What I'm gonna miss

In some ways, Guam is harder to leave than other places I have lived before. Sure, it's possible another island tour may be in our future waaaaay down the road, but for the most part it's safe to assume there is very little chance we will make it back here, presumably ever. There is a whole lot about Guam that I haven't mentioned here that I am going to miss like crazy after we leave. I have collected some pictures over the last few weeks to remind me of some of these people and places and things that have made my time here so special. 

Singing in church. I have been helping out leading music during the church services off and on this past year. I had forgotten how much I love singing and harmonizing. My voice isn't so amazing that I will try to pursue this at our next church, which is why I so appreciate having had the opportunity to sing my heart out on Sunday mornings here while services have been transitioning.

The Fish Co-op. I know I have written a whole Fresh Factor post on this place before, but it really is one of Guam's highlights for us. I have gotten to know the guys behind the counter well, and they know me too... by name, by favorite type of fish, by about what day and time of the week I will stop by. They started throwing in a bunch of extra freebies... free poki, free potato salad, free fish (my whole order one time), and even, yes, free lobster. I hit the jackpot with the Fish Co-op. I am going to miss them. I think they might even miss me a little too.

 My Tuesday morning women's Bible study. These amazing women have helped stretch my faith, carry me through the low points, and have filled the place of aunts, sisters, and cousins here on an island where very few of us have extended family. Together we have dug deep and fought hard to have better control over the words we use, the types of commitments we make, how we spend the precious time we are given here, and how we treat others. So many lessons learned and opportunities to reflect. Tuesday mornings have been my soul food.

My crossfit playground group. This group started back in March. My friend Erin wanted to start getting back in shape after baby #2 and was having to juggle child care options. So we started meeting at the playground by her house. Her baby could sleep and her two year-old could run around while we banged out an intense 20-30 minute crossfit workout. It didn't take long before more moms and kids joined in and we started collecting the equipment for a fairly well outfitted gym. Being the only regular without kids, you might presume I was a bit out of place. Let me tell you, I have never seen a more motivated group of women working out than those who are trying to lose baby weight after having their second (or third) child! There was no lack of intensity or enthusiasm from these girls. They are all in ridiculously good shape.

 Our dinner party group! These two other couples from church started a dinner group where we'd take turns eating at each other's houses once a month as schedules allowed. Three of us worked for the church and the other halves are all active duty Navy or Coast Guard. We always had a great time together and I am going to miss them like crazy. This picture is from our last-hoorah karaoke night :)

We have already moved out of our house and are staying at a hotel for our last few days on island, so this picture is something I already miss... the sight of our beach towels, hiking shoes, snorkel gear, etc., drying on the clothesline between the carport and the kitchen window. To most of you it probably looks like laundry. But to me it represents recent adventures in Guam's fabulous sunshine, exploring the jungle or the ocean or just laying on a beach somewhere. Never thought I would miss a clothesline.

Guam's zoo of yard critters. There was almost always a big frog hiding burrowed underneath the flowers in our planter box in front of the house. And we got used to the surprise of geckos behind doorways and shower curtains. And of course I'm doing to miss the herb jungle, though I am already making plans for our herb garden in Virginia Beach. We found a great home for all of our herbs, someone who was beyond excited to take care of them for us. I know it sounds silly, but it makes my heart happy knowing our little herb babies will be well cared for.

 Golfing on Guam. I know we will have plenty of golf courses where we are going, but the beauty about golfing here is that you pretty much never need a tee time. If you want to spontaneously show up on a beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon without a tee time, no problem! And some of the views are just stunning. I will miss the high cliff views over the ocean.

My friend Kate! I finally made us take a picture because after a year and a half of meeting up almost every week for yogurt, coffee, lunch, or the beach, it dawned on me that I didn't even have a picture of one of my closest friends! The great news is that Kate and her family are also moving to the Hampton Roads area and will be arriving only about a month after we get there. What I will miss, though, is this glorious free schedule of mine that has allowed me to squeeze in our get togethers between staff meetings, worship practice, and errand running. Resumes are heading out the door, so that aspect of paradise will likely be find its end shortly, even though (thankfully!) my get togethers with Kate will continue.

And last but not least... yes, youth group. The hard part of getting to know so many kids so well is that you want to keep watching them grow up. Some of these kids had just finished up fifth grade when I got here and are now a month into eighth. We've spent a lot of time together here and there throughout each week, and they really are all special to me in one way or another. Thank goodness for FaceBook so we can keep in touch :)

Not much time left... just a few hours, actually! Grateful to be leaving a place that has been so good to us. Now to sleep ahead of the long flight back... in the morning. See you soon, America.