As of this writing today, I have 40 days until my time in Virginia is scheduled to end. On November 1, I will be packing everything I own into the back seat and trunk of my car and heading out across the great United States once again, to go home to Oregon.
I thought long and hard about what the past four years in the Air Force have meant to me, and I focused mainly on the last two years here in Newport News. As Charles Dickens once wrote, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” (bonus points if you tell me what book that was from without looking it up).
Thanks to Debbie Nuttall, who is a member of Jude2.com as I am and have been for awhile, I was able to find Lakeside Church, which I have been grateful to call my temporary home over the past couple of years. Over the 24 months I have been at Lakeside I’ve seen people come and go, leadership change hands, new ministries sprouting up and people being reached out to like never before. That encourages me.
I’ve made some great friends. I could name them all specifically but I don’t want to give any one person more space on here than the other, because each person at Lakeside has had an equally positive impact on my life. They know who they are and I appreciate them.
Only thing I’m disappointed with is that for whatever reason, I never was able to do much in my endeavor to become a youth leader. I only remember once or twice where I was able to speak on Wednesday nights, but other than that I never really did much during my appointment as an assistant youth leader. I even will go so far as to blame my deployment to Iraq — I was gone for six months, and still since I’ve been back I have been spiritually drained. So I don’t know…maybe it is a good thing that I haven’t been a youth leader for some time.
It’s time to face the music: the time has come for me to move on, and I’m starting the transition Monday. It’s on that day that I will start filling out my papers for separation from the Air Force. I’ll start planning my route across the United States, donating some of my old unused clothes and items to Salvation Army, selling off old items and making the most out of continued visits and time to hang out with friends.
I will not fail to pray and seek the Lord’s guidance as I travel across the nation, search for employment and a new home. It’s really tough to venture out and branch into something new at any age, and it’s already proving somewhat difficult for me.
I guess what I really want to say is if I seem rather distant or somewhat emotionally disconnected over the next few weeks, there’s nothing wrong, but I will just have my mind on a myriad of different things. Obviously I’m in Portland, Oregon in my mind already, but there’s a lot of stuff left to do before I get there and my mind is constantly racing through what I’m gonna do.
Anyhow I appreciate your continued prayers and thanks for all the love and support. I have been blessed by many and I hope and pray I return the blessing.
Well I tell you 1 thing for sure my good pilgrim friend.
1- I would have never attempted to build a web site for our church (we have 3 now) if it had not been for your presence here Chris. That’s a fact Jack!
2- Since I have the space. You have been a huge blessing to me & our worship/audio/video team. You caused us to stretch out & grow in areas that were very unfamiliar to us. True, true.
3- Barbara & I will miss you a lot my brother.
4- Do not know how to type that well to express the love we have for you & how much you are going to be blessed in your new home back in Oregon. THE BEST is YET to COME!
5- Is Oregon really a state now?
Chris: I remember when you first walked into Lakeside. Debbie and I had been praying you would come and call Lakeside “home away from home.” Your moniker on Jude2 was EagerBeaver if I remember correctly. You have been a blessing for all the reasons that John mentioned above and more. You have been a wonderful friend to many here in the youth group, and we will, indeed, miss you. We will keep in mind that your mind is already in Oregon, and that you will have myriad lists of things to do running through your head. Just know that you have made a mark and impact here and that if you are ever out Virginia-way again, you have a home here! In the meantime, you are still “Brewski” and part of our still-here family! Lots of love in Christ
PS: John is not up on his geography yet . . .
Barbara and John, you both have been true friends and have supported me the entire way through. I love you guys and appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Especially while I was deployed and coming back, thanks for giving me a temporary home.
I’ll be back to visit as often as I can too…
But, I’m not gone yet so let’s all make the best of the time I have remaining!!!
Brewer…. I don’t know where to begin! You have been so much of a friend to me. Because of you I was able to grow and make friendships with some great people. We’ve had some crazy great times! The whole Crawford Road experience. All the D.C. trips. All night adventures we’ve taken, just so you could get of your dorm… I could go on and on! I just want to thank you for all you have done in my life and the lives of others in the church.. You truly are a huge blessing!! You will truly be missed brother man!!! But, you’re still here….so, we have a few more adventures to take before your time is up!
That’s right Jon. But, still remember what I told you to be cautious about, concerning Chrs @ night, when you guys went to TN.
And Sean also!
I’m gonna miss you Chris. I was so excited when I learned on Jude2 that you were coming to our area and got others excited and praying for you to come to Lakeside too! I’m glad we were all able to be a part of your journey in life. We wish only the best for you for the rest of your future! It’s so neat that we will be able to keep in touch with you so easily by internet. I concur with John’s #1 above and appreciate all the help you gave.
You could have named this post “A Tale of Two Cities”…
Love ya!
Bruski - i am thankful as well God has brought you to this church and you truly have become like family. we have had some great times and lots of laughs but most importantly i agree with you and say that it has been filled with spiritual growth. i am glad i can share in that with you. i will miss you but look forward to see how God works in this new stage of your life. you have my prayer brother and i admire this huge leap of faith. take your calling SERIOUSLY and go after it with all your worth. Explore your skills (examples- writing and humor) and use them all for the glory of God. i love you with the love of christ and recall many great memories.