Dear Phoenix

Dear Phoenix,

The time has come for us to part ways- I’m trading in my cactus for a peach. Moving on up to the east side… well, east coast. Our bags are packed, moving truck loaded and on it’s way, and our hearts are full of so many emotions. You were a city of firsts for me. You are where I had my first apartment and lived on my own for the first time. You’re where I lived completely away from my family for the first time. You welcomed me home on my first night of being engaged, as well as my first night home from my honeymoon. You brought me my first cracked windshield, flat tire, dead battery and traffic ticket- it was not exactly a fun time for Joan. It was here where I learned so many valuable lessons in my first years of adulthood and being a wife. And for that, I’m forever grateful.

 

Not to hurt you feeling, because you are truly a great city, but the real kicker here is the people that inhabit you. The kind, generous, loving, caring, fun, and beautiful people we met here have changed our lives forever. We have made lifelong friendships here, and grown our family by countless members. We have made so many fantastic memories in you, Phoenix, and that is due in part to the beautiful family we have made here. Our CFTN family has carried us through good times and bad, never wavering. They welcomed us with open arms and warm hearts, and released us with blessing and rejoicing. We couldn’t have asked for anything better.

 

Your name is so prophetic, Phoenix. In Greek mythology, the Phoenix is a bird that, after around 1400 years of living, burst into flames. After 1400 years, the bird is tired, worn down, and ready to be done. What’s so beautiful about this is that from the ashes of the old bird, a new bird- young, strong, and ready to take on the world-emerges. I believe God brought us here to experience our Phoenix season. It’s quite poetic and creative. Props to you, God. The fact is, we were tired, worn out, hurt, and ready to be done and rest. From the moment we got here, we were lit on fire. It was a breath of fresh air. Then, from the ashes of the old emerged new, strong, eager little birds, ready to take on the world. We were healed, whole, and happy, waiting for God to tell us what was next. We were not expecting this move, but God spoke, and here we are.

 

We are currently two lovebirds driving in Joan (my Mini Cooper), with three guitars, two cats, a litter box, a PS4 (because GOD KNOWS that couldn’t go in the moving truck), and a suitcase, making our four day journey to the next step in our destiny. We don’t know what the future holds, but we are confident in the direction God is taking us. We cannot wait to see what He has in store for us in Atlanta. He is a good God with a plan and a purpose. He knows exactly what He’s doing, even if we don’t, and that’s okay! We are confident in the fact that He is our provider, our peace, our joy, and our strength.

 

To our friends and family in this beautiful city, we love you with all our hearts and we are so grateful to God for bringing us together. We will be back in the future. To the leaders who poured into our lives during our time here, thank you. You are each an example of just how good our God is! To our friends and family in Atlanta, we cannot wait to see you! To my parents, thanks for being so supportive of us during this move. Although it’s not to PA, we will be a heck of a lot closer! And lastly, to you, Phoenix. Thank you for providing the perfect backdrop for this season in our lives. I will miss seeing random mountains in the middle of the city, watching giant haboobs sweep across the city, and the absolutely breathtaking sunsets you provide. I will not miss your drivers, though I think it’s worse where we are heading, nor will I miss your 120°summers. Thanks for being so fantastic these past two years. Catcha on the flip side, boo.

 

XOXO

ELK