Aliens in the Apple

Going, going, (almost) gone!

Franci 19 Feb 2014 Christchurch Updates

We’re on our way to the States: our house is under offer, we’ve traveled to Auckland and have had our Green Cards approved, and tomorrow, Lord willing, we fly out to New York.

The last few weeks have been a super busy time, and a bit of an emotional roller coaster. So much to finish off, so little time. So excited to go, so sad to leave. So many lasts (for a while — not forever!). So many things falling into place at just the right time. So much to be thankful for. Too many goodbyes. So much grace.

Last week Thursday the packers came.

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(Some left-over balloons from Marica’s birthday party the previous weekend in the midst of all the packing mess!)

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Thursday night the tummy bug came for Ben.

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We said goodbye to our house.

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We said goodbye to friends and family (and I didn’t take photos of nearly half of them, which I regret) and had many lovely meals and visits, which we’re so thankful for.

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And for a bit of (embarrassing to us) fun, here’s a song Ben and I wrote about our move and that we played at the Hoyt reunion in January.

Next time I hope to send you all an update from the Big Apple!

Comments (6)

Bruce Hoyt 19 Feb 2014 at 5:28pm

We’re happy/sad for you. Happy that you have your Green Cards and the way is clear for you to leave. Sad that you in fact are leaving us. When will we see you again? Perhaps we can come to the Big Apple.

Hannah Holder 19 Feb 2014 at 5:30pm

Great photos of the girls, especially the first one of Esther and Ingrid (?).

When do you find out about the sale of the house? I didn’t quite get the auction/offer status.

You’ve got a beautiful voice, Franci!

Hope to catch a glimpse of you in about 6 weeks…

lianahavelaar 19 Feb 2014 at 6:39pm

Thanks again for the song. Ed had been thinking about / finding ideas for a song for you guys, but it didn’t quite happen …
Safe travels!

Rachael van Wichen 20 Feb 2014 at 2:51am

Going to miss you all heaps! The Lord be with you and bless you :)

Laurel 20 Feb 2014 at 3:38am

What a lovely photo of Esther and Erika! and of course the others too.

Hope you have a smooth flight all that way!

Lillian 20 Feb 2014 at 12:14pm

Dear Ben and Franci!
Thank you for posting, especially the photos and video. I cried a few tears myself - so heart wrenching to be leaving well-loved ones and so many memories. It’s hard to believe that you won’t be part of the picture when we visit NZ. But we’ll build different and wonderful memories with you State side. Very grateful to have some family coming our way! Praying for you now as you fly and then settle.
Love you all!
Lillian