...for my LAST Sunday morning at my current church. We're coming back Wendesday because we promised our kids a party on our last day, but we made a decision to just be done after our "farewell" potluck today, rather than come back for two weeks after they've said their goodbyes (we were going to stay until our SP was done). Just a clean break.
SP totally understands...there are a lot of reasons why we just decided to be done today, but truthfully, I'm just trying to put this church behind me and not dwell on the cruelty, the abuse, etc. We're going to find a church next Sunday to just attend and soak in the presence of God and be ministered to for a few weeks while we wait to see if we got the interview in Madison.
I'm going to be okay, though. I didn't think I was for awhile, but I really do think I'll be fine.
I can sympathize with you...just went through this a few years ago, and wow, was it hard. I can relate to you totally. On one hand you are so glad to have the negative things behind you of the experience but on the other hand...there are good hearts you love so desperately and hate leaving. If we could only take the best of all of our situations and create our utopia position, wouldn't that be great? Although I do think it comes pretty close to that for me here...I just encourage you -- truly Puppetmaster, the BEST IS YET TO COME. I'm praying for you, for a "perfect" position for you - created special.
It went okay...the church presented us and YP & her husband with picture frame clocks (with our pictures in them) and an engraved metal plate on the back with the church's name, the date, and "You've been a blessing to us." Several people also gave us cards and wished us well. Overall, it was a pretty positive goodbye. CA came up to me and started talking about needing all my financial records before I leave, and I told her where all the bank statements are. That's about all I'm doing as far as that is concerned, since I haven't spent any of my budget since the last report I wrote. Other than the Valentine's party I'm planning for my kids tomorrow...hee, hee! SP just told us to update the checkbook and drop it off on our way out the door, and he'd deal with her.
We're not going to come back for SP's farewell - we all decided to just get together once they're settled into their new house. YP and her husband now officially live in Wisconsin, and I'm still waiting to hear back from the church (also in WI) that I am interested in. This particular pastor left for vacation and out-of-town pastors' meetings right after receiving my ministry portfolio, resume, and sermon tape that I sent him. So there wasn't really time to set up an interview. GRRR...what horrible timing! At least for me. But I think God is using this to try to teach me a lesson in patience.
DH really thinks I'm going to get that job - this would be perfect, because the company he's working at right now has a branch in Madison that he could transfer to, and then we'd both have jobs. Well paying jobs in a much lower cost of living area.
If we don't get the ministry job in Madison, we will probably temporarily move there or Green Bay and just work to pull ourselves out of the financial pit we've fallen into - seriously, they're talking about starting foreclosure proceedings on our house. The money just hasn't been there. YP has already said that in that case, I can come and preach at her new church in order to maintain my credentials, and she will hook me up with her sister (also a CP!).
What I'm hoping and praying for - and trying to believe for - is the full time CP position in Madison, though. Until then, we've got a list narrowed down of churches to pick from to attend until it's time to move.
And I only have to see CA one more time. As DH said, "If I'm going to spend eternity with that woman, I'm going to need a nice, long break from her in this life!"
Thanks to you, Deanna, and everyone here, for all your prayers and support as I've prepared to leave "Egypt." The dust is just about shaken from my feet, and I'm ready for the Promised Land!!
