Sooo everyone thought that I would cry the whole night at our going away party, and I made it through the entire night without a single tear! (Don’t ask me about the next day though…or the day after that…)

We had the best time surrounded by our closest family and friends. The amount of love and support we have is difficult to even put into words. The night went by in a blink of an eye, but we received so much encouragement.

I am someone who often tells people how much they mean to me. I express affection regularly, often saying “I love you’s”, giving complements, and verbal encouragement. (My love language is words of affirmation) What I have realized throughout this past month is that even though not everyone verbally acknowledges how much they love us, they have shown it ten-fold. I could think of tons of examples, but I’ll just share a few.

My team at work hosted a going away lunch, where five people drove down from Wisconsin and they gave me an amazing travel-themed gift basket. My mom flew in from Virginia to be at our going away party, while we had friends drive in from multiple hours away. Ben’s parents have let us completely take over their basement with all of our storage boxes and furniture. My car is currently sitting in my in-laws garage…I didn’t even get a garage spot at my own house before this! Between our friends and family, I think we had seven going away dinners. We also have a really awesome group of friends that spent an entire Saturday helping us move. Don’t worry – we provided them with alcohol and pizza.

The last two days in America, we had over a dozen people stop by our empty home to wish us luck and give us hugs goodbye. Since we have arrived, so many people have called or texted to check-in with us. Like I said, the support we have is unlike anything I have ever experienced…and I am so so grateful.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.