Perhaps it’s that time of the month when chocolate reigns atop the food pyramid and the wrong brand of nail polish will send me fuming out the door. Or, maybe, I’m teary-eyed and awkwardly red because two of our best friends are leaving. And although their move is following God’s call and is “only” two hours north (where we’ll be imposing on them all summer), I can’t help but be sad. These two are heading to Flagstaff, AZ to start a church.
Tonight is their going away party – a party in which you might spot me rocking back and forth in a corner with tissues draping from my nostrils. I’m a little emotional. Just, a little.
You may have listened to our saga a million times, but when Marcus and I first arrived to Phoenix, we knew one family. ONE. Our first year of marriage, paired with a brand new business and little to no immediate support or community left us in a struuuugle, to say the least. Through such hardship (that we are incredible grateful for), Vince and Verity became some of our first and closest friends here.
They loved us in very tangible, sacrificial ways. They served us when it was a cost to themselves, and gave to us when they had plenty of their own needs to consider. But even more than all they’ve done for us, I thank God for who they are to us. Their authenticity and dedication to our friendship is something I value and cherish so strongly. We were privileged to capture their wedding, travel throughout California, fall in love with their families, eat great food and share great wine, lose our minds over Downton Abbey, set our dogs up, and dream about the goodness God has in store.
So, as I go to wash my hair for the first time in three days, and deliberate how to best escape tonight’s ensuing celebration and sabotage tomorrow’s U-Haul, I can laugh at my face as it hideously deforms to fight back a flood… and be thankful for so many great memories and a future of many more.
V+V :: You are a living example of Christ’s love, and I couldn’t be more honored to know you. Even though you’ve watched me cry over you ten times without participating, I still love you to pieces and always will. Thank you, for everything.
Planting a church is a huge sacrifice, especially financially. If you feel moved to bless this amazing little family in their venture, you can do so HERE!!
Rosabel
that picture of Verity on her wedding morning is my favorite getting ready shot EVER. I bought myself a mug, just so I could have it for my (if God wills, someday) wedding. // also, I have friends like this. it’s always heartwrenching to say, “God, they’re Yours first,” and watch them walk off into a sunset of an era. But SO VERY SWEET to know that God leads and guides so well. The more I say goodbye (or even “see you later”), the more I long for Heaven, where “scores of kindred ne’er break up, and Sabbaths have no end.”
What a touching tribute to this wonderful couple. They are both a beautiful pair that I’ve had the priviledge of meeting and sharing a meal with and having “tea” with Verity. A very special couple that has so much to offer Flagstaff. May God’s hand be upon them all the days of their lives! XOXO