Pages

6.16.2009

It's never easy to say goodbye

Even if it is to a building. (Especially if it was not just any old house, but your HOME for eight years!)
And yet that is what this past weekend was for us.

After eight months of not much action in a slumped housing market, we decided to consider renting our old house. Less than a week after we formally requested an exemption to pursue Darcy's adoption from our new agency ~ despite some reservations about our financial situation with two house payments ~ we were contacted by someone we knew (and more importantly FULLY trusted) who was interested in renting. Yet one more way that God revealed Himself as we took steps toward what we believed He was calling us to do. What a financial burden lifted without us lifting a finger!

Anyway, with renters coming in, that means that our stuff that had been left to "stage" the house had to come out. And so it was not a very fun weekend. Sure we had moved the basics up here with us in October, but we had furniture, pictures on walls, and in general eight years of life left in that house. Slowly we sorted through it all, making huge piles to toss or donate and boxing up the rest. I held it together until it came time to disassemble Ky's room.
I'm not sure I can convey the emotional energy that went into creating this room, from the "pigtail pink" walls to the custom made chair rail shelf above the white bead board half wall to the hand made furniture to the custom created bedding to the recovered glider to the paintings and book lovingly created by my sister to go along with the theme of this blog to the hand-me-down Eeyore rocking horse. This room was the two year wait to bring our much anticipated first child home.













I loved every detail of it. Soon enough we will unpack the boxes in a new home and then we'll work to make the girls' room unique. I'm guessing they won't want pink walls, but I'm holding out hope...

We worked like dogs most of the weekend, taking a quick break to celebrate sweet Abby's 7th birthday (I forgot my camera, but check out this post to see Kylie's "great manners" and this one to see Caleb's cake eating joy from my cousin's blog) on Saturday and attend church with Ian's mom on Sunday. Overall it was physically and emotionally draining. When we were finally done, I did let the tears flow freely as we made one last walk through. Then I remembered that I was leaving that house with the three reasons that life is joyful on a daily basis and was able to smile and say, "Goodbye house, thanks for storing so many memories!"

It's painful to now more officially close the Charlotte chapter of our lives, but I will say that I'm hopeful for the chapter to be played out here. God is just full of delightful surprises...

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you found trustworthy renters. I'm surprised the house didn't sell because that is a beautiful room you made for Kylie. I think with all our moving, I've been forced to hold loosely to our homes... but my stuff is another matter. I have boxes of stuff that I drag around the world just so I don' have to say goodbye every year.

Pam said...

Renters. What a beautiful example of God's provision for you to bring Darcy home. And even though you will no longer "have" your house, you will have your sweet memories forever.

And BTW~ Kylie's room is just lovely.

Cindy M said...

I remember VERY clearly the tears that flowed and flowed and flowed when we finally left the first home I had ever lived in for more than a few short years...my first house...not an apartment or Army quarters...

We had ten years in that sweet little house. Mindy was just six months old when we moved in, and we brought home the other two there. We said goodbye to our first baby (our first dog) there. We said goodbye to our trees and bushes and porch (which I still miss). We said goodbye to all the Christmases and birthdays. It was SO sad.

But leaving was necessary. I knew that, especially because our house sold in 30 days, that God's answer for our plan was swift. We were ready to move on. Otherwise, how could we bring Caroline home? No room at THAT inn...

And just so you know, I cried when we took apart Mickey's "baby" room. I felt it all over again when I looked at those pictures of Kylie's room. I KNOW the emotions and the love that went into that room! And I remember our girls playing in that room, fighting over that Eeyore. I also remember the photos of Kylie, Caroline and Maya on the front porch. Glad I got to make some memories there with you!

And my dissertation is over...

Kathy said...

When I think of the love that went into making that house a home for your family, my heart just wants to burst. It is so beautiful. I treasure every memory.
Love, NaiNai

Lisa said...

Oh Kristi, I so know that feeling. Moving here was hard but we have seen God's hand all over it. I pray that you will see how God is clearly working in it all and have peace.

I was amazed at Kylie's room! You had mentioned once that the colors were similar to KayLi's but we both took down closet doors and painted green inside! KayLi's is a little more spring green and less mint green but not originally. I had to repaint it to match new bedding because the bedding I had picked out months ago was no longer available. I love how it turned out though and can't wait to post about it soon!

Anonymous said...

Kristi,
That story almost made me cry. I always felt the same way each time we would move, but then there is always someone new and special in the neighborhood that we never would have met had we not moved.
Enjoy making new memories.
Marge (Laurie's mom)

Anonymous said...

Boo moving away!
Aunt Cici

Larry and Carol said...

Moving is never easy but looking back on our many moves, I can see the "why" better and realize the blessings and joy from each new location. Of course I've never really gotten over having to leave Miami! Love, AC

Ally said...

Your story brought tears to my eyes. I know it is so hard to leave memories of our lives but God blesses us with new ones around the corner. It is good to have you back:)

Our Journey said...

I am sure it is very hard to leave memories as well as loved ones behind. I am glad that you found a way to rent the home! I remember 1st reading your blog before we traveled and seeing the cute things for her room! I am excited to read all about your new chapter though.

Tricia said...

Kristi,

I remember those same feelings when we moved out of the house in Wesley Chapel. Do you remember sitting in the bonus room with me while I sobbed? You are so wise to Praise God for being able to leave with the people who are most important to you. I know that God is pleased with your obedience.

I love you,
Tricia

Grandma Shultz said...

The precious memories will never end. I know that God has moved you to Raleigh for now and I trust Him.
Saying goodbye is never easy but we must all look forward with anticipation and be obedient to His callings.
I love you, Mama

Nancy said...

I'm all teary eyed! We've been in our house 8 years in December and I can't imagine ever moving out... especially since this is the home we brought Noah home too. I know we'll have to move out though when we get out next child(ren), its just too small. :(