Saying Good-Bye

A few weeks before we moved, I felt like I was doing so great with the packing but as our departure day grew closer, I realized how far behind I was. We did so much last-minute packing. Thank goodness for our amazing friends who helped us finish as well as doing a lot of cleaning. 

When I got up Sunday morning, I was folding some laundry and felt impressed to reach out to Andrew. We hadn't seen him for weeks and we really wanted to say good-bye to him. I texted him letting him know that we were leaving that day. Ten to 15 minutes later he burst through the door with tears streaming down his cheeks. He said he had stayed up late and he normally wouldn't have been awake at that time but for some reason he woke up and checked his phone. I gave him a giant hug and then got the rest of the family who were all so happy to see him. He wanted to say good-bye sooner, but it was really hard for him. I know Heavenly Father's prompted us both and I am so grateful to see His hand in my life.

We planned to leave first thing in the morning, but we didn't actually get on the road until closer to noon. We were able to listen to the Union Ward's testimony meeting and a few of our friends stopped by after church for a final good-bye. It was so hard to say our final good-byes. My heart broke as we drove away and I know my life will never be the same. Our family has been so very blessed to have the time we did in Manteca. I wanted to leave for so many years but now I could stay forever with these families I have come to love so much.