Bittersweet goodbyes

Well, the day has finally come.  And tears right along with it.  Josh and Kari said their goodbyes to the Lauffer family today (for 2 years!) as they drove out of sight, inching closer to the beginnings of their life as husband and wife in Senegal, West Africa.  

We are so excited to see what the Lord has in store for them, and are so happy to welcome Josh to the family.  I know my boys will miss having them around, especially Micah, as "Josh and Kari" have become a regular in his daily prayer as well as regular house guests since March.  Due to Kari's crazy scary fall, we were able to meet Josh much sooner than planned and get to know him more intimately, as he and Kari stayed with us for 2 weeks in March.  Since arriving last week for a few days on their cross country travels post wedding/honeymoon, they have been sleeping in our basement area on a pull out couch, and as we went downstairs to see them out today, Micah proclaimed, "No Josh and Kari bed.  All gone."  Yes, buddy, you are correct.  No more Josh and Kari's bed at our house.  They are going all gone. :(

 

  

I found out this week that we may not see them in person for close to 2 years, as they are not planning on coming back to the states next summer at all.  That completely took me by surprise, and I became much more sad than I already was.  Micah will be on his way to kindergarten (what!?!?!) and Reid will be Micah's age the next time we are slated to see them.  I thought about how old Micah was when Kari went to Africa for the first time, and realized Reid is pretty much that age now.  Oh, so bittersweet.  I know they are doing God's work, following His will, and for that I can't be sad about...but oh, how I wish sometimes that wasn't taking them clear across the Atlantic :)  I thank God all the more for keeping His hand of protection on Kari and saving her from such a scary fall off of a cliff!

 

Know that we will miss you immensely Josh and Kari, and that you are always welcome in our home.  Preferably not for circumstances such as that which brought you here so frequently during the last 4 months :), but you are welcome all the same.  We love you!!!