Family News: Reflecting on Our Final Preparations

As we make final preparations to leave the UK at the end of July, it's hard to put into words all the changes we're experiencing as a family. Being careful not to exaggerate, the changes are pretty big. And with big changes come a range of emotions for each of us. In the midst of preparing for the move, it's also a season of farewells.

Here's a quick summary:

Presently, we're in the middle of lots of admin and house renovation work. Juggling it all has been both exhausting and somewhat full-on. Thankfully, we've had help from family and friends—lightening the load significantly.

Painting the house and getting rid of stuff was probably the hardest part. As we're renting out our home, we needed to ensure it was fit for purpose for the lovely young family that'll be moving in at the end of July. It was wonderful that they took up Simi's recent invite and came to church with us in early July. Pray for them.

Vic

After 20 years of working at Brunel University of London, I said farewell to colleagues on 20 July. They made such an effort by arranging a farewell dinner. Simi joined me and was able to also say "hi and bye" to colleagues. The entire thing was very emotional for me. I leave with some treasured memories and special friendships.

On Sunday, we said farewell to our church family at Saint James. After the worship service, where we got to hear the final message in a preaching series from the book of Haggai, we enjoyed a wonderful farewell bring-and-share lunch. It was a precious time of rejoicing, singing, praying, and sharing memories. We'll deeply miss our church family.

The house is now empty; one car has been sold; we've moved out and are temporarily living with another church family before we fly.

In the midst of it all, I'm enjoying reading through the books of Exodus and Romans in the Bible. In addition, I'm also working my way through Carl Trueman's 'Crisis of Confidence'. It's both an important and good read—a balance only the best books find.

Finally , pray for me that I lead my family well by fearing, trusting and loving Jesus, and being a pastor, provider, and protector to my family.

Simi

Simi's been busy taking care of the critical stuff—important bits I can't even begin to get my head around. One of her unenviable tasks was getting the house empty and packing for herself and the girls.

Lord help her. Where does one even begin? Thankfully, she's made amazing progress.

Simi finished work a month ago and said goodbye to colleagues at a farewell event. She had a great team of colleagues who she'll miss.

She's the real deal.

Pray that the Lord helps her with clarity of thought and joy in the midst of organising and all the changes. Pray also as she prepares to say goodbye to her family—something not easy to do.

Amelia

Amelia has been feeling very emotional. Although excited, she's also experiencing sadness at saying goodbye to people she loves and cares about. In many ways, I admire her because it shows the depth of her character. Relationships are important to her.

Pray for her that she makes new friends quickly and leans on the Lord for strength, guidance, and ultimately joy and friendship rooted in Christ.

Grace

Grace is excited about the adventure. The reality of the move hit her when the furniture slowly began disappearing. Before this, she thought the whole thing was just an idea and not really going to happen.

She's got a long list of foods, milkshakes and things she wants to try when we get to the USA. I'm told she wants to experience candy corn and snow cones. I have no idea what they are, but hey...each to their own!

Pray that she gets to experience all the good things that the Lord has in store for her and that the experiences would lead to gratitude and deeper trust in Jesus.

I’ll leave you with the opening words of a favourite hymn of mine, that recently has been stirring my soul anew.

All hail the power of Jesus' name! Let angels prostrate fall. Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all. (Edward Perronet, 1779)