Hindsight is a funny thing.

Its often upon reflection of things gone by, do we sometimes realise how far we have really come and of those who have helped us get there. The past 4.5 years at Sunset Coast CLC have been such a God adventure of growth and discovery for me. To have spent that journey growing with you has impacted, changed and shaped me in so many ways. It has equipped and enabled me to become the person I am today.

I have never been a great person at organising things, especially something for myself.. such as a farewell/birthday party. So thank you Carrie so much for all your hardwork, organisational skills and thoughtfulness in making my farewell party tonight a beautiful memory that will always be something so special in my heart.

And thank you all of you who had come out (on a Monday night!) to spend it with me and send me off so blessed. Your kindness love and friendship has truly blown me away. I am at loss for words. To know you all care so much means the world to me.

I know I have already said this tonight to all of you, but the more I thought about it on the way home in the car the more I have to thank God so much for His goodness. You have played such a significant part in my life and I really cherish those moments we have spent together in conversation, in serving and pursuing God together.

You have brought so much healing into my life and have taught and role modelled to me what a healthy Godly family and friendship is and should look like. Thank you all of you who have lovingly taken me into your lives, homes and hearts. Thank you all of you who have shown me the outworking of Psalm 68:6 ( “God sets the lonely in families...”) for I have been one of those ‘lonely’ and you opened your hearts to me and through that shown me God’s love.

It is through you, that I have learnt God’s heart for family. That it is His idea, His heart and His design. And in being a part of the family with you all at Sunset Coast it has enabled me to see the importance of reconciliation with my own natural family. It has been a journey, and we have had our ups and downs together, in season and out of season… but it has been well worth it. I would not have chosen to do this life with anyone else but you. Thank you for believing in me, supporting me, coming along side and encouraging me to be all that I can be. You have shown what real authentic community looks like.

I am excited to see what God has in store for you. Whatever it is I am sure it is great! And I am glad I have been able to know you and been a part of your journey in these days. I am excited to see where life will take us!

Tonight was such a special night, thank you for being there to share it with me and be a part of this memory. Thank you for all your special messages and gifts! I have been absolutely been blessed and spoilt! I love you all dearly and you all have a special place in my heart.

Philippians 1:3 says “I thank my God every time I remember you.”

And I truly do.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 15th, 2008 at 2:09 am and is filed under Life, Relationships. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.