Happy Retirement to Sister Sarah!

If you've been reading our blog, it will not come as a shock to you that Sarah had been counting down the days to her official retirement. Well, count no more! In late October, Sarah bid ado to her adoring coworkers, turned in her badge and embraced retirement! 

Sarah went home... sat around, ate bon bons and watched reruns of I Love Lucy. 

NOT!

Sarah and hubby had been praying for God's direction in the next phase of their lives beyond the work-a-day world for over a year and the minute the retirement bell rang, things started falling perfectly into place. 

Within a few short weeks, they had sold their house in Richland and moved to a new home near Minneapolis and more importantly - near their grandchildren!

During this mad rush of activity, Sarah managed to find time to dine with the Girlfriends at one of our favorites, The Kitchen House. Elizabeth made the snowy trek from South Haven while Ruth, Sarah and I had only a few blocks to travel. 

We missed Rebecca who was helping her children and grandchildren prepare for a move and of course Anna, who is back in Florida for the winter.

It was so much fun to see the excitement on our dear friend Sarah's face as she outlined their plans and described how God had prepared a place for them, close to the family they have missed the last 10 years after relocating to Richland for their careers. We loved hearing how their Richland house sold in one day and how after looking at many houses near Minneapolis, the exact right house in a perfect location popped on the market and they were able to snag it. 

We laughed, listened, encouraged, praised God and so enjoyed this last supper with Sarah that won't require a MUCH longer drive!

In fact, at most restaurants, we may not have even noticed we were eating. However, food prepared at The Kitchen House is an amazing treat for the taste buds that demands attention. Although the portions are large, it's hard to take home leftovers! Three of us enjoyed the pork tenderloin prepared with a special sauce and Ruth had her usual Chicken and Mushroom Penne. 

With our stomachs full of food and our hearts full of love, we hugged Sarah and said our "see you laters."

As I listened to Sarah share her joy in what the Lord has done for them, I was of course reminded of my favorite Bible verse, Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

May the hope of God be found in your future,

Miriam