Community is Key

Community Changes Everything

It’s one thing to leave a place where you have no roots, it’s another to leave a community where you feel grounded, seen and known.

The last week in Calgary was a whirlwind for our entire family. We did everything possible to fit in as many hangs for our kids as well as connecting with our own friends as much as possible. We squeezed in coffee dates, walks and last minute dinners. Our dear friend Alex even hosted a theater afternoon with improv games and dinner for all of the kids and their friends. Through the busyness we were reminded of the beauty and depth of friendships we had. People who were more than friends, people that had become family. The last few weeks had been so full that we couldn’t really appreciate the adventure that lie ahead.

Not everyone has a community that you don’t want to leave and that reality isn’t lost on us. For the last 13 years, we have experienced new babies, growing in our marriages, family adventures together and believing with and for one another. We’ve grown together, challenged and supported each other and encouraged one another in all seasons. To live with such rich friendships is one of life’s greatest joys.

Our last Sunday in Calgary, our friends Steve and Tash hosted the most beautiful going away party. I opened their front door to see their home decorated with posters, streamers and balloons. I burst into tears. Not only were we really getting ready to leave all of these amazing people, but we were being celebrated and cheered on as well. They were not only believing in our dream but believing with us! We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love as 60+ of our dear friends gathered to send us off.

The last 3 days flew by with last minute packing, purging, cleaning and planning. Each day I was met afresh with tears as the reality of leaving our friends truly meant. How bittersweet it is to live in the tension of being sent but aching to stay. Our children handled the busyness of the last few days with mixed emotions. They too were sad to leave their friends but excited for what was to come.

By 4:30 pm on Wednesday, our departure day, we collapsed on our couch for the last time to have a little visit with my close friend Tasha and our adopted parents, the Vecks. Until the very end, it still felt like a dream. We clung to every last moment not really believing that this would be last time we would see each other for who knows how long.

With 13 bags in tow, we packed up two of the Veck’s vehicles to drive to the airport. Tasha and her children stood in our driveway and waved us farewell. We arrived at the airport in record time, hugged our sweet friends and turned towards the terminal. The adventure was beginning and we were on our way!

As we stood in line I turned to marvel at another family that looked like they were about to embark on an adventure of their own. As I turned toward the mom I realized I not only recognized her but worked with her! @timeoutfamilytravel was leaving on a trip, but instead of going south, they would be going east to France. It was already an encouragement to see another family daring to go against the grain and live out their dreams.

Our flight was delayed and then delayed again, but no matter, the craziness of the week was behind us. We could now rest, knowing we made it. More than 13 years of believing God for the impossible was beginning to unfold in real time. Finally, over two hours later, our plane took off into a sea of stars, leaving the twinkling lights of Calgary far behind us. A new chapter in which we would build a new community was just beginning.