We said goodbye to Chattanooga on Wednesday and Thursday September 10-11. On Wednesday night, Will and Kim H. threw us a going-away bash/prayer send-off. Robert, Tim, Jade, and Ben from the AP house were there. Bob and Michelle – good friends and small group partners from St. Elmo Pres – were there. Becca H. was there fresh off one of her first days of work. And the entire Holt family was there: Robby, Chrissy, Clark, Abby, Emma, and Ellie. It was the first time we had seen the Holts since last November at Ben and Jane’s wedding, and it was a great blessing. They had us over for breakfast several times when we were dating, and have served as both relational and mercy ministry mentors to us.
It was one of those evenings with friends when conversation and “being-with” flows so easily that suddenly you’ve spent 3 or 4 hours and can hardly believe it.
It was great to catch up with the guys at the AP house (the Kirkland clan) and hear of all their bachelor adventures: garden plans, woman’s laundry, involvement with the newly merged Bethlehem-Wiley Church, and so on. And it was a joy to hear Clark, Abby, and Emma (Ellie mostly sat on her father’s arm and hid her face in his shoulder) talk about their experience overseas and here. According to Clark, they have a lot more recess in English education, and less homework. So how do those Brits get so smart?
Thursday morning we said goodbye to Grandma. It was such a good experience living with her. Not only did we learn more about what’s going on in the world according to TV news, we learned a lot about what has changed Chattanooga over the last 60 years, we really sharpened up our SkipBo, and we got to know Grandma a lot better. We are going to miss her a lot over the next year or so. After bidding her farewell, we drove to see Grandmother and Granddad Woodard on Signal Mountain. They were in very good spirits, joking and laughing and eating well. We will miss them too.
Our last visit of the day was with the Owens household in Alton Park. Ms. Owens, Ashley, Jeremy, Felicia and Nakelci were all there and seemed to be doing well. Felicia added another to the family on Friday: Ieesha, at about 6 pounds 11 ounces.
Then it was on to Birmingham for a few days and to Warner Robins Georgia for another few to visit with our families. We visited Corrie at Birmingham Southern and listened to her rock out on the keys with her youth group band. We went tubing down the Cahaba River at “Limestone Park”: a couple of shacks back in the woods with a pile each of inner tubes and canoes. We had dinner with Kris and Katie. We got to see the newly betrothed Ellen and Adam (www.adamhoover.com). We spent a lot of time with Charlotte, who is starting her last year of highschool and feeling anxious to get out. And we had a lot of good conversations.
We have a lot to be thankful for.
Tom and Kelly,
Congratulations. Sorry I missed you guys when you were here in the city. Up to my old tricks, you know. Just have to be honest. Anyway, thanks for sending me this email to let me know you are leaving. If you can stay in touch. Thanks for being real friends. Don't know what I should do with myself sometimes. Tom, email me some pictures if you can. Please do stay in touch. You guys will definately be in my prayers.
I've joined a fellowship group (bible study, prayer, and felloship) with Redeemer Presbyterian Church. Will have these guys praying for you as well.
Love you guys,
Chris Cooper
I love to hear about your final time in the States. I can´t wait to meet up with you on Wednesday! I´ll be praying for you on your journey tomorrow.
Jina