The Tchau-B-Q

So yesterday was my going away party, the Tchau-B-Q. It was great; the best party I've ever had. I'm amazed at all the people who came to wish me blessings on my journey to Vancouver. The planning for it was a bit stressful, from wondering if we'd have enough food, if we'd be able to get folding tables, enough grills, enough coolers, etc.. But everything turned out fine; nothing to really worry about. I spent most of the time just talking to people and getting photos with them (which I will eventually put up online), which I was happy with, even though I didn't get to play any of the volleyball and Settlers games that were going on. Laura did such a wonderful job with the party, I didn't have to worry about a thing once it started. I was free to enjoy just being with friends, some of them for the last time in a while.

I'm realizing my going-away Tchau-B-Q isn't just for me; at least I don't think so. It's also for her. Being in a relationship has taught me to understand I am not mine anymore, but I am for her now too. I'm not leaving for Vancouver; we both are. Technically, she's not leaving until later, but we are living this life together now. She's being sent off too. Prayers for me are prayers for her, and vice versa.

I'll have plenty of time to get excited about Regent soon enough, but right now I'm starting to feel the effects of leaving. I'm not going to see these wonderful brothers and sisters for some time, and it's such a sad thing to think about. I look forward to being back in San Jose, and hopefully friends will come visit me in Vancouver, but it's not the same. There's a life lesson about changes in here somewhere. Changes are hard if you're in a good place, but in the end, you have to go through some of them if you really want to seize life's best.

From all the blessings I received from the Tchau-B-Q, I think what I learned the most is to thank the God who made all these good things possible.