The weather often dictates our plans. Last Friday had a forecast of fine weather, and it was the only dry day for a little while. So I took the day off, for the lawns, JS hedges etc, to be given their final trims, before we leave. It was a thorough job and I was spent when it was all done. That night, we caught up with our “St Alfred’s Hot Pot” group – a bunch of Asians, who are a small minority, that had spent time over nice meals. Mainly Malaysians, a couple of Singaporeans and bloke from HK, we share many things in common, of about the same vintage, and allowed the court jester (Warren) all the time and spotlight he wanted to share his tales. We had a lot of fun and we will miss them heaps.

Earlier on Thursday night, there was the Growth Group breakup/farewell dinner at the Longs’. A more serene, sedate and quiet group, it was also a group with loads of fun and blessings. I had to miss the dinner however, as I was running a bad cold and there were some more senior members in that group who have had bad runs of infections in recent years so I didn’t want to run the risk and stayed home. We caught up on WhatsApp video however and it was really nice. We will miss them heaps too.

Saturday was to be a wet day but I used those intermittent drier spells to duck in and out of the shed, and cleared out, packed and cleaned the place. Tools etc all bundled up, hose carts cleaned and bundled with all lengths of hose, stuff hard rubbished or quickly sold, the shed is now cleaned out. I felt washed up too…

Yesterday at St Alf’s, Helen Petering did the community notices and pointed out that it was Tress and my last Sunday there (at 26:32). She asked us to stand where we were and acknowledged us. That was nice (slightly embarrassing too but what the heck). After the service we spoke to numerous people to say goodbye. We had also arrived earlier than usual, to also speak to more folks. We will miss the people we have come to know and share journeys with.

We then went to our usual lunch spot and enjoyed a hefty and hearty meal, said goodbye to Ann and Ben the couple who own and run the place (Ben is also the chef) – yet another of those people we will miss.

We have said to goodbye to many. We are walking away from a life we have built and loved. We trust we are making the right decision (although often we still question it). The ongoing lesson is that God leads and we are to wait on Him. I hope this simple mantra doesn’t become too difficult to live.

On Sunday arvo we continued the process. We packed, dismantled beds, took stuff out for hard rubbish, had Warren pick up our old washing machine, and generally plugged away to get the move ready. Last night, as I crashed onto our floor ridden mattress and nursed my sore back, I fell into a quick and deep sleep. I woke this morning, to a message on my watch that said to me I had a “100% body battery”. I hope it lasts long enough for us to see this process through.