Bubbles and Bye byes

This week marks the beginning of my Year of Goodbyes. My heart is really struggling to be losing so many great old and new friends all in one year. And at the same time I know I'll be gaining new friendships. I sometimes question if this is really the kind of life I'm ready to live-a life of goodbyes-because that is just the nature of our position here. Our city and culture here is very transient and constantly changing.

But I know the One who does not change will always be with me. The Lord is my strength in the goodbyes and the seemingly lonely times that will follow. I hate good byes. I'm not good at them. I can never find the right words to tell people how much they mean to me.

Our first goodbye this week was the hardest. "Uncle" Jonny has been in Korea 5 years, one year longer than us. When we first moved to Pyeongtaek we lived on the same block as he and the Trammells. It seems God-ordained that he gave us all to each other and we became the "Baemi Gang" in fellowship, experience and friendships. Not only is he a staple of our time in Korea, he's the first of (too) many to follow this year.

Birthday month buddies

Famous for falling asleep in large group settings
and under coffee tables.

The next goodbye was for Isaac to say goodbye to Mr. Giraffe. (Okay, and ME too!) He was on lone from Caleb and it was just time to give it back along with several borrowed bath toys.

Good bye? 

Give a huggie

One last inspection

And a kiss. 

 I know it seems silly to have Isaac "say" goodbye to his borrowed stuffed animal but he's growing up in a world of goodbyes and hellos and we want to teach him how to part well also. In my mind this makes sense!

Isaac gave his stamp of approval :)

And then we also said goodbye to a sweet friend who has only been in korea a few weeks it seems! She came to be with her new hubby and expected to stay a few more months. Then they got unexpected news of his early transfer! Nice for them, sad for us! Lindsey jumped in feet first to Korea. She wanted to be connected to a church and to women, even if the only group to join was our Moms Group (and she only just got married, not even pregnant, just wanted to be learning!) The first day I met her, we took a walk and ended up in the busy street market! She has such a great heart and I miss the months we don't get to have together in advance!






And I almost forgot! To help us stay cheerful we opened a package of giant bubble wands!

The first bubble experience.
I laughed SO much.

Bubbles you can trust!