Angels Walking Beside Us

During these last two weeks in Tonganoxie we are able to focus on our true blessings: family and friends. We'd like to tell you about a few that have been extraordinary.

John's sister and husband have been true guardian angels. They have been supportive of our decision to leave Tonganoxie and helped us with every step we have taken in that direction. Not only have they provided food for thought as we have made plans, helped with our moving sale, provided muscle during the move, but they also have agreed to be our power of attorney and take care of financial matters and other details for us while we are gone. This isn't an easy or light commitment on their part. Words of appreciation can never begin to express our thanks. This entire adventure wouldn't be possible without their help. Thank you. May you receive many blessings for tending to business while we are tending to others.

Then there are our best friends. Early on they agreed to write a letter of recommendation attesting that our marriage could withstand living abroad in the mission field. How does the couple themselves even know that? Although they have mixed emotions and really don't want us to leave, they have also been there beside us helping make decisions and choices as we have finalized plans. They too have helped with the physical labor involved in the garage sale and move. If you ever need anyone to help stack furniture for storage in the smallest space possible, call on him!

My sister and her husband agreed to store my quilts while we are gone. She is an excellent housekeeper with a place for everything and everything is in its pace. Even before I had begun to think about quilt storage, she offered to supervise climate controlled storage of them in her home knowing how important they are to me. Our trip to take two large totes of quilts to them gave us an opportunity to have a wonderful visit and sister time.

What can I say about my fifth grade colleagues? Not only did they provide great entertainment at our retirement banquet last spring, they proved to be extremely thoughtful during the difficult days of our moving sale. We had a rough day watching our possessions being sold when they unexpectedly showed up with lunch. It was just what we needed: food, conversation, laughs and hugs. It provided a needed distraction when I had been on the edge of tears most of the day.

Have you ever moved a spinet piano? Brute strength is what you need, especially when stairs are involved. Each time we have moved, the men swear it is the last time they will ever move that piano. We had a crew of six show up to help us move the piano and other antiques. Thank you. Not only were they moving furniture, they had to work around carpet layers in the new house. It gave them a chance to be able to tell even more moving horror stories.

A husband and wife that John taught with at the old Junior High insisted on hosting an Open House for us a couple of weeks ago. They went out of their way in the midst of their own busy lives including the birth of a granddaughter, the wedding of a son and the beginning of a new school year to open their home to school personnel and church members for a great afternoon. It had been years since we had seen some of these friends. We had the gift of time to visit with those we have seen more recently, but never get the chance to chat with due to busy schedules.

Finally, there are countless people who have stopped us on the street or after Mass, emailed, phoned or written to offer words of congratulation and best wishes. We feel called to make these changes, but it hasn't always been easy. Those words of encouragement have sustained us during the hard times.

We pray for God's grace, peace and joy for each and everyone of these very special people.