Goodbye, Thurmond's

Last night, my girlfriends and I said goodbye to one of our dear friends, Rachel. No, she didn't pass away. She's moving.

Rachel is amazing. She is this super cute and petite mommy from Australia who loves Jesus and making Him known. She is married to John (not from Australia-- from Georgia) and they have two children: Isabelle and Josiah (pronounced: Jo-zi-uh).

Rachel is a worshipper of Jesus. She models worship in her daily life. Her love for Jesus is contagious. She is always willing to pray for us (or anyone!) and prays boldly in His Name. I love this about her. Before I had Caleb, a couple of girls came over to the house (with kiddos) to pray for my labor and delivery. Rachel prayed that I would trust Christ in every step of the process...and boy! did He ever grant that request! =)

John recently enlisted in the Navy and just wrapped up his OCS training and is now being transferred to Maryland. It's a really exciting time for the Thurmond family. But it's a really sad time for all of us because we love love LOVE these guys.

Last night, we had one last Girls' Night at Tracy's house. There were all kinds of yummy food and beautiful people there. After the chit-chatting and catching up with one another was coming to a lull, we all sat around and each were afforded the opportunity to tell Rachel how grateful we each are for her and how she had impacted our lives. It was a fabulous thing to do. (When I was at Abundant Grace in Gainseville, we used to do this a lot when it was someone's birthday. We called those times "pointing out evidences of God's grace.")

It was so awesome to hear each woman's perspective, having been affected by this Godly girl. So many things were said that I just cherish in my heart and pray that I am living in a way that reflects Jesus as Rachel is reflecting Him.

Many times, it was brought to the group's attention that we are so fortunate to have one another. In a culture where women are predominately jealous of one another (leading to petty chic behavior), we are so radically blessed to be able to love each other and have relationship with one another without all of the pretense. It really is super refreshing to be around these women. We can talk about silly things like our kids' poop (I'm serious!), crazy supper time stories, hair, makeup, etc. and also (inevitably) spiritual matters and our relationships with the Lord. Never once has there been a time in hanging out with these women that I don't leave more rich than when I arrived. It's insane.

I will miss Rachel very much. She is such a special tool of the Lord. I am praying that God uses she and her family mightily for His Name sake.