Moving Day ... and more

We've had a busy last few days.  I anticipated this week-end being hard, but what I failed to anticipate were the blessings.  I thought it would be emotional, but didn't expect the joys.  I have been praying for this time for quite awhile and even though I had a peace about this time of transition, I just failed to think that God would use this time to bless me.  Oh, what little faith.

On Thursday, Christopher and I did a lot of last minute shopping.  All of those things we weren't sure about the first time.  We got home in time to finish up dinner prep before welcoming his roommate Joe and family to our house for dinner.  We spent time talking and getting to know each other.  Having dinner and fun.  We have had beautiful weather for days and spent time outside playing.  What a sweet time to get together.  It was nice to be able to meet before moving in.

After they went home, there was still a lot of packing to do.  The piles grew until things were ready.  It all fit easily into our van - along with all of us.

Time to drive to NC State!  We arrived and Christopher got out to go check in.  We parked and then followed soon after.  He and his roommate were allowed to move in early as part of the scholars program which was really nice!  It was a lot less crowded and the weather was beautiful!  (We have had an unseasonably cool couple of days!)  With many hands to carry things up, it didn't take long at all.

The siblings enjoyed helping and hanging out in the room.  Someone commented that the room would seem really spacious after 13 of us had been in there - and left.  LOL

 After getting things unpacked, the room looked pretty nice.

 The wonderful McDonald family.

After unpacking everything, we headed outside.  The older kids and Dads played frisbee.

The younger kids enjoyed a nice swing.  

Our families together.

 My family.

By then everyone was hungry so we headed to Mellow Mushroom for lunch.

I had picked this spot because it was close - and has gluten free pizza!!!  And the pizza is so very good!!!

 They will let you split the type of pizza so you can get two varieties on one pizza.  What a fun way to try many types!

 Now was the hard part.  Taking Christopher back and dropping him off.  We thought it would be a short stop, but when we were driving there, the van started making a funny noise.  When we parked and cut off the engine, it wouldn't cut back on.  :-(

Joe's family came to see if they could help.  We ended up calling AAA.  Nothing like needing that truck to pull in on a very busy move-in day!  Thankfully they were able to do a quick jump start of our battery.  (Unfortunately, we still aren't sure what is wrong with the van and it will need more work.)

Time to go home.  This was hard for me.  This is when I cried.  (Sorry if you are reading this Christopher, but I did pretty good holding it together all day long!)  Its a huge change.  I know he is ready for it.  I know this is the right thing.  I know too though that things will never be the same again.  I already miss having all of my children with me - together.

I do love talking to him though and hearing about the new things he is doing and experiencing.

I'm anticipating that this will continue to be hard - its a time of adjustment.  Maybe also though, I can look for the blessings.  I expect challenges, but hope that I can know that there will be joys.  This time is causing me to spend more time on my knees and that is always a good thing.

God has proven Himself faithful in so many ways.  I know He will continue to do that.

We continued to spend more time with the McDonald family over the week-end and loved it.  What a blessing to have this precious family as part of our lives now!  I'm looking forward to spending more time together!  In praying for Christopher's roommate, I just never expected this much.  How often does that happen?  God is able to do so much more than I can even imagine. It blows my mind to think how much He loves us all when I see Him at work in the details.

I am continuing to pray for Christopher and Joe.

Praying that God would bless their friendship.  Praying that they would be as iron sharpening iron.  Praying that they would encourage and enjoy each other and their time at State.  I'm excited for them.  I'm excited to see what God has in store for them!  I know He has great things planned.

Blessings
Leslie