Our morning of good-byes.

Febuary 12th has come and this morning our friends and co-workers for over 8 years 

left to move back to the States.

We have had 3 nights all together in our home. Busy, sad, heavy, comfortable, happy to be eating together, kids playing together, kids crying in intervals. 

Then at 7:00 am this morning final good byes were said and out the door they each went 

to climb in our van and head to Istanbul to start a new life in the States.

The house is empty, messy and quiet. 

The kids and I all stood together as the van pulled away and hugged and cryed some quiet tears. 

Then I let them watch some cartoons and I made a special brk for them, colored pancakes...

with a little suprise of choclate chips in 3 of the pancakes...

and the day begins and so our new season of life begins. 

Good bye dear friends and thank you. 

Received a call this afternoon from Sema a mutual friend of Alyssa's and mine. She called to see how the kids and I were doing and expressed her sadness as well. Tomorrow I will go and visit Dilek as she is also another mutual friend and we will chat and have tea and feel the loss of our friend in this city with us. 

Full of hope and a heavy heart brought by true friendship. 

 So thankful today for the 8 years of consistant friendship and fellowship and hardship that will last a life time.  

In our west corner... 

Becky

A and C - this post is as much for you as for us, we know you understand. I especially knew you would enjoy the pics.