Transitions Continue

This transition deserved it's own post. :-)
Many of you know or have heard of our dear friends Joel & Emily. After 9 years of partnering in life and football, God has called us to different places. Joel has taken a new job at a school very far away, and this past week they packed up the truck and headed out of town. I said to Emily, "It's going to be so weird to have to call you to find out what's happening in your life!"

You see in the past 9 years we have never lived more than 2 miles from each other. First, back in Chicago, we were next door neighbors, so close we shared a BBQ grill! After that we moved together and shared a townhouse, and since we've moved together here we have lived within two miles of each other. Eric, Joel, Emily and I have moved through a few seasons of life together already. We entering into the adventures of marriage at the same time, took on responsibilities of home ownership, moved from the city to small town life, stretched along with job demands, started our families, and continually worked out what lifestyle ministry is all about. It's been great to know that someone was always close by, having similar experiences and new perspectives.

Some of our most treasured memories with Joel & Em are the great canoe trips we have taken together, in remote British Columbia and down the Wisconsin River. Paddling the river we've had great laughs (the moose that flew away?), interesting adventures (disappearing sandbars we were suppose to camp on), cooked up some delicious meals over campfires (Joel's fish), and enjoyed wonderful day hikes (shale surfing?). We hope that as our kids grow older, we can enjoy more of these trips together and fellowship with our friends once again.

We wish Joel & Emily, Ella and baby many blessings as they too transition to their new home. We will miss you so much and am learning to do life without you around- which is not nearly as fun!