You Say Goodbye, I Say Hello

Ok, so really, today was all good byes. Craig had to say good bye to the men he's served in Elder's Quorum for the past 7 months, I had to say good bye to the young women I've grown to love over the last 3 months, and we all had to say good bye to a ward that has come to love us and what we contribute to the ward. Over and over again we were bombarded with "We'll miss you" and "Are you sure you have to go?" and "The ward will suffer without you." I greatly appreciate all the kind words and thoughts being sent our way.(My young women even gave me a going away gift and lots of hugs. <3 ) I was also privileged to speak today as a sort of farewell and that was well received too. The Bishop was kind enough to tell everyone that we were leaving and that he would greatly miss having us in the ward. So he explained that they wanted to get one last talk out of me before we "make [our] escape" as he put it. I was afraid that it was too short, but Brother Pierce assured me that it was inspirational and that was all that mattered. One of my favorite Sister's in the ward told me that she felt as though I had looked into her heart and spoke to it's concerns. That really meant a lot to me. And one Brother actually recorded my talk and sent an audio clip of it to our email with a note saying "Thank you for blessing my life this day with your talk."  I had no idea it was going to have such an impact. But I'm grateful it did and humbled that the Lord gave me words to comfort others, when I thought I was only writing something to comfort myself.
We didn't just have goodbyes today though. We said hello to Shawneen's new baby boy, Noah. We were only able to stay for a short time, but we did get to hear his blessing and visit a bit. I love new babies and the wonderful spirit they bring into a home.
I love our babies too, even if they're not super tiny any more. Rhyla got to be in nursery for a few minutes today and seemed to do well. Vash pushed a few kids and I have no idea where he's learned that behavior. Vash also learned what a gun is from watching The Fox and The Hound and was excited to name it when he saw Craig's in real life today while we were doing more packing. Craig took the opportunity to tell Vash that he was right and that it wasn't a toy, but a weapon and needed to be treated respectfully. Vash seemed to understand and didn't ask about it more or try to find it. Rhyla has made it clear that her favorite Disney Princess is Ariel. She loves to read that book over and over again. She calls her by name and whispers "mermay" to herself when I put an Ariel shirt on her. Both of the children like to dance now too. Vash piles boxes up and jumps down from them while hollering that he's dancing. Rhyla hops up and down if you sing Pooh's "Up, Down" song.
The packing is coming along. Craig is working hard at networking and is getting positive feedback. We've been encouraged and promised wonderful things at the hands of our leaders. Best of all? The Lord is in control and we've nothing to fear.
"Fear not, I am with thee, oh be not dismayed, for I am thy god and will still give thee aid. I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand."
-How Firm a Foundation, LDS Hymn