Saying goodbye...

How to write this?  It seems even writing about saying goodbye leaves me at a loss for words. Yet, it has been what I've done the most (aside from packing) the past few weeks.  Goodbye to friends new and old, goodbye to familiar, goodbye to what has been home.  It is so hard because you want to do it well--saying goodbye.  You want the other person to know how much he or she has meant, how deeply you care, how you will not forget, how you will treasure every memory--in short, how much you really don't want to say goodbye...

Packing

Ok, I have a confession.  I don't really LOVE packing.  I like the finished feeling, I like feeling like it's all taken care of, each piece where it belongs, but the beginning...ugghh.
Standing in the midst of all your stuff, your husband's stuff, your children's stuff and making those decisions.  What do we need in our new country, home, life?  What do we need to bring that spells home, comfort, belonging?  What can we let go of again, and again, and again?  And how in the world will it all fit?
In the end, I know it will be packed, and honestly the things I treasure most are with me always in my heart, thoughts, prayers.
In the meantime, I just ask God for wisdom and grace...and a sense of humor.  Thankfully Husband Dear and our three little ones help to keep it light, now if only our luggage could be the same!