Dear friends –
It’s 3:30 am, and I just finished packing the last box. I’m sitting here staring at an empty room, exhausted from all the packing, and still in a bit of denial that I’m REALLY leaving the South today and moving to Michigan!
After a few short hours of sleep and some last minute loading, it will be time to say goodbye. I’ve tried to remain focused on the positive for the past few days and have kept the tears to a minimum, but I fear the next few hours won’t be as easy. Saying goodbye to my parents and my home for the past year, and driving away into the unknown comes with it’s fair share of sadness and fear.
I’m sure I’ll soon learn that “HOME” is wherever Rusty is, my community is, and where the presence of God is resting (and telling us to rest). However, as I’m just starting that lesson it sure is hard to leave “Sweet Home Alabama”, or Georgia (or for that matter anywhere in the South – especially if it’s within driving distance of my family, friends, and AUBURN!!! 😉
So, before I begin to take a teary-trip down memory lane, I ask for your prayers. Please pray I will keep my eyes focused on the road ahead – heart set on the wonderful adventure and beautiful blessings God has in store (and the dear friends waiting for us in Michigan). Please pray for comfort and peace as I leave behind many friends and family. Please pray for my parents as they say goodbye and begin to let go (or at least pray Mom doesn’t follow through with her threat to handcuff me to something and lock me in the basement – HA!) Please pray for Rusty and me as we begin our life together in Michigan. And please please pray for safety as we drive.
We should be on the road between 9:00 – 10:00am Eastern Time, and hope to be in Cincinnati at a friend’s house by nightfall. Then we’ll drive a few more hours Monday and should be in Port Huron by Monday afternoon. Please pray we’ll have no delays or problems with the weather, pray for Rusty (who’s driving the Uhaul), pray for divine appointments, and pray God’s hand will be upon us as we go.
THANK YOU for being such amazing prayer warriors and friends! I’ll let you know when we get there! 🙂
Much love,
Ericka
traveling mercies! love you dear. excited for your new adventures!
The Lord is with you and will bless you, comfort you and be your all in all. This is so exciting as you begin the next chapter in our life.
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isa 40:31
Love and prayers,
Ms. Cherie
God speed dear! I made that same journey about 18 years ago. Mine was a little further…Hawaii:) First plane trip, and it was alone because he was already there. I was scared, but God was there and gave peace to me…and the parents! At least your mom has two more to worry about! HA! You are in our prayers…we love you!
God speed also dear…… Yes 18 yrs. ago I was happy for my child getting to go where I had never gone. I new I was gona miss her but I was also happy for her. Little did I know her dad who was holding Jaron at the time, was crying his eyes out, when the plane was backing out to head down the run way.
SO you go girl! Live your life. Mom and Dad will make it ok. God loves you and so do we.
Sweet Ericka!
You are not leaving us behind!! You are just living in a different part of the states. I can still come see you without crossing US borders! You know that Michael W. Smith song – friends are friends forever if the Lord’s the Lord of them? Isn’t that the best thing about God – these relationships that are founded in Jesus will NEVER end. Our friendship is an ETERNAL relationship – cool to think of it that way. The Christians we know we will know for eternity!!!!!
Also, you’re not saying goodbye – you can always come back and visit. Your parents aren’t saying goodbye, they will always be your parents no matter what. Family is such a blessing – your family like mine loves us unconditionally, and will always be there for us no matter what! I thank God every day for that and I’m sure you do too!
Ok, much love sent your way!! and many prayers as you travel up to Yankeeland :o) hehehe – it’s not so bad, my 3 best girlfriends here in Memphis are all from up north (Milwaukee Wisconson and South Bend Indiana)
Hey Baby Girl,
(Don’t care what any of these people say…you ARE STILL and ALWAYS WILL BE my BABY GIRL…no matter how old you are or how far away you are!) Sooo I forgot to handcuff you…I DID call the police and report you as being KIDNAPPED…watch out for those little blue lights! No really…I know that as long as you are where God wants you to be – He WILL always take care of your EVERY NEED! My mouth says these words, but my heart still hurts and says that He needs my help!:) I KNOW that He doesn’t but as a mom you just always feel like you NEED to take care of your babies…no matther how big, old, or far away they are! That’s what he gave them to you for…then I’m reminded of the fact that God didn’t GIVE you to us He just loaned you to us for a little while because YOU ARE HIS…Praise GOD!
Now all that said – I am so proud of ALL you do! As long as you keep God 1st in your life and let Him lead you in every thing you do and every decision you make -You WILL BE FINE…you’ll be MORE THAN FINE…you’ll be AMAZING! Our God is SUCH AN AWESOME GOD and even though I can’t always be with you HE NEVER LEAVES YOU and that is such a comfort. I know that everthing these people say about moving away, and depending on God and each other are all true! When there are trials and Satan tries to interrupt the plans God has for your life you just have to cling to each other and pray to God for guidance and HE WILL SEE YOU THROUGH…NO MATTER what the problem!
You DID leave me with a little something to occupy my mind…the WEDDING details are keeping me BUSY! Can’t wait for you two to come home for your Bridal Showers and Teas in March.
Until then…stay warm, be careful, and Depend TOTALLY on God and each other!
Love you BUNCHES,
Mom
The Krause House is so very happy for you and Rusty!!! Blessings to you two for a joy-filled journey through life!!