Changes

Why are we sometimes so resistant to change? And why are there times when we just don't trust? I was reading a devotion today that really spoke to me. It began with talk about some campers and counsellors participating in a Trust Fall and then followed with the life trust falls the author has experienced from financial trials, relationship strains, relocations, and difficult family matters. She explained how she was paralyzed by the "what ifs" and "whys" in life. Something I think we can all relate to. I know I sure can. She reminds us of the God who is always there, waiting to catch us when we fall and guiding us along each step of the way. The God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I definitely needed the reminder to remember to trust this God that we serve and to let go of my controlling nature. “But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?” (Psalm 56:3-4, ESV)
This devotion was timely due to some of the changes that we will be experiencing over the next couple of months. A few weeks ago, we received confirmation that our friends Mark and Shea are relocating to Norway for the next three years. Mixed emotions, fear of change, and lack of trust all came into play. I am so excited about the opportunity Mark has to work for KPMG Norway doing an audit for Stat Oil. But obviously the emotional side is alive and real and I don't want our friends to move. I love Thursday afternoon playdates, special celebrations together, meals together, and games nights. So many good times that will be missed over the next few years.
Mark and Shea have no plans to sell their house and so talk began about the possibility of us renting their place. Previously, Terry and I had discussed selling our house in order to reduce our mortgage. And so, our house went up for sale and within a week, we had an offer. Our house is conditionally sold and conditions should be lifted this week after the home inspection. Everything is happening so quickly and we will be moving out of our house in the next two months.
Lots of change around the corner for us but especially for Mark and Shea. Mark is looking forward to the opportunity and a couple of weeks ago, he brought out the champagne to celebrate. Shea and I just looked at each other and questioned the "celebration." Shea and I just embraced on the verge of tears over the situation we have found ourselves in. We enjoyed our evening together and drank the champagne and some wine over games. We are looking forward to spending what time we can together before they move and are planning a weekend to Canmore.

Below are a couple of pics with Mark & Shea. There have been so many fond memories...

Remember...
-first meeting at church that Sunday morning? We hit it off right away.
-when we stayed in the 'wooden tent' in Waskesiu and it rained most of the weekend? Shea got tipsy on Coke, drinking three that one night. We did see the sun for a bit the next day and Shea and I managed to beat the boys at lawn bowling.
-when we hiked the Ink Pots despite the warning of grizzly sightings?
-the hike to the Tea House when we jumped into the glacier lake because the day was so hot? I still remember the look on your face when we jumped in, Shea!
-when we spent a fun New Year's together with supper at Charlie Chan's? When our bill came we paid a huge amount for pop; apparently they weren't bottomless.
-when we camped in Banff and Mark and Terry almost started a forest fire while trying to light the campfire?
-standing outside of your apartment saying good-bye when you moved to Calgary?
-times of Bible Study together?
-when the boys toured a brewery in Bruges and we tried the beer? YUCK!
-the many birthdays and holidays celebrated together? One favourite is watching Jaret and McKinely dance around to the banjo one Christmas.
-the meals out at restaurants - just the four of us?
-the trip to Palm Springs and LegoLand together? I still can't believe how long we drove around trying to find VS, Shea.
-the many playdates and great chats we shared?
We have had many good times and I look forward to many more to come. We are excited about the opportunity to visit you in Norway and perhaps do some travel together. And remember, over the next three years when you are back home, you have a very familiar place to stay where you are always welcome.