Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Sudden Change

A big part of our lives is about to change. And suddenly, with so little warning...as I imagine has happened to many here in our area after so much was lost to the floods. Since our home was not affected adversely, I did not think I would be personally affected by it at all. However, our church is a big part of our lives, and it was affected seemingly--at least from where we stand now--beyond repair.

The storms apparently and according to our Pastor, caused an underground spring to break loose, flooding the downstairs. Even after the rains have ceased, water continues to flow into the walls and flooring, and mold has already begun to grow. Estimated repairs are in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, money we do not have right now as a church that was already struggling financially.

So just like that, we've moved out. Perhaps not permanently, but I would venture to say indefinitely. Tonight's activities had already been canceled, but like so many daily challenges, my assumption was that the water would be pumped out, the mess cleaned out, back to business as usual on Sunday. However, instead there are already movers helping get valuable items out of harm's way, and we have plans to meet with another church on Sunday.

I realize church is not about the building. It's about the people. I love the people at our church, and I rest safely each week in the familiarity. I know that I will pass certain familiar faces in the children's area, in the preschool area, in the long hallway. And I know that when I take my usual seat in the sanctuary I can glance over at specific areas and see the same people sitting there. While I know many of these same people will venture over to the new church, there will inevitably be many who do not. They will go other directions. Last week may have been the last time I saw them.

I know my children will experience this as well. I haven't even told them yet. What stopped us dead in our tracks a couple years ago from pursuing a move to Florida was our children's comments that "We will miss our friends at church." I know they will miss some of them now, even without a move a state away. Not only will they miss friends, but I have a sneaking suspicion we will have to start all over with Jacob. He has been so brave for the last year and half going into this class. But it was all familiar to him.

Change is never easy. This one is so sudden and heartbreaking. I know life--and what is so significantly a part of it--will ease back in to some sense of normalcy at some point. The transition will be uncomfortable, but hopefully we come full circle back to familiarity sooner rather than later.

7 comments:

Jean said...

we gotta learn to change and adapt to the changes at all times in order to feel like home at places.

From me to you, suejean =)

bethany said...

I am so sorry about your church. I agree, change is never easy. Hugs!

CrossView said...

One day you'll look back...
It will all be fine...
You will grow from this....
Yada, yada, yada.
Yeah, it's all true. But the fact is that it's hard and it's scary and it's NOW! And I'm so sorry.

@nnie said...

ouch,
that stings.
So sorry about the floods in your area. I didn't even know an underground spring could break loose like that! I shouldn't be surprised. It's God's world... we're just living in it!

right now, the new church is the unknown.

But the next week, it will be the known.

and it will get more and more familiar with time.

Who knows? Maybe there is somebody God wants you to meet or something special He wants you to accomplish!

Thinking of you!

Unknown said...

I am very sorry to read that this has happened. I do hope that your church administration had a good insurance policy. Water damage is never pleasant. Finding a good congregation that you feel comfortable with is not easy. I suspect that you know someone who can help you, if you ask Him.

Linda said...

I'm sorry to hear this. There must be a reason, right?

dclouser said...

So sorry to hear this news. Floods seem to be a worldwide phenomenon right now. We will be praying that the situation will work out. Maybe you guys will gravitate to the same new place as the kids' friends?