There’s been far too many farewells in the last few weeks and so far it looks like St. Louis is receiving the best of Lincoln, Nebraska. Brook (pictured above with her very full car), Karen, Joe and Kate are all beginning graduate studies at Covenant Theological Seminary. (Owen, our adorable little buddy, also went along, but instead of studying theology I hear he’s studying how to walk.) It feels so strange to say goodbye and send them to our former stomping grounds. It’s bittersweet, this sending of friends. I’m excited for their futures, for who they’ll get to meet and what they’re preparing to learn, but I’m sad to no longer live alongside them here in Lincoln.

Parting with Brook was like parting with family. She’s part of our tight knit community and partaker of Community Dinners, lover of breakfast-for-dinner, tacos and hot dogs (a girl after my own heart). Brook was Master Barista at Scooters and knew how to make a drink I’d like. So last Friday, we sent our common-sensical, practical, can-do spirited friend to higher education and training as a counselor. I can say with absolute confidence that Brook will be a blessing to Covenant Seminary in the days to come. And if the folks down there are lucky, perhaps she’ll make them a latte or two. We love you and miss you already, Brook-o.