Sunday, March 16, 2008

Human Drama

If you're a fan of the Hands on a Hard Body documentary, you may appreciate me saying that this weekend has been full of human drama. And that's drama like Alabama, not drama like mama.

First of all, little Mr. Coy got to go home from the hospital on Friday! Born at just 23 weeks, his precious life is miracle upon miracle. His due date is not even until March 25 or so, so it is beyond amazing that he is home right now. Praise our glorious God who is capable of anything!

Second, our sweet friend Jane Bridgwater got married last night. If you saw Jane you would probably think she was a fashion model, so I don't need to tell you how unbelievably beautiful she was as a bride. Oh my goodness. Her brother-in-law did the ceremony and the whole thing was very personal and passionate. It was one of the neatest ceremonies I've ever been to.

Third, Curtis is finally home from Honduras. He was the main cause of the human drama. Do I need to get into how ready both Jackson and I were to see him? I didn't think so. During the wedding I received a text message (don't panic, it was on vibrate) from Curt saying they had missed their flight in Miami. I received another message simultaneously from Janelle saying that they were spending the night in the airport. Dang it and bless their hearts. If that wasn't dramatic enough, Mom, Jackson and I were packed and ready to head back home to Irving at some point during the wedding reception. We would get home at 1:00 a.m., but this was necessary since today was going to be our last Sunday at our church. It looked like we wouldn't need to drive after all since Curt probably wouldn't make it home in time for church. DANG IT.

I couldn't get my husband on the phone (he was having lots of human drama at the airline counter), so I called Janelle. She told me that Curt had gotten all the parents of little kids on a red-eye flight last night. He actually had a chance to get on it himself, but he stayed with the rest of the group like a responsible leader. I felt proud of him but I also felt torn because there were lots of people I wanted to hug and say goodbye to at church. Torn might not be the right word. Distressed is more like it. And discombobulated.

Right after I got off the phone, a sweet lady came up to me and said, "Hi, Amanda! How are you? It's good to see you!" Y'all, please feel this deeply with me. All I could get out of my mouth was this: "How are you? How do I know you?" Yes, I did. YES, I DID! As soon as she told me her name I knew who she was, but I am such an idiot! Who says that? Luckily, she had seen me in my distressful phone call with Janelle and she sensed that I wasn't right.

Only five minutes later I was having another conversation when a lady I do know came up to me and said, "Congratulations!" This time? Well, I am not pregnant and I've not won a contest, so all I could think to say was, "What are you congratulating me for?" Yes, I did! When did I lose the simple skill of conversation? Seriously! I did explain to her that when I got my hair cut on Friday, the stylist congratulated me and then asked if I had been nervous at the wedding. It took me a minute, but I realized she had me confused with my sister who had just gotten married. So...just...bless my heart. I will explain the reason for her congratulations on another day, but this is all the drama I can deal with for now.

After that little episode, I tracked down my mom and explained that we needed to leave immediately because I was in no shape to be speaking to anyone. If the Moore's wanted to keep their good name, they needed to escort their daughter home immediately.

From there we went to Pappasito's and picked up some fajitas to go. I went inside, cash in hand, and headed straight for the bar. "Bartender, I've had a rough night, and I need a cherry coke to go." Y'all, she proceeded to accidentally dump a whole entire jar of cherries into my coke and it was so funny! She couldn't even put the lid on it.

When I finally talked to Curt, I found out that the airline had put the whole team up in a hotel. Curt even had his own room, so we were able to talk for a long time and catch each other up on things. We decided that Jackson and I should leave at 6 a.m. and try to make it in time for the contemporary service.

We left long before dawn and arrived just in time at our house. There were two interesting discoveries upon arrival. The grass was about 12 inches high and one of our neighbors had put a rainbow flag on their porch. It was gone by the time church let out, so I don't know if someone hung it there to be mean or if it was supposed to have been there.

It was a great Sunday to end on. We sat on our regular row next to Janelle and Heath, like everything was normal. Since it was Palm Sunday, we got to hear the children and the adult choirs sing as well as Jared and Amber and the worship team. Pastor John invited us on stage and gave Curt a Home Depot gift card and me a Pottery Barn gift card. Nice! At the end of the service we shared communion with our church family for the last time. Curt dropped his wafer on the floor and that may or may not have qualified him as having taken the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner. If he gets sick or "falls asleep", we'll know why.

Afterward, Curt and I stood in the choir room and people came in to say goodbye and give hugs. When Mrs. Beverly came through the line, I lost it and never got it back. Then it was all of our students. They are such an awesome group. I regret that I won't be here to see them all graduate and go off into the world. Some of my friends from bunco came through next. Those girls have been a blast. Then we said goodbye to Tobey and Cassi and Amber and Titus. It stung my heart to know that I won't see those little boys turn in to big boys. After that, we went to get Jackson in the nursery and I could not hold myself together. Ella and Jackson were playing in their class together. All the main preschool staff was still there and we got to give them hugs. I wish I could have accurately expressed how much we appreciate their ministry to us, but all I could do was cry. I'm tearing up again!

Then we walked home and said goodbye to Pastor Wayne and Mrs. JoAnn as we passed their car. Jackson was all smiles for Mrs. JoAnn. She and Wayne would like us to leave Jackson with them. So then I cried the rest of the way home. I cried for my cute little house that may or may not still be there in a year. We are under contract with the developer but we don't know if he's moving a family into our house or tearing it down. I guess it's good not to know.

Tonight we had our last dinner at Double Dave's. Heath, Janelle and Ella met us there. We had a good time and then we went to their house to visit in peace while the Tods played. I got to see Janelle's Honduras pictures and hear all the crazy stories from the trip. It made me wish I had gone, but then I saw a picture of the toilet they had to use in one particular village and the feeling passed.

Tomorrow Curt and I are going to organize the house and throw away everything that we don't want to take to our new home. Then Tuesday the packers come. Wednesday they load the truck and the Jones family will drive off into the beautiful North Texas sunset.

56 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's just so wrong that you can't tell us where you're going yet!!!! Surely your new church knows. Spill the beans!

Kara Akins said...

So much change. I am praying that you'll transition quickly. That your new home will feel like home spontaneously and that you'll have peace like a river.

Unknown said...

Bless your heart, Amanda. Ending of the seasons is so hard. We had an ending of our own last summer and discovered a great adventure that God wanted us to embark on. I pray that God will comfort you as you venture out into a wild new frontier with our Wild and Wonderful God. May He bless you and Curt and the precious Jackson with many new friends, many new opportunities and a marvelous new place to rest your head. You are precious dear, and I am glad it all worked out with Curt coming home. Blessings.

~Jodi~ said...

aww amanda you poor thing- i know you probably don't want pity but my heartaches and goes out to you... all that human drama alone would have been plenty for anyone let alone having to leave and say goodbye this week. i know we dont' really "know" each other but i feel like i've come to know you and care about you and your family. i am praying and thinking of you all and will continue to cover you in prayers in the coming days. may you find joy in the midst of all the change and may God give you comfort in this time of tranisition. you are so obviously loved and cared for by so many and i have no doubt God has many others waiting who's lives you and curtis will touch and bless, and whos lives will do the same for you all. Hang in there
blessings
Jodi

Taylor said...

so glad you made it to service on Sunday. absolutely dear moments and memories to keep in your heart--but you already knew that. i'll be praying for you this week.

love, Taylor

Taylor said...

oh, and i was chuckling about your lost art of conversation. i'm sure it will come back after things settle down!

nothing like coming right and asking--maybe the 'art of conversation' is just a fancy term for 'i-have-no-idea-but-i'll-pretend-anyway' :)

Profbaugh said...

Amanda,

Know that I'm praying for you during this time of "human drama." May you experience the LORD in a way you never have before. And most of all know that no matter where you live, you'll always have gazillons of bloggy friends willing to lend a shoulder for you to cry upon or better yet an ear to hear your laughter!!

Peace and joy,
~Cheryl

Melinda said...

God bless your sweet heart. I think leaving a place where you have loved well and have been well loved is one of the hardest things in the world to do. "Human drama" at its most human AND most dramatic! In fact, I actually remember thinking, as I went through it myself, "this is what being 'run through the ringer' means". I literally felt every tear and emotion was being wrung from me.

I don't have to tell you that God is faithful. If you look at the treasure trove He had for you in Irving, can you even imagine the riches in the next place He's called you? Ride on sweet Jones family...ride on!

Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! said...

Oh Amanda. You're kind of making me cry this morning.

Is it wrong to say that I do hope you're moving a little closer to TN?

Sister Lynn said...

Bless your heart!

I hope that amidst all the craziness that this week will bring you will be able to enter into the events of this Holy Week.

May you find hope and peace in the Passion of Christ.

Sister Lynn

Anonymous said...

Funny, when I wrote you a comment about moving a bit back, little did I know God was preparing my heart too. Last week we got a suprise that my husband was selected for a leadership school and we are moving very soon. So I'm crying with you. My house, my kids' school, my church. So hard.

Laura said...

Amanda, praying for your week. That the Lord will hold you together! And that He will provide sweet friends on this new adventure as wonderful as the ones you leave behind.

Erin said...

tear sister

Dionna said...

I needed your post this morning and the humor that you brought with it after going through your own rough moments. I'm having a rough "feel sorry for me" morning. Both my girls have sore throats - one after just getting off medicine a few days ago for having strep! I wasn't very nice to my husband on the phone after he was non-communicative and I'm feeling lonely and wanting those Godly friends I've been praying for for so long.
Aaaahh - I think I NEED a cherry coke!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a lot of drama! That's amazing that baby Coy got to go home before his due date! Our God is Awesome! At least Curtis is home now and you were able to go to your last Sunday at church. I will pray for you as you this week as you prepare to move. I know you're planning on telling us but I am curious where y'all are moving to!

Kelly @ Love Well said...

What a bittersweet weekend. I do hope that Curtis doesn't join those who have fallen asleep; that might be too much drama. (Funniest line ever. You rock.)

And while I'm trying to be a good imaginary Internet friend and be supportive and not ask questions you don't want to answer right now -- you know you're killing us slowly, right?

Christi said...

The time you want everything to run smoothly, something always happens! Thanks for sharing the stories. I couldn't help but laugh hard and then cry at the same time.
I look forward to hearing the new stories of where the Lord is taking the Jones family.
God is good!

Amanda said...

The place we're going has to be ready for us to announce that we're coming there. We're getting close! We are really excited. There is pain in leaving here, but we are very happy about where we're headed. So even though I talk about crying and missing people, I want y'all to know we are okay. God is blessing us tremendously and we know we are doing the right thing.

Anonymous said...

It's always hard leaving somewhere that you've had such good friends and memories at even when there's something exciting up ahead. You're allowed! (not that you needed my permission or anything :)

Marc and Charity said...

Oh, I hope wherever y'all are going you will still be able to get good mexican food. :) Not that I miss it or anything....

I'll pray for y'all during this busy week!!!

Cheryl said...

I'm praying for you!!!!
I know this will be an extemely stressful week for you.
Just keep saying to yourself, "I know the plans I have for you, I know the plans I have for you!" Believe me, it works!!! :)

If you have a minute, I could sure use a good suggestion. I'm starting a small group with the Senior HS girls and need some suggestions on a good book or study to do with them. I don't just want to focus on sexual purity (although that will be a huge part) but most of these girls will be going to secular schools and I want to pour as much as I can into them before they go!

Sunni at The Flying Mum said...

So much drama and tears, but at least you had a VERY cherry Coke and pizza in the midst of it.

happy pamela said...

Precious girl, I was the one to come up to you at the wedding after seeing the distressed look on your face during the phone call. You needed to be comforted but I didn't want to intrude. Thank you for calling me SWEET! The Holy Spirit prompts us to move toward people but our own insecurities halt us at times. Thank the Lord I may be learning something. . .I just silently prayed the Father would be with you and take care of the circumstances surrounding your distress. I am so glad your harried weekend is over!

Anonymous said...

Bless your heart! Though I was cracking up at your temporary loss of conversation decorum! :-)

Cinde said...

Leaving a community is a bit like removing a square from a quilt. You feel the "rip" so deeply...but our good Lord, who mends by stitching, will sew you into your new home in His time!

Holly said...

Oh Amanda between discombobulated and the whole jar of cherries, you had me laughing asthmatically (I don't even have asthma!). Then when you got to the goodbyes and the sweet home, I began to feel the familiar feeling of "I know just what you mean" creep in.

May God richly bless you and your family. May every single gladness be doubled and every sorrow diminished. No matter where God takes you, He has some wonderful friendships and adventures in store--He also will take each precious friendship you have and make it even more precious!

Much love and prayers for you all this week!
holly

PS We have a job!! Can you drink another cherry coke to praise His Name with me?

Faith said...

Sorry you had to go through so much drama! Another commenter called it "bittersweet" and that seems to be a good word for it. Praying you transition quickly and that God fills you all with His comfort and peace!

Emmy said...

You will be on my heart this week... I will be praying for your whole family!

Anonymous said...

Wow,you have had a lot going on! We have had some serious human drama here at my house also. My grandmother (who is with the Lord now) used to say that the week before Easter was always a trying one. Satan will do anything it takes to get our minds and hearts off of the Lord! I always realize afresh my reason for a Redeemer at Easter time. Take care and I will be praying for you.
Jenny from VA

Bev Brandon @ The Fray said...

You'll remember that you drove away into the Texas sunset during holy week for Him to begin another chapter in your beautiful lives where you so honor your God and your family so well. This morning I read Deut 12:18 - to enter the presence of the place your LORD chooses for you and you are. May the new chapter you will fill with love and laughter and life and longings be full of the Presence and Power of your intimate God as it says in Deut 4:27. His Presence. His Power. His outstretched Hand to you and Curt and Jackson. No plan of His thwarted. Job 42:2. His arm is not tto short for you and you know it and live it way down deep.

jennyhope said...

I am cracking up at the how do I know you? I taught in the singles at my church for a long time and my class was kind of large at times and I would run into people that I should know but I didn't so I would just say hey girl (if I didn't know their name...I know real original) instead of remembering their names. Then, I ran into a girl at panera and she was introducing me to her friend...she said "do you know Jenny?" to the girl and I said no we have not met. She said yes I know you and I about died of embarrassment. So I feel you on those blunders.

Becca said...

My heart was sick that we couldn't stay to say good-bye at church on Sunday. We had Easter Dinner a week early at my Mom's house so we had to leave right after Sunday School to get there in tme. :( I'm still hoping to hug your neck one more time before you head out for good! Love you much! -Becca

Nancy Mon said...

I was sitting over to the side and you totally looked like you had it all together at the wedding reception Saturday night. Of course when Michell began to sing, I got tickled at your comment on her blog. Did you see Michelle? She looked good.

Shelly said...

Oh my heart!

Cindy-Still His Girl said...

The "drama" like "Alabama" keeps ringing in my ear. :)

I hear that "drama" is what robs one of their conversational skills. Eating lots of cherries help, though, so you should be fine.

connorcolesmom said...

Amanda,
Wow that is ALOT!
I totally understand the lack of conversation skills :)
I pray for you and your little family and the new place God is preparing for all of you!
Blessings,
Kim

Fran said...

Oh sweet Amanda...
I'm praying for you!!! Its Monday afternoon and I'm actually sitting at the beach on some Spring break vacation with the fam....but I've got a break in the action and I'm chillin out with the beach and the glorious sound of waves....and giving thanks to God for so much, for you, for your family and the GREAT things to come!

Praying!
Love,
Fran

Mary Craig said...

Oh, bless your heart! I teared up reading about you saying goodbye to everyone!

Darlene R. said...

How I hate it when I can't remember who someone is!
I hope you don't have to go through another day like that again for awhile!
So glad that Curtis got home alright and in time for you to make it to church. Those goodbyes are important.

I'm excited right along with you on your move. Your willingness to go where He wants you to go is an encouragement.

Anonymous said...

Whew...that just plain wore me out! God bless you with your move. All will make sense in time. Be sure and take good care of yourself until then.

Sounds like you need a little...

peace for the journey~elaine

Patty said...

Praying for you and your family! I know how hard it is to say goodbye and to feel excited and blessed to go to a new place. Many emotions going on at the same time! May God bless ya'll with a smooth move!
Love,
Patty

Lindsee Lou said...

Pappasito's Fajitas can fix nearly any human drama. Glad they came to the rescue!

And, glad you had a sweet goodbye at your church! Such sweet memories, I am sure.

Praying for a stress free week as y'all are packing and heading out. I mean, at least as stress free as it can be. Packing is such a chore!

Lindsee

Ashton said...

I like your transparency, Amanda. thank you. Allison

Ashton said...

And...I am so happy for you! That you are doing the right thing. Even with the misses there is that peace that all is well...:)

Anonymous said...

I will be praying for you this week. As someone who has moved a lot, I know how hard it can be. You totally cracked me up with your bartender conversation. You are probably the only one who ever told him that you had such a hard day that you needed a cherry coke (vs something more bar-like) :)

Hugs to you and your family!

Sherry said...

You have many exciting days ahead of you! New beginnings in the venue God has for you will be so sweet. I will be praying for you as you and your family make this transition.

Momma-of-5 said...

I doubt you're reading emails anytime soon, but I thought I'd let you know, you're on my prayer calendar for the week...each and every day as you make this transition. Please keep us posted.

Anonymous said...

I'm praying for you Jones family. How blessed that this time of transition occurs on the eve of Holy Thursday. May the timing comfort you all and lend a deeper spiritual understanding. God has great plans! Not easy but great!

Anonymous said...

You are thought of and prayed for - AND loved. God bless your family.

Lauren said...

I will always think of Jane as Jane Ann--and then I correct myself and think "Jane" instead. I bet she was stinkin' gorgeous.

Secondly, Curt better not "fall asleep!" My gosh! That's nearly as bad a thing to say as "How do I know you?" Just kidding! Kind of reminds me of Courtney S's post a while back when she said to someone, "Are you here for counseling? Me too!" Too funny.

The only other thing I have to say about this post is that I just realized that every time I see the word "discombobulated" I visualize a bobble head doll with its head popping off. Don't ask me why. I'm weird. Just the sound of the word or something. But, strangely, it fits.

Anonymous said...

Amanda,
you and your family will be in my prayers this week! i can not wait to hear/read about what god does with you, curt, and your amazing son! (im gonna miss his smiles:) )
I wish you the best of luck and i sure will miss you guys here in irving!!

With love and prayers,
Ashley

MamaCass said...

Love you girl! How I will miss not seeing your Jackson grow up? But how excited I am for this new opportunity God has given your family. Praying for you guys as you transition!!!

Vonda said...

I wanted so badly to come by and give you one last hug in the chior room, but I got all misty eyed in line, so I left. I couldn't handle crying with that many people in the room...
I love you!

Amy T said...

Girl, I was crying with you when I read this! What a stressful weekend!

Anonymous said...

I, for one, am glad you haven't announced where you're going. Because if you had, I obviously missed it. I had been wondering if I had overlooked it so now I feel much better about myself.

I've been known to say things like, "What do you mean you'll see me on Saturday? What's going on on Saturday?" Only to be reminded that it's my daughter's birthday party. Or I'm going on vactaion and they're taking me to the airport. I completely understand the "How do I know you?" line of conversation.

I'll be praying many blessings for you this week :-)

Shanda said...

Oh, the packing and moving process is so much fun (said dripping with sarcasm). I will certainly be praying for you in this time of transition. Everytime I have moved, I swore I would never move again. I wish I could magically snap my fingers and everything be done. It's not the moving that bothers me, it's the packing and unpacking.

I would love an authentic Cherry Coke right now, especially with all those cherries!