saying goodbye

It's been over a week now since we officially closed and moved forward into the next chapter saying goodbye to our home. My heart is still unraveling itself from the finality of it all but it feels good in so many ways to be able to walk away knowing that we are right where God wants us to be.

These are photos of us wrapping up at our first home...it's a long long rather tiedious story but we actually ended the short sale process with two houses in the past two weeks. So many are in the same spot I know right now and although I wish it wasn't the case I am deeply grateful that this two year journey is finally behind us.

We spent time at both homes saying goodbye. Praying for the new owners and bidding adieu to neighbors and friends. Its weird knowing that we can't ever go back onto these properties again. It just feels so strange knowing how many memories were made.

How my water broke five weeks early in this tiny little house and I had to convince Mr. Gough to get his butt in the car because it was game time and no I did not pee my pants :)...the time I lit the bathroom on fire at 1am preparing for my sister in laws bridal shower because I somehow knocked over a candle and it caught the towel...sweat and hard work and the way it smelled like home even from the first time we laid eyes on it.

But I am learning. Everyday Chris comes home from his job at the Union Gospel Mission and tells me of the amazing things he sees God doing in our city. He shares heartbreaking trials and incredible triumph. We've watched a transitional housing development burn to the ground displacing 41 in minutes - babies and mommies and tired fathers with nowhere to go. These stories put my life into perspective and help make it much easier to let go and move forward trusting in God and asking to be apart of His story.

So just like that the tide shifts and things change. And I am proud to say that we weathered many storms this year together as a family coming out strong and happy - and a little bit pooped out :) - but so thankful.

So as a little tribute Heather asked me to share a final home tour on her Home Made Lovely series today. It felt really good to put together some before and after pictures one last time and to thank God for the season that he allowed us to live in that space.

If you would like to see the tour go HERE! Thanks Heather for the opportunity it was just what my heart needed