May 17, 2009

Wow our going away dinner/prayer service was really hard. I didn’t think it would be that hard. The food was really good Patty did a great job making sure I could eat things. It is so hard to feed a gluten free person. The Fasoldt’s came down early brought lunch with them and we hung out at Mary’s. It was really nice to say good bye to them. They have been very encouraging and helpful through all of this deputation stuff. It was sad but exciting all at the same time to say goodbye to them. They are so excited for us that it made it easy to say goodbye.

Then it was off to church. My mom and Lisa were already there when we got there. Most of our church family came. There were very few missing. The Lowrey’s were able to come and it was nice to have a little more time with them. It is amazing that 2 kids that were in our Youth group years ago are now adults and the most encouraging people in our lives right now. They are also the only ones that have right there with us spiritually, emotionally and physically on the mission journey to get to Congo.

When the church prayed over us it was really difficult. I cried (well a lot of people did). Tom Miller prayed for us and it broke my heart. I am thrilled to be going but sorry to be leaving everyone. Pricilla Popp gave us a verse that made me cry I am really going to miss her quiet prayers and help in our lives. I don’t think she can ever understand how much of an impact of just simply shaking Michael’s hand at church has had on our lives. Most people have just avoided physical contact with him since they know he doesn’t like it. She forced him to make real contact with her not only touching but looking her in the eye. When she started doing that is when we started seeing a difference in his ability to deal with people and them touching him. He has not had one melt down since she started that. This simple act has changed our lives and Michael’s in a huge way. I now get hugs with out asking for them!!! Mark and Rhonda were there quietly in the back round just give moral support and keeping our emotions on an even keel.

After the party we headed back the house, Pete had left early to get some mowing down at Celebrate. Mary decided she really wanted to go see Star Trek with us so we headed to the 9:00 show. Pete ended up deciding to meet us there. So we all got to see Star Trek. Everyone really liked it. It was worth seeing again no doubt.