It’s finally come full circle. I’m typing in my journal on a rainy day at the West Pac awaiting a new home and life. Annabelle is watching “Inside Out” (how fitting, right?) while the twins nap in the room adjacent to ours. The internet still doesn’t work and we’ve burnt another bag of microwave popcorn.
We thought we were prepared for this week of packing and movers…alas…we had our share of surprises. The first was when the movers came to take our government furniture. We wanted them to take it first so we would have room to stage the next two shipments. What I forgot (back when I was 8 months pregnant and Barrett was deploying), is that the refrigerator, stove, and washer were also the gov’t’s. I had bought ice cream, frozen some pancakes and muffins, and bought other things for our West Pac stay in the next couple of days so when the head mover pointed to the fridge I felt like that cartoon character whose jaw dropped literally to the floor. He threatened to leave because we weren’t ready, but Barrett firmly told him no. That began our furry of cleaning appliances and emptying all my prep work. We got it done and everything was taken unceremoniously. I managed to bum room out of a friend’s fridge, but cooking was now impossible. Barrett and I looked at each other in disbelief of what just happened.
The next surprise was the next morning when the packers came at 7:30 am. WHAT? Barrett was still in bed and we hadn’t staged much because we thought they were coming at 10! We even had childcare for 10! Alas, they came in with a vengeance and scared Annabelle awake when they opened her door to see what they were going to take. All of our fast shipment was packed and loaded by 10. We celebrated by having breakfast (and our first sip of coffee) at our favorite local breakfast joint. Surely we are ready for tomorrow, right?
We had set up childcare again for 10 the next day as the packers said they would call when they were on their way, but don’t expect them till after 10. Sweet! I got up, ran, and showered when suddenly I hear Barrett say, “COLLEEN! They are here!” It was 8am. Egads! So off to the races again. The kids were taken around 930 and the packers finished at 2. Our house inspection was at 230 and we were officially homeless at 245. Off to the west pac! We stared at our echoing, empty pink painted apartment and sighed with nostalgia. So much had happened in these walls. I pray that we remember the good and forget the bad.
And now our goodbyes. I hate goodbyes. The chapel really honored our family with words, gifts, and prayers. We were humbled to silence. We had friends come to our last service that we hadn’t seen in years! Aya, do you remember her? She was the girl who showed us our apartment and came over every Monday for dinner when Barrett was deployed our first years here. She has since married a Marine, moved to the States, had a baby, and moved back to Oki and they all came to say goodbye at our service! Oh sweet friend! So many goodbyes, hugs, and tears. And we still have a week left.
Sunday was Annabelle’s last AWANA and she hugged her leader goodbye. Then we headed to the mall for our first Craig dinner out! We’ve never gone out as a family of just 5 before. I looked at the children the Lord has blessed us with here on this little island and smiled. Then smiled again. Oh how I don’t deserve them. This little island has seen our family be built, our military lives begin, and friends come and go. We will leave this place different than when we came. Many tears were shed as the Lord refined our hearts, yet His work is good. All the amazing people who have invested in us, loved, and challenged us over the years have also changed us. These are friends we will keep forever, as bonds are stronger when built through common adversities and challenges.
So as this week of lasts continues, my heart is both filled with sorrow as well as thankfulness. The weight of the separation of my friends has not yet hit so my eyes stay dry for now, but as the week goes on and final goodbyes are had, my pillow will be wet. Oh how thankful I am for Barrett, our kids, and the family of friends we have on this rock of an island. Thank you for doing life with us; the good, difficult, and funny. We love you all!