This morning I said goodbye to two of my most favorite people! My brother and sister-in-law took off on a new adventure to Costa Rica this morning. They have committed to serve with the Peace Corps for 27 months! I have been so blessed to have such an amazing brother and sister-in-law.
I have been right by Braden's side pestering him since he was a year and a half old. I think mom and dad wondered if the two of us were ever going to get along! I'm pretty sure Braden often wondered if I was ever going to be quiet long enough for him to get a word in. Once the little sister was born Braden and I started to team up to defend our home turf and we had fun giving Brennan a hard time about everything! Even though Braden and I fought a lot throughout middle school and even some in high school I have always known that he would do absolutely anything to protect me.
I still remember my freshmen year of high school dad woke us up one night because there was a tornado headed towards our neighborhood. I remember taking shelter in the closet and being really scared. We were all piled into a little bitty space with a ton of blankets and pillows. Braden was right next to me and he must have heard me crying because the next thing I know he grabbed my hand and told me over and over, "It's going to be alright. It's going to be alright." He's been pretty much the best big brother ever! I've always known that he was only a phone call away and would drop anything to help his little sis.
I think that is what makes this move the hardest. I'm so excited for Him and Erin, but I am going to miss having that lifeline! It's hard knowing that two of my best friends are now not only a phone call away. Selfishly I want them close, but I know that God has beautiful and amazing plans for them in Costa Rica!
When I look at how all of the plans have unfolded there is no doubt in my mind that His hand of grace and love has been all over this path! Our faithful God has opened these doors for Braden and Erin in His perfect and faithful timing! Although two years seems like quite a long time, I know that it will pass quickly and before I know it my big bro and sis will be back in the states putting my Spanish degree to shame!
I can't wait to hear about all of the wonderful things that our Lord does through them while they are there. I pray that they will be challenged daily to lean fully on Him and trust that every word that He has given us is true! I pray that He will keep them safe and use them to be a light to His most holy name. I pray that through them somebody's eternity will be changed and that their faith will be strengthened in amazing ways.
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