adios, hanna dearest

Meet Hanna Dearest.

She is an amazing gal and I was soooo sad to say bye to her as she leaves for Westminster Seminary in Philly. Seriously, this girl is the wisest 23 year old in zee world and has been such a big part of John and my life.

We wanted to make sure she had some yummy garlicy food at Stinking Rose before she moved! This girl is garlic queen!!!!!! John looking all emo because he's not in the picture.

Then her parents were kind enough to open up their home for us to hang out together and say bye.

Hanna Dearest:

John and I thank God for you, your help, support, prayer, honesty, and SASS! While we're sad that you are no longer close enough to meet me (Linda) halfway, we're excited that, through this time and experience at Westminster, God is going to open your eyes even further to the glories of our wonderful Savior and King, Jesus Christ.

Remember, when - not if - but when things get tough, turn your eyes upon Jesus and look full on His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

Also, even though we're literally across the country, you can always call us - or we can have our video chat on gmail! Anyway, we'll miss you and we'll be praying for you. Update your blog! (says John).

saying goodbye

When I was in 7th grade, my parents dragged me to a small church in Rowland Heights. I have been at that church for the last 16 or so years and have seen God do amazing things. I have had the privilege serving as a teacher, made amazing friends over the years, and even better, I met Johnny there and got married there! With so many memories and attachment to the church, Johnny and I had to make an awfully hard decision to leave the church. A decision that was not made easily, but done with much prayer and counseling from those we trusted.

I've sat in the back for the last 4 years, listening and learning from my husband's sermons. Each week, I saw how much he prayed and prepared for his messages, listened as he shared the gospel week in and week out, and most importantly saw that he practiced what he preached. As we said goodbye this week, I had to capture a picture of him up there for the last time.

When my family first arrived at this church, this little boy was wearing diapers and learning how to walk. The first year I taught Sunday school, he - along with a few other boys - were in my first grade class. I find it pretty insane that they are now high school graduates. It makes me feel insanely old.

It's not easy saying bye so I was quite happy we got to spend the whole day hanging out with friends and the kids! We celebrated the high school seniors with a ceremony and a dinner after. Plenty of time to chat and say bye!

For our going away present, this sweetheart made us these amazing cakepops! Too cute to eat!

It's crazy how much they've grown. From little kids in my Sunday school class to amazing young men & women.

*Side note: Doesn't my person look so handsome with his bowtie?!

They like to harass John.

Take a look at all 50 of our kids! We don't need babies when we have 50 teenage kids!

The hardest part, for me, about leaving this church is not being able to see these people every week. They are our family. I can't even put into words how grateful I am to have them in our lives. Shout out to Hanna, fellow blogger!

On that note, I will leave you all with a fun video produced by the most Abe-ilicious guy I know. Remember him?

grammy

I have been preparing myself for this day for the last 2 years. I thought I'd be ready... but you can never be ready for something like this.

She is finally at home with the Lord.