Signs of the Times

As we leave our neighborhood, there are two, beautiful, tree-lined streets that we frequently drive or bike along.  It was October this year before we began seeing the leaves turn yellow and orange.   We came home one day to see that our backyard “trees on a frame” had been pruned back to bare limbs in preparation for winter.

 On Nov. 1 I turned the calendar page and taped last month’s picture up with the other 14 pictures.

 

And lastly, we received a travel request form for our trip home when our mission is over.

 I realized that this was the second Fall we had witnessed in the Netherlands.  My thoughts jumped straight from there to “we’ve already been here over a year!”  and that we have only three of our 18 months left to serve.   Our travel request form asked for the date we will be leaving.  February 1, 2018 we wrote.  Our time here is quickly coming to an end.

As with all wonderful experiences, we approach the end of it with feelings of sadness for leaving and excitement to be home.  (this is what makes them wonderful, right?!)

We will miss these very impressive young missionaries with whom we serve.

 

We will miss the amazing young single adults we have the privilege to serve.

We will miss the Oostveen’s, our dear friends who have cared for us, served us, loved us and made us a part of their family. 

But we look forward with great excitement to being home with these people (plus Calvin, not yet arrived in this picture :) ! 

Our family is nearest and dearest to us.  Their encouragement and support has made it possible for us to fulfil our life dream of serving a senior couple mission.  Mom has been there with all her enthusiasm and support, cheering us on and being with our kids and grandchildren in our absence.  It will be so great to put our arms around all of them!

We will continue to serve these last three months with all our hearts, might, mind and strength, and at the same time try to contain our excitement to see our family!