I don't know how to express in this last blog all the thoughts and feelings we're sorting out saying 'goodbye' to Ireland - and, more importantly, to our friends in Ireland. God blessed us beyond what we could ask or think with a church family this year that became just that - our family. They befriended us, loved us, offered support in every way, and the affection they showered on the kids never waned! I wish there were a way to say 'we'll miss them' that conveyed a stronger emotion... We are thankful for the bond in Christ that carries across the miles, not to mention into eternity, for us who trust Him. In addition to Sunday worship, we shared many fun times (wedding reception, birthday parties, playdates, etc.) as well as weekly evenings of Bible study. I chose to wait until the end of the year to post a blog of our friends so I wouldn't have to dig throughout all the blogs to find pictures of them :). We would have had a wonderful year in Ireland seeing the sites and spending time as a family had we not made friends, but there would have been times of loneliness and feeling isolated, I am certain. As it was (and it's hard to find a way to say this without making it seem that we didn't miss friends and family back home - we DID miss many people and are glad to be home with them!), we were never lonely during our year away.
Thank you!, friends at Calvary Galway, for being the biggest blessing of our year in Ireland!! We are thankful for each of you and for the technology that exists to let us keep in touch easily (ie. Facebook ;).
Thank you!, friends and family back home, for praying for us, supporting us with emails, calls, and comments on the blog through the year! We are so thankful for you!
So, this is the last blog...I can rest my wrists. It's been a fun project - thanks for taking an interest in our family and our special year! I guess this is 'goodbye'.
Love, Sarah (for us all)
