When we first announced we were leaving camp, someone made a comment that has stayed with me over these last few months. She said, “Good-byes are hard, but it sounds like there will be many wonderful ‘hellos’ in your future.”
It’s been hard to focus on the ‘hellos’ while we’ve been out here. I went down to the lake one night last week, and had a good cry as the sun was setting. So far, we’ve mostly been in the ‘good-bye’ part of this transition.
This weekend, however, I felt like I started to say ‘hello’ to some things.
1) Hello, House!
We spent a little time getting acquainted! Ben was painting trim boards this weekend, so we dropped him off at the new house before heading on to my parents’ for a couple of days.
The girls loved being there! They love their room.
And they loved running around all over the place, starting to make it familiar.
Whenever we go there, I just want to stay! But always too soon, Ben says it’s time to get going, and I have to tear myself away. Can’t wait until we just get to stay!
2) Hello, Family!
For five years, we’ve been far away from everything. Two hours is a very drivable distance, but we haven’t been able to just be there for stuff. This weekend, I felt like I was getting a taste of what it will be like to be there for the fun family stuff.
My sweet, very ambitious niece is putting on a fundraising bake sale next weekend, and we got to help in the cupcake assembly line.
We also got to do some relaxing at my parents’ house, and it was nice to have a break from boxes and packing.
3) Hello, Friends!
We spent some time with both new and old friends this weekend, and it was very good. I tend to be on the task-oriented side of things, so I find it a little hard to pull myself away from my to-do list and to-pack piles. But I’m always glad when I do!
I’ve felt a bit overwhelmed by all of the amazing people who are offering to help us move, or cook food for us, or take care of our girls, or whatever. We are surrounded by such wonderful people, and I am so thankful for them!
I’m feeling very blessed as we head into our last week at camp – ready to pack like mad, and ready to soak in the last beautiful moments here and there.
Ordinary Days 
Your daughters are so lovely! I can definitely relate to the feelings of saying goodbye, transitions, hello….not always easy, but gotta admit, pretty exciting! I hope all goes very well for you in these next few months. Take it all in, right?! xx
Thanks, Rochelle! Sounds like you’re are in for some big transitions yourself! What will you guys be doing in Australia? Sounds exciting!