shores has brought my iminent departure into much greater focus. When the plane took off from Norwich, I couldn't imagine leaving here for good. It was too gut-wrenching. And I consoled myself with the fact that I wasn't leaving permanently, that I'd be back in a few days. But now that those ten days have gone so rapidly, and here I am, almost a week on, and I'm reminded that the permanent change is coming, and it's coming fast!
The cabinet met last week to start on appointments for this next connectional year. I don't have any hopes that they decided anything for me, but the thought of them deciding on my future left me with mixed feelings. The first feeling is dread. When it first hit me that the cabinet was meeting, the immediacy of their meeting--that it was actually occurring as I sat there, I was with my boyfriend (yes, we've reunited until June), and it hit me that I'd be saying goodbye to a lot of special people. I almost broke down in tears right there in the pub!
But on the other hand, there's excitement about what the future holds. Now, to be perfectly honest, the dread at saying goodbye is overshadowing that feeling. But perhaps when I have a name and location to put with that future, it will help some.
I can tell already, 2007 is going to be one heck of a year! Right now, I'm trying to enjoy what time I've got left in Norwich, giving thanks for the people and the place and the opportunities, and reminding myself that God has been faithful in the past and thus will continue to be faithful in the future. Thanks be to God.
Lots has happened since I returned from Athens, the biggest event being an emergency trip home (to Missouri) for what ended up being my grandpa's funeral. Without going into too much detail (we told the story at least 100 times, as his death wasn't exactly expected), I arrived on a Thursday, he died Friday afternoon, the funeral took place the following Tuesday and I was back in England by Sunday (didn't have to preach, though). It was really good to be home, though. I had been fighting homesickness pretty badly all through the holidays, and although I would rather still have my grandpa with me, it has done my well-being (mental, emotional) much good to have been home.
However, that trip home and my return to these distant shores has brought my iminent departure into much greater focus. When the plane took off from Norwich, I couldn't imagine leaving here for good. It was too gut-wrenching. And I consoled myself with the fact that I wasn't leaving permanently, that I'd be back in a few days. But now that those ten days have gone so rapidly, and here I am, almost a week on, and I'm reminded that the permanent change is coming, and it's coming fast!
The cabinet met last week to start on appointments for this next connectional year. I don't have any hopes that they decided anything for me, but the thought of them deciding on my future left me with mixed feelings. The first feeling is dread. When it first hit me that the cabinet was meeting, the immediacy of their meeting--that it was actually occurring as I sat there, I was with my boyfriend (yes, we've reunited until June), and it hit me that I'd be saying goodbye to a lot of special people. I almost broke down in tears right there in the pub!
But on the other hand, there's excitement about what the future holds. Now, to be perfectly honest, the dread at saying goodbye is overshadowing that feeling. But perhaps when I have a name and location to put with that future, it will help some.
I can tell already, 2007 is going to be one heck of a year! Right now, I'm trying to enjoy what time I've got left in Norwich, giving thanks for the people and the place and the opportunities, and reminding myself that God has been faithful in the past and thus will continue to be faithful in the future. Thanks be to God.
posted by RevSarah at 12:10 AM
3 Comments:
Sarah,
Sorry to hear about your grandfather's passing. Your family is in my prayers during this difficult time.
So you are coming back to the states this year? We look forward to having you among the clergy in our conference. Tell the bishop you want to be appointed to the best district, the Pony Express District.
You're in my prayers too, both for your family, and about the cabinet/appointments. It will be good to have you back home, but transitions are always hard (I'll have to tell you my experience so far this year, nothing like yours, but stressful nonetheless). Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your ministry! God bless!
For Everyone that doesn't know, Sarah's birthday is April 10. She's going to be old!
Be sure to wish her a happy birthday!
Senator Hamilton,
I wanted to share a little bit about myself with you. Perhaps you will remember me.
My father is a fireman, he puts out fires...
My Mother is a fireman's wife, she puts out fires...
My brother is a fireman's son, he puts out fires...
My sister is a fireman's daughter. She puts out...
Have a happy Holy Week!
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