The End of a Chapter

Just as Autum fought hard to hold off the inevitable reality of winter, weather’s proverbial death, so Katie and I have been trying to suck the life out of our remaining moments here in PA.  The greater Scranton area has been our home for most of five and a half years now.  But just like Autum, we have finally succumb to death.  Our apartment now resembles something closer to a disaster area than a living space.  When we are not feeding, burping, changing, or comforting the baby we spend our moments frantically combing the apartment for what other unneeded item we might pack.  And so, life here in PA no longer resembles life in PA.  Outside of a couple more dates with friends, the curtian is closing, snow begins to fall, the fat lady is singing doe rae me... it is almost over.

Such a sad truth causes Katie and I to reflect, and in so doing we have become very thankful!  We are thankful for Summit Baptist Bible Church where Katie began attending when she was a freshman and I soon joined her once we were dating.  Summit became a great growth point for us, with members who loved and encouraged us, as well as giving us an opportunity to do ministry.
We are thankful for the Baptist Bible College, where not only did Katie and I graduate, but we fell in love there!  Last January I began working at BBC where the people have been a great encouragement and blessing.
We are thankful for the two bedroom apartment that God provided us with, which at the time we had not intended the second bedroom to be a nursery, but God had.  We are also thankful for such a wonderful landlady as Carol!
We are thankful for Abington Manor, the nursing home that provided the money for our wedding and also held a job for me at the end of our summer at camp.  I cannot even number the ways that Abington Manor employees have helped me out, whether giving me rides home after work or switching shifts with me to make my schedule work, it has truly been a blessing working there.
We are thankful for our precious gift Eden Grace!  We rejoice that she was born healthy and IN the hospital (especially since we were less than 20 minutes out of the car at her arrival).  We praise God for Dr. Green who delivered her safely for us!
We are thankful for Abington Heights School District for how organized they are with their subbing system.  Also, for the employees whom have helped make Katie’s subbing experience a very positive one.
But most of all, we are thankful for relationships, for individuals, who took their time and energy to get to know us, to love us, to encourage us towards Christ and help mold us into better individuals than we were without them!  My heart desires to list these individuals but this post would be nearly endless.  Still, you know who you are, and you are very very appreciated!

Our time is not over yet, we still have ten days, and like a fish out of water we will still try to suck the air of out the rest of our time, even if it seems impossible.  Thank you everyone in PA for helping us write the first chapter in Katie and I’s story, we love you!