“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

A.A. Milne

My second post for today is a follow-up to the family update piece I wrote back on May 24th (Exciting Family News).

Today is the day that “The A-Team” (Andrew, Alicia and Mr. T.) head west, flying back across the North Atlantic and on to their new home in Michigan.

Both Andrew and Alicia have contracts in hand for teaching jobs, and I know they are looking forward to this new adventure with great anticipation and excitement.

The A-Team already own the house that’s been home base for the past few summers, so they won’t have to spend the first few days apartment-hunting like the front end of every other move to a new city in a new country.

A New Chapter:

Along with the excitement, I imagine their hearts are also a little heavy and their eyes maybe leaking as they shift gears from the mystery and romance of living in Italy, Tashkent, Dresden, Manama and Krakow to the down-to-earth of low-key, cheese, pies and flannel that characterize life – “You betcha” – in the American midwest.

But here is what I see happening. First, down-to-earth is the perfect next move for our grandson, entering the 2nd grade having already lived in three countries.

Then, Andrew and Alicia will become influencers and leaders who bring a unique richness and a more expansive world view into the professional and community life of their new home.

This is always the opportunity we are offered when we move to a new location. We can be agents of grace, and new life and possibility – practitioners of good news and encouragement and the bright promise of tomorrow.

Look out, Midland Michigan. The A-Team is rolling in. “You betcha!” – DEREK