Seriously Sunday

 I thought we might wake at 6am and really get to work. We scramble to clear the flat of open suitcases and storage boxes - but it still looks like hurricane city. (Our Sabbath, besides today's "home church" with Bible reading and prayers, will be on the 24-hour flight on Tuesday to Wednesday.)

Part of the tribe gathers for goodbyes

It's the little things that kill you in the end, the "should I take this?" and "Shall I toss this?" for items often used - but for which there is no room in luggage. It's not like we can't buy new things. But still, we consider. And reconsider.

Our family comes. We eat one last time at the Szechwan Kitchen in Redmond - oh yum! After we get back home, we make coffee and have some cake. Then the guys move the furniture to trade rugs, rolling up the 10'X13' Karastan and putting down an easy-care bamboo. The coffee table is about 100 lbs, so it takes a lot of heft to move it around (not to mention the sofas.) Good to have willing family helpers.

Male bonding: with help from the gals

We portion out bags of leaf tea, pack up our VitaMix and teapots, and send a few other things to storage at Mom and Dad's. Luckily, Mom and I can wear similar clothes: she likes the sweaters I send along. By 6pm, we've prayed together, looked at family pictures, caught up with each other, and said goodbye.

There's no one like my mom or dad!

W's Acura goes up the driveway with the oldest son. And Waldemar starts to pack.

A final snapshot with the kids

By evening we have updated our will, packed most storage, and are ready to call it a day.

Read more:

*Happy are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your countenance. Psalm 89:15 ESV

*Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Proverbs 7:2 NIV

*Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1 Timothy 4:16 ESV

Moravian Prayer: As we begin a new day and week, may we remember your commandments and the covenant you have made with your people. Keep us true to your word and may we always feel the embrace of your love. Amen.