Moving On...Once Again

Well, it's hard to believe our time in Springfield has come to an end already. I definitely have mixed emotions about leaving. It's exciting to think that Bryant's first 10 week internship is behind him. I am so ready to be moved into an apartment with our own stuff and be settled for a while, that's for sure! We are also very happy to know we will be close to family for a while. But leaving Springfield brings a lot of sadness for me as well. I never would have thought I'd feel so attached to people after just three short months. This has been a wonderful experience for us.
This ward has been so very kind and accepting of us from the very beginning. I had so many people offer to take Gracie if I had a Dr appointment and especially if I went into labor with Kate. It was so nice to know I wouldn't have to take Gracie to the hospital with us! When I went to Time Out for Women a few weeks ago, all the ladies I was with treated me like an old friend. And they all took their turn with Kate as well. It was such a nice weekend! Thanks Ladies!
It has also been so fun to see Bryant doing this internship. He is truly in his element! I feel so lucky that he picked a career that he will love. He has especially loved working with children. He is a very patient and gentle man, which is important when working with kids...especially with kids who are disabled in some way. The therapists he has worked with LOVE him--who wouldn't?! Seeing him in a working environment has made the past 2 1/2 years of intense, stressful schooling totally worth it!

I have learned a lot the past few months. My Mom has always said "You find what you're looking for wherever you go." I've learned that this is so so true. I suppose if I wanted to be miserable her in Springfield, I definitely could have found enough things to feel that way. You make your own happiness, and I can be happy anywhere--as long as I have my family with me! I am going to try and remember that as we move from this wonderful place and these wonderful people to Boise. I am sure there will be wonderful people there too! Well, my in-laws are there, so we are already off to a good start!

I've learned that one person really does make a difference. There is a young guy in the ward here, I'll call him John, (I think he's Bryant's age) who has a wife and four young kids, and he is dying. He has pancreatic cancer. I didn't get the opportunity to know him very well--but he has made a HUGE difference in so many peoples lives, He is all about service. I asked a friend in the ward what made this ward so friendly. I mean, there are no clicks, everyone participates in ward activities, there is a good spirit in this ward. One of my friends told me, "you know the ward hasn't always been like this." I asked what changed to make it like this and she said "You know, it's a lot of things, but I think John had a lot to do with it!"
I can make a difference. I can serve better, I can be a better friend, a better visiting teacher, a better example of Jesus Christ. I plan to make a difference wherever I go from now on!

I've also learned again, or at least my testimony has been strengthened, I know that God is truly in the details of our lives. This year has been difficult for my family. We sent three missionaries off this year (Kristin, My Mom and My Dad) only to get them all back home with serious medical problems. My pregnancy with Kate was really hard for me. Moving with a toddler and 7 months pregnant was also extremely difficult. Wondering if I would get medical insurance before I had Kate was very stressful. But, I've seen the hand of the Lord in my life so much through all of these trials. Things have worked out. Life is good.

I appreciate all I've learned here in Oregon. I'm sad to move on. Sad to say goodbye to these wonderful people. But I'm ready to make a difference and find happiness in Boise---at least for the next 7 months:)