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Thank You For Being A Friend



Today my dear friends threw us a going away party and it was wonderful--bitter sweet, but wonderful! I was honored and humbled! I felt so loved! I just wanted to share a few fun pictures with you all!

We head to Durango tomorrow. I cannot believe that I am closing this chapter in my life. I have lived in Branson since the day my parents brought me home from the hospital (minus the four years spent at Baylor) and I really thought that I would always be here. I am VERY excited for the move and for all that God has in store for me and my family. I am leaving with no regrets and I know that we are making the right decision! I can leave without looking back!!! However, tomorrow is going to be a very very sad day. God has blessed me with amazing friends who I will miss dearly. I have also been blessed to live right down the street from my parents, my brother and his wife and my dear Gran'ma. Leaving the people I love is going to rip me apart inside. I can't even imagine the loss I am going to feel as I drive away from the place I have ALWAYS called home.

So many cheesy songs are coming to mind. . .MWS's "Pray For Me" is a perfect example! "Here is where the road divides, here is where we realize the sculpting of our Father's great design. Through time you've been a friend to me, time is now the enemy, I wish we didn't have to say goodbye. But I know the road He chose for me is not the road He chose for you; so as we chase the dreams we're after. . . ."

And Geoff Moore's "So Long, Farewell" is another. ""Too soon, so fast, time must fly. . .and I'm already missing you. So much to say, our hopes and fears and prayers we've prayed. I'll be remembering you. The miles won't keep us apart when you're in my heart! So long, farewell, goodbye my friend, THIS IS NOT THE END, I'll be there for you! . . .I'll be believing in you . . . .God make His face to shine on you and bring you peace. I pray this blessing for you. So dream your biggest dreams! So long, farewell, goodbye my friend, this is not the end. I'll be there. . . ."

I love you all! I know that as this chapter is closing, it is only the beginning of the rest of the story! I know this isn't the end, but I also know that I need to let myself mourn this change! Wow. . .I truly never thought this day would come. I am excited and sad and expectant and disheartened and anxious and exhausted and lonely and blessed and the list can go on and on. . . .

Thank you, friends.

Comments

Kari said…
Jamie Jo,
Goodbye!!!! We will pray you all the way to Durango! Last night was amazing...so precious to watch your beautiful children say goodbye with ALL their hearts.
May 3, 2009 at 7:05 AM
Unknown said…
See you in June, unless you get a call about a little white station wagon driving around Durango mid May, searching for you all.

Praying for traveling mercies as you all drive to your new home.

You know this already...WE LOVE YOU!
May 3, 2009 at 7:45 AM
Anonymous said…
We will miss you, Braner family!! We feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to meet you. You will forever be in our minds and hearts as "main characters" in the story of our first adoption. Just wanted to thank you again for welcoming us into your home for the past six months for the adoption fellowship. You have inspired us and Roger and I are hosting our first Springfield Ethiopian fellowship get-together this Thursday, May 7th! God bless you and I hope we meet again soon!
Abby
May 3, 2009 at 10:59 PM
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