If you would have asked me about 5 months ago to describe how I would feel about leaving New York, sad probably would not have been a thought. But to tell the truth, I am sad about leaving the place we called home for the past little while and the incredible friends that we made. Living there changed my life. That probably sounds drastic, but it really has. I have gained a broader perspective on life and the world that I hope will stay with me forever.
I can't help but think about the things we will miss the most...
1. Our Bible Study - We started attending a Redeemer Beta Group Bible study this past May. Our co-ed group, of about 15 people, met every Tuesday night for about 2 hours to discuss and study the week's sermon. Not only will we miss the discussions and weekly fellowship, we will miss the great friends that we made through the group. One person in particular that we will miss is our group leader, Christine. She has been such a special blessing to George and me over the last few months. If I could sum her up briefly, I would say that she is one of those rare people that you know are put into your life for a reason... a person that inspires you and that you hope to be like one day. I think she is just great and wish everyone that I love could meet her.
2. Our Auburn Friends - Thank goodness for Southerners in New York! We had so many good times with Wade and Pat and, in the last couple of months, Jan Paul and Mary Catherine. We will always remember our trip to Mystic, Connecticut, Mohegan Sun, weekend dinner outings, the Auburn bar, and many more.
3. The AU Bar - This was probably one of my favorite things in the city. Even though this season hasn't been that much fun to watch, it is a neat experience to be in the middle of New York while surrounded by Auburn fans.
4. Our Neighborhood and Favorite Places - You would think that living in a city as big as New York, we would have never eaten or gone to the same place twice. Oh contrar. We loved our little part of the city and frequently chose our favorite places over branching out. Some of the places that we regularly went to were Delizia's Pizza, a quiet little cobblestone park on the East River, the little authentic wine shop across the street, J.G. Melon, Carl Schultz Park (especially the small dog run), and Best Health Gourmet Deli. In retrospect, it was kind of nice to have anything we could possibly need within 1 block of our apartment!
5. Redeemer Presbyterian Church and Tim Keller - Our church will definitely be missed. If you have witnessed Tim Keller speak or listened to one of his sermons, you understand. At least we can still download his sermons and listen to them from Alabama!
