Legacy and Last full Day in Pittsburg

Amy and I had every intention of making it to Chapel this morning. That is until last night when we didn't get to bed till after midnight and we then decided to pass. Well, I got up shortly after 8am and felt that I needed to still go and I told Amy she should stay in bed. Well, that didn't happen and we made it to Chapel albeit late.

I had initially forgotten why we decided to go till we got there and then I remembered it was David Gray that invited us and I am now do glad we did. David had us explain a little to the kids more of what was going on and then he had them pray for us. While we were speaking, it hit me that this is another example of what legacy looks like...the children of the house sending off older siblings and I know that one day we will get the chance to do the same to them when they are older regardless of what their callings are i.e. to this local house or to a different and whatever community God has them serve.

Well, I appreciate the send off. It was right and it gave me a chance to say "see you later" and hug on a lot of the kids I have been privileged to watch be raised in this house and some I have had the chance to teach in Children's church over the last several years. I didn't grow up here but as David said, it is in this house I became a man. If Jesus tarries, I want to see these kids grow up giving themselves to the purposes of God all their lives. Oh and thanks Micah for the pictures...

Well, today is our last full day in Pittsburg. I am off to the YMCA to get some last basketball time in and to also fight off this cold.

Last Day at Work

So it's my last day and as you can probably imagine, it's been a busy one. Here are a few highlights so far...

8.08am - Arrived to work- late because I had to give Amy a ride to work since we sold her car

8.09am - Discovered the wonderful card that my colleagues left for me on my desk...I didn't cry. 

 
8.15am - 10.15am - Moped around the office wishing someone brought donuts to work since it was my last day.

10.16am - Was invited to the Kitchen where I discovered that my co-workers had cake for me. I thought for sure they would have that Monday celebrating my departure. It was a scrumptious cake with whipped frosting. Second Ice Cream frosting, it's my favorite. 

11.51am - Left for the YMCA to get some hoop in since I've been eating like I'm leaving for the Biggest Loser Ranch next week...ugh.

1.45pm - Made it back to the office for the last time as an employee here.

2.00pm - My last lunch finished...Leftover Subway from yesterday. Actually it belonged to Amy but she never ate it.

2.01am - 2.05am - Starting packing my stuff...really didn't take that long. Just some documents and a picture of Amy as well as my well traveled Name Plate I got when I worked at the University. It will be making the trip across the Atlantic. 

2.05am - Post time - Blogging about all the stuff I did today

So far, I would say it's been a pretty good day. I even got an email from Aflac saying they were sending me another check for $175 for the physical therapy I had to do for the bulging disc in my back. Unfortunately, that email was countered by the bill from the Physical Therapist which came into the mail today...Even Steven. I feel like Jerry Seinfeld in "The Opposite".

I want to thank everyone that I have had the opportunity to work with here at Martinous Produce Company. It really does make a difference when your co-workers at least tolerate you. All jokes aside, it has really been a pleasure. I will miss the 5 minute drive each way and embrace a two hour drive instead. Anyway, that's all I got. I'm out.

Introspective Tuesday

For whatever reason I am in a very strange mood. I think the reality that my current reality is about to change in a major way in a few short days is starting to set in. I am typically very measured in the way I approach life...I don't get too high or too low and I especially try not to over think my situations. Don't think about the shot...just take the shot.

So when days like today come about where I start to think too much, I am usually caught off guard...Moving across continents is a lot of change only a year after marrying my best friend and co-adventurer. Amy is handling it quite well which is great. I think what I need to do is put all this in light of eternity. I just realized that I haven't even read my bible today. Maybe it will help me...I hope so.

Anyway, I want to add something...I am truly blessed and for that I am truly grateful. Several friends are planning to and some have already paid me a visit making long drives to say "see you later". Someday, I want to be that good a friend but I am truly thankful. I am also thankful for a lot of encouraging words I have heard lately. Many have been very timely and the prayer are obviously immeasurable in their effect.

One more thinking...telling me "I already miss you" really sucks because it reminds me that I am leaving and makes me get as close to emotional as I may ever get so...stop it. Say something else...please.

3 weeks to Lift Off

Well, it is getting more official i.e. flights booked, clothes sorted and donated, one vehicle on the market (and hopefully soon to be sold) and a replacement hired at work. Right now, I have lost my office and reside in the room with all the servers. Bah...I feel like I am unclean and have been quarantined for the safety of others.

Some people have asked about our actual departure date. It is the 30th of March and regardless of how hard I try, I can't seem to slow it down. Over the next few weeks before we leave, I will add a few pictures of what our life might look like in Lagos i.e. where we will live and work and maybe some pictures from our recent past trips. Here are a few...

I am sure we will have many more as time goes on. Here are a few more pictures from our trip in November.

I will add one more...this is the balcony (or whatever you guys call it here) of our soon to be apartment.