July 4th Weekend

Once again we had an exhausting weekend. It was the fourth of July weekend. It was also the last weekend I would have to go home and say good-byes to family and friends. Things went smoother than I anticipated, but difficulty nonetheless. We began the weekend going to my parents. We spent Thursday night sitting around and talking, trying to plan the attack for the rest of the time. Friday morning Eric and I headed to the golf course to get my first and only round of golf in for the summer. I didn't do so hot which made it a frustrating start to the day. Eric met with his dad and brother to do another round that afternoon while I ran errands with my mom. Not much on the packing end of things was accomplished, but sometimes that just doesn't matter. That night after dinner we headed out as a family to my grandparents on my mom's side to spend some time with them before I leave. It was nice to have my dad with us. He doesn't usually go when we make trips out, so it was good to do it as a family. We took a tour around the farm to see chickens, ducks, doves, rabbits, goats, miniature horses, and on and on. It was all really quite entertaining. Watching the animals remind me that God must have a good sense of humor. They just do the silliest things sometimes! I've missed getting out the farm. It used to be my favorite place in the whole world to go as a kid. My grandparents are so easy going and fun to be around. I'll really miss getting to be around them.

Saturday morning started late for me, but I definitely made up for it in the afternoon. My mom and I got together and sifted through room after room of belongings. It's amazing how many things can get packed into a closet. Things you haven't used in a few years and didn't even remember existed. I guess that's the sign for me that it needs go. Either to the thrift store, goodwill, someone else, or the trash. Take your pick, but it's not staying here! I think my parents are getting excited for the movers to come. They will have so much more space to reclaim for their own use. Saturday evening we went into town to a church cook out. I have this beef with the church these days. There's not enough community anymore. Everyone is doing their own thing....and everyone's ok with it! I'll be the first to admit that I'd prefer people to mind their own business...but I can't deny how freeing it can be to share a burden with a friend and know that people are praying for you. I'm more than willing to put aside my own person issues and have more community. We need eachother, and the church is the hands and feet of Christ. In fact He actually calls the church His bride. He loves the church and has a high calling for those who are a part of it. Not to be isolated on your own, but to be supported, encouraged, and loved by the church regardless of who you are. Anyway, the cook out was nice. There weren't a whole lot of people there, but it's a start. That night we drove to a small church just down the road from my parent's to watch the fireworks in town. Not a bad view from 4 miles away on the ridge.

Sunday morning Eric and I were up EARLY to get ready for church. We led worship one final time. Everything went about as smooth as you could possibly ask for. Pastor had a good message about the freedom we not only have in the U.S. but also the freedom we have in Christ. He really brought the point home when he talked about grace. "You need to extend grace to receive grace." Hmmm, easier said than done sometimes, but how true. Our church as really struggled with that lately. We've put ourselves between a rock and a hard place and it's created a lot of conflict. I wonder what God thinks of us as He observes our conflicts over petty topics. Probably pretty disappointed. Those are the times we need to take our blinders off and focus on the big picture. After church we hurried home to each lunch before Eric and I headed to Fennimore. His church always gets together on the 4th to have a cook out so we thought we'd go over to say our good-byes there as well. I'm so glad we did. We had kind of left church the last time without really letting people know I was leaving soon. I guess the thought was that we didn't want people to fuss over the situation, but at the same time, people want to. They want to take the time to say good-bye and wish you well and let you know that they're praying for you. Lesson learned. Luckily we were able to see pretty much everyone. It was time well spent. The women of Eric's church have been so accepting. I wish I could have all of them as a mentor. :)That night we went to the Boscobel fireworks and spent some time with friends.

We spent Monday morning going through all of Eric's childhood belongings. It's interesting how different the "junk box" of a boy and girl is. His is trophies, baseball cards, and random school projects. Mine is notes, pictures, and other girlie things. It didn't take as long as I had anticipated, which was good. For most of it we just decided to send it south and sort it later. I'll let you know how that actually goes down the road. We finished packing the car and said our good-byes once again. It was hard to think I won't see the Swans for a few months at best. We've always been just a few hours away. Hmm...all the unknowns will soon become known. Leaving their house it was back over to the Grangers for another sweep through the house and leave all of Eric's belonging for the movers. I was completly exhausted by this point, and my attitude reflected it. After a short nap we were on the go again getting ready to go back to Winona.

We stopped in La Crosse to meet up with Eric's aunt and uncle for dinner and again....good-byes. We went to Buzzard Billy's to try some cajun cooking. It was good!! Eric and I always like spending time with Bruce and Cheri, they're so easy and fun to be around. I'll miss spending time with them as well.

Needless to say, it was a late night when we FINALLY rolled into Winona. Here it is Wednesday already and I'm still trying to catch up on sleep. I should probably get a handle on that before I go to training, not sure how much sleep I'm going to get there!!!