Saying Goodbye

As I write this, I am sitting in my empty kitchen with boxes and packing paper surrounding me. It is a very surreal feeling. The emotions have just now started to hit me...like a ton of bricks. I am finally realizing all that I will be leaving behind and missing out on. We were both born and raised here - this is the town where we met, it holds the schools we went to, the churches we grew up in and all the little places where we made memories. It is almost unimaginable to be leaving now, with no idea of when...or if...we will return. It's so hard to not think of this place as home any longer - not just this house, but this state. No doubt, the hardest part (for me) will be saying goodbye to my family. They have been my strength time and time again, talked me down from the ledge more than once and loved me through it all. To not have them living near me may just be the most difficult thing I have ever faced.

And yet, in spite of the deep sadness I am feeling, I also know the great promise that Charlotte holds for us. God must have something incredible for us there - we are convinced of this! Moving away from our families and friends is unsettling, but it will give us the opportunity to really lean on each other, like we never have had to before. And what a way to put to test that radical dependence on the Lord that I have been practicing. I am certain that I couldn't make it through this were it not for the strength He is so graciously giving to me, to all of us. Our goal has always been and continues to be that God will make Himself glorified through us as we trust Him on this journey. We are simply walking the path He has laid and following Him on what we are sure will be a wonderful ride.

So, as always, we ask for your prayers...for safe travels on the 18th, for Lauren as she adjusts to the change, that the closing of our house in NC will go smoothly, that the Lord will guide us to the home church where He wants us to be and that we can quickly get connected with other young families near us. I will do my best to post new blogs as often as possible once we get out there, so keep checking back for updates. Please stay in touch with us - through email, mail or phone. Beginning on June 20th, we can be reached at:

423 Fairwoods Drive
Huntersville, NC 28078
(704) 274-5280
carolinasmiths@gmail.com

Thank you all so much for your support, encouragement and unceasing prayers - it has made the burden lighter knowing that we are constantly being lifted up.