Well, I am officially a new resident of Myrtle Beach. Hal and I got down here yesterday around 7 pm, or should I say up here. I don’t know. Anyway, we’re here. The Lord gave us some great driving weather. It was overcast the whole trip (which means no sunburned legs from the sun pelting on you while you’re driving. It didn’t rain until we had gotten into Conway, and even then it wasn’t bad at all. We came “home” to a wonderful home-cooked meal by our friends who are housing me for July. Hal played Wii which I know he loved while I basically digested the day on the couch.
Sunday morning was extremely emotional for me. I think I assumed that because I had just been happy all day Saturday that those emotions would translate into my day on Sunday. I had to be in both services so that the elders could officially announce our leaving and say a prayer of blessing over us as well. Such a sweet time, and I blurbed like a baby during BOTH services. I think I just assumed that I would be fine since I blubbered during first service…not so. I blubbered even worse during second. Maybe that’s because I saw a sea of more faces that I was leaving behind. People I have invested in and that have invested in me, people that have loved me and supported me. That’s all I could think of and I lost it. Although I must admit that there were a few occassions where I just burst out laughing…which was a good thing. I’ve come to understand that leaving CRCC has almost felt like grieving a loss, so it’s okto be emotional.
Anyway, so I’m here in Myrtle Beach and Hal and I are going to look at some houses today. Then tomorrow Hal has an interview with North Myrtle Beach High School, and I begin my FIRST DAY as the Area Marketing Director for Chick-Fil-A. I’m excited. If you think of it, please pray for me as I make this transition. It’s going to be hard work, as well as a challenge, but I am ready for it.
I will update shortly with my new cell number and if you want my current address just email me and let me know. For now, use this email: sarahhweber@gmail.com.
Thanks for all your prayers and support. Hopefully I’ll be back to more thoughtful blogs soon. May God grant you peace and blessings today.
June 30, 2008. Family. .
Today has been a much better day. I got to the office at 8 am to meet with the new hire for training. We stayed until 2:00 to go over everything, but I really think she has a great handle on it. I believe once she gets settled she will do an amazing job. One of the last things she said to me was that she was intimidated with trying to fill my shoes. Please pray that she will not feel this way. I had 2.5 years to get where I was and to do what I did. She’ll need time as well. Pray that the Lord would give her the confidence to move forward and that grace would be given when she needs it. I’m confident that she will do a great job! I felt such peace as I walked out of the office today. It was so nice to walk out that door with a smile on my face….even though that meant turning in my credit card, Sam’s card, and keys.
Once I got home from training I started the mad dash of packing. Unfortunately I have procrastinated like crazy and haven’t done anything throughout the week. Fortunately I did get everything I absolutely needed all packed up and taken care of, so that is definitely a good thing. I’ll just have last minute things to take care of tomorrow afternoon. Then Hal and I went to meet my parents for dinner at Peter Davids. This place is a definite FAVORITE of mine. You’ll need to make reservations, this place is totally worth it. First off, Peter, Angie, Lisa, and Danny make you feel like family from the first moment that you enter the restaurant. We had the place to ourselves because they were technically “closed” since they had just gotten back from vacation. We were fortunate that they opened their restaurant for us. And man, what an awesome evening it was. Lisa was wonderful and kept us entertained and we just talked and laughed all night long.
Random picture of Hal
Lisa pretty much gave us carte blanche and we got to pick from some amazing food. Like seriously, EVERYTHING is DIVINE. Our first course was a fruit soup. The combination of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and melon blended with cream was AWESOME. Absolutely the perfect summer soup. For the second course we had a great salad. For the main course Mom and I had the Veal Marsala, which was to die for. It was moist and tender and cooked so well. It came with great veggies and these awesome potatoes (no clue how they were cooked but they were incredibly good). Hal and my dad had the steak and shrimp. The steak was melt in your mouth perfect and the shrimps were huge and so good! Then came the coffee and dessert course. Lisa just said she would bring out some of her favorites. We ended up with pistachio and cherry gelato, a mocha gelato, Italian wedding cookies, REAL lemon bars, and this awesome chocolate mousse dream. Holy cow! Needless to say by the end of this meal I was waddling out fully satisfied.
Then after dinner we just sat around and talked and reminisced and laughed and had a great time with my sweet parents. I love them so much. The hardest part about moving to Myrtle Beach is leaving them. They have been my solid rocks, my confidantes, my snuggle buddies, my allies, and dearest friends. I’m going to miss being able to drive the 30 minutes to visit with them. It makes the 4.5 our trip feel like FOREVER. I know that they are so proud and so happy for the both of us, and I think that sometimes makes this harder. I love you both so much….we’ll visit both directions. 
Me and my amazing parents, and mom and I being goofy. Which is really what we do best.
After having my foot nearly broken, thanks Dad, we walked out to the car. Of course that meant that Mom started to cry. I fought back the tears because I knew that if I didn’t we could literally stand and cry out in that parking lot for hours. After many hugs, kisses, sighs, tear, and laughs, we parted ways. As Hal and I drove home the sadness started to creep back in. I’m so excited about tomorrow, and yet I am sad at the same time. Is it possible to feel this torn? Anyway, today was a much better day than the last week has been. Keep following my journey…..
June 28, 2008. Family, Ministry. .
Wow, today was by far the toughest day yet….my last official day in the office. I got to the office today in really good spirits and was very focused. I spent the morning working on all the July bulletins, stuff for the upcoming frontline meeting, printing bulletins, putting things in order, and deleting my personal stuff off the computer. It was pretty easy to just hammer through everything because, let’s face it, I had to. I had the privilege of working with Brian’s daughter this morning. She’s also going to be helping out with a few things for the next few weeks. About 3:00 I was getting close to being all done. I literally just sat in my chair for a few moments taking it in….my time was done. I took some pictures to commemorate the moment:
Beginning of the day…
Toward the end of the day…
All done as the Office Admin for CRCC
As I started walking out of the office I was just overcome with emotion and started crying really hard. It almost felt like grieving a loss. Thankfully Brian walked out and caught me before I left to give me a hug and to encourage me before I left. It definitely helped so much to have his support. His words helped to put me back together and calm me down. But then I pulled out and it hit me again. I love this church, I love the staff of CRCC, I love the people I have the opportunity to serve with, I love my family and friends, and yet, I’m choosing to live them all. So I did what any girl would do….I called my mom. She let me cry and just let me talk it all out. She’s great like that. Once I talked it out the Lord sent a wave of peace over me and what felt like a “Well done, my good and faithful servant”. I pulled myself together and drove to downtown Greenville to meet my sweet friend Jenn.
Jenn has been a friend of mine for almost 10 years. We met because our boyfriends at the time were best friends and we began talking online. We became fast friends, even though she lived in Canada and I live here in South Carolina. She is one of the most spirited, kind hearted people I know, and she is a gifted photographer. She’s the one who has been updating a lot of my pictures lately…she’s amazing. She just receive her green card to stay in the States and has been married to her husband Alex for almost 7 months. I love spending time with her, she’s awesome. So today I met her downtown so I could hunt for some Crocs. Let’s just say when I saw her I cracked up. She was just the medicine I needed. By sheer accident we were both wearing the EXACT same outfit. A knit gray skirt and navy tank top from Old Navy. It was hysterical! People were looking at us like we were insane. It was definitely the comic relief I needed.
I took this one while we were driving…I’m pretty impressed with myself. Probably not the smartest thing in the world to do though.
In front of our house…notice our matching tank tops
Anyway, toughest day yet today. Hal and I are headed out to Red Robin for dinner then I will eventually start packing. Can you tell how I have procrastinated with the packing???
Pray for me tomorrow. I will spend all morning training the new hire, then packing, then what I am sure will be an emotional dinner with my parents.
June 27, 2008. Family, Ministry. .
Today is day four in the countdown. As my days in the office at CRCC are coming to an end I am beginning to feel both heavier and lighter all at the same time. Heavier in the instance that it’s so hard to finalize everything. It’s hard to think of those all important things when you’re coming down to the wire. I have one more day in the office and I know it’s going to be bittersweet and BUSY!!! I know I’ll feel lighter because this chapter of my life is ending well. I know that I have completed this journey with excellence and believe that the Lord is honored with all I’ve done these last 2.5 years. Sure there have been mistakes and struggles all along the way, but I know I have done my best and left CRCC in the best shape I can.
I had the opportunity to get together with my dear sweet friend, Ashleigh. She’s one of the girls from my small group and over the years she has become a sister. Ashleigh has really shown courage and strength in the last year. Her dad passed away from a major heart attack this past April. I have watched her grieve, and yet become so much stronger in her faith in the Lord. She has clung to him and even when she has struggled she remains rooted in the truth. That she is a beloved daughter of the Most High King and that she has a purpose in this life. She truly is an example of grace under pressure. I love her so much and will definitely miss her. So we went to lunch at Panera Bread and then spent a few hours meandering around Greenville, talking and laughing about all kinds of things. She recently started a blog so you’ll want to check that out. Here we are:
I spent the rest of the afternoon at the office training the lady who is taking my place. She’ll officially be taking my place at the end of July since she will need to square things away at her current place of employment. We spent a few hours this evening just skimming the surface of her new duties. We’ll be getting together again for several hours on Saturday to work through some of the detailed things. Pray for her as she makes this transition….it definitely is overwhelming when you see everything on the surface. But seriously, I loved this job and the people and I will really miss it.
I got off work about 6:00 pm and headed to the house. My sweetie surprised me with dinner out tonight…which means no cooking for me! Yay! If I’m lucky I might just get away with not having to cook between now and when I move!!!! Hal and I headed out to the Lazy Chicken. Here are some pictures from there.
Then we headed off to look for office furniture. Because I have the fabulous opportunity to work from home about 90% of the time I will need a home office. Can I just say that desks/hutches/filing cabinets/and comfy chairs are SERIOUSLY expensive. We’re talking about $750 total for everything. EEK. So, we’ll obviously be going with the cheap stuff until we can save for nice home office furniture. Ha-ha. Anyway, so we scoped out Staples, Office Max, Sam’s (there wasn’t anything there), Marshalls, and Linens N Things. It was nice just to get out for the evening. We’re now back at home watching So You Think You Can Dance.
That’s it for now! We’ll see you on Day 3.
June 26, 2008. Family, Ministry. .
Today is day 5 in the countdown to moving. I started off my day in full on letter mode. Spent time stuffing envelopes for a youth retreat coming up, then it was stuffing envelopes with schedules for children’s ministry. Yes, I’m sure you’re envying me. The great thing is that I am now done with what has to get done with for this week, so that the rest of the week I’ll be able to work ahead for the month of July.
For lunch all the CRCC staffers got together for a send-off lunch for me and Hal. We headed over to Wasabi off Woodruff Road. The food was so good, and the company was even better. It was so nice for all of us to be able to relax and laugh and share our thoughts. This team is so awesome and I am definitely going to miss their camaraderie. Here are some pictures from the restaurant.
From left to right…David Walker, Rich Butler, Teresa Cron
From left to right…Hal Weber, Brian Woodard, Steve Keyes
The whole crew…I love them.
The rest of the afternoon I spent working on little things and preparing for training the newbie…whom you will all get the change to meet soon enough. You’re going to love her.
Then I was off to Java Jolt to meet with one of my other girls from small group, Miss Anna Reel. Anna is such a hoot! She is one of the most real and genuine young ladies I know. She is always herself no matter what. I love that she stands by her convictions even when she receives trouble from it. Anna also makes me laugh like crazy. Her antics often remind me of Scrat, the squirrel from Ice Age. She’s a sweet girl and I’m definitely going to miss her.
So that was day 5 in the countdown. I have another busy day tomorrow, so pray for me.
Thanks for your patience as I walk thru this last week with all of you. I promise I will have much more interesting things to share in the coming weeks. Much love to you.
June 25, 2008. Discipleship, Family, Ministry. .
Man, today was an insanely busy day. I started my day by meeting with one of my sweet buddies from small group, Lauren, for breakfast at IHOP. I have discovered that I am really not a fan…I think I’ll stick with Cracker Barrell. In all seriousness, it was a sweet time with a sweet young lady. She’s going through some stuff and shows so much courage and strength and wisdom in her young years. I am so proud of her.
From l to r, top to bottom (Me, Sarah Mezaros, Ashleigh, Lauren, Ruth, Julianna)
From there it was to the office to hammer through some things that absolutely had to get printed this week. AKA bulletins, VBS Registrations, etc….nothing fun, just tedious. I was surprised by another sweet friend, Julie Vaughan, who stopped by the office to see me before I left. She also served at CRCC as the Preschool Coordinator and fellow volunteer at VBS. Incidentally, she was one of the first women to open up their lives to me when I came to CRCC. I met her at the Women’s Retreat in 2002, we bunked together and became fast friends. It has been my privelege to know her and to know her family.
Then I had a phenomenal lunch with some seriously great ladies, Teresa Cron and Cathy Baker. Both of these ladies have worked with me at CRCC. I’ve worked closely with Cathy on communications and other things, and worked side-by-side with Teresa during Good News Club. These women are so amazing. From Teresa I have really learned what quiet strength looks like. Teresa is unimposing and is rarely loud, but when she speaks she shares straight from her heart with conviction and humility. She loves children completely and has a serious desire to see children come to know Jesus as their personal Savior. It has been an honor to watch her interact with her family. Each of her children know that they are dearly loved and believed in. For a child this is an amazing thing. Teresa is a phenomenal lady and I will miss her company very much. Cathy has also taught me so much. This woman has so much wisdom! I have come to her on countless times to seek her counsel. She truly exemplifies a woman who seeks first the Lord and her words of support and encouragement are simply an overflow of her relationship with the Lord. She is also an amazing teacher, organizer, helper, and seeks excellence in all she does. She often challenged me to better myself and pursue quality in everything I do. These ladies are wonderful friends, allies, encouragers, prayer warriors, and examples of the kind of woman I hope I can grow to be. Thank you, Teresa and Cathy. You will be missed greatly.
Then it was back to the office to hammer through some other things. And then the fun part….”training” Brian Woodard, CRCC’s Serve Pastor, on some of the BIG things at the office that needed to be taken care of prior to the new person coming in to replace me. Three hours of details later I think he’s got it covered.
Now I am at home, enjoying some quality time with my wonderful husband. Enjoying the quiet. Reading a good book. Preparing for another VERY busy day tomorrow. Keep praying for me as I complete my mission as the Office Administrator at CRCC. Love you all.
June 24, 2008. Ministry, Prayer Needs. .
I’m a bit pressed for time today, so I will blog when I get off work tonight, but until then….
This is me and my great friend, Diana at a friend’s wedding. I will be living with Diana and her husband Will and their baby Wyatt during the month of July. They own Surfside’s Chick-Fil-A store, which is one of the nine I’ll be working with.
This is Christof and Emily Hamm and me and Hal. Christof is Hal’s best friend and they grew up in Summerville together. Christof and Emily now live in Austin, TX so it is always so good to see them when they are close by. BTW, Christof’s sister is the one who got married.
This is Heather and Cameron Gill. Doesn’t she make a beautiful bride? They had a gorgeous wedding at FBC in downtown Charleston, and a wonderful reception at the Governor’s House. Anyone who serves a mashed potato bar and shrimp and grits at their reception is a winner in my book! BTW, Heather is Christof’s sister.
More later, just thought you’d enjoy some new pictures.
June 24, 2008. Uncategorized. .
Today I have reached the 7-day mark before the big move to Myrtle Beach. All I have to say is HOLY COW! As I sat down today at my desk to brainstorm everything that must be done and everything that I would like to do before I leave I am overwhelmed. It is so hard to believe that this Friday will be my very last day as the Office Administrator for CRCC. It’s overwhelmingly sad, as much as it is exciting. I have been on such an emotional roller coaster these last 2 weeks as I have turned in my notice and begun all the prep-work needed to leave this office in the best possible shape it can be before I leave. It’s amazing what a burden I have for this place and the responsibility I feel in leaving a positive legacy behind as I transition out of CrossRoads. So although I feel like this fine lady…
I know that all the hard work I put in this week brings glory to the Lord, and that’s my primary desire as I leave this office.
I am so thankful for my fellow co-workers. You have all greatly blessed me in these last two and a half years. I have grown and learned from each of you, and the individual influences you’ve had on my life will not be forgotten. I know that I have already told each of you how much I appreciate you, I just wanted to make sure that you remembered that in case I snap at you later on in the week because I’m feeling overwhelmed.
June 23, 2008. Ministry. .
Just wanted to let you know about an awesome event coming up on Saturday, August 9, from 9am-6pm.
THE HINGE DETAILS
Where? Dow Brands Amphitheater Behind the Peace Center
When? August 9th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Why? To unite the Church of Greenville for the purpose of crying out to Jesus to send revival to our city.
What? The Body of Christ in Greenville will unite to pray for the 7 spheres or mountains of Greenville:
* Education
* Church
* Media
* Arts/Entertainment
* Family
* Business
* Government
Who? The Church at Greenville (Every believer in the city and/or county of Greenville)
Need more info? Check out the website or contact Rich Butler at richbutler@crccsc.org.
June 20, 2008. Uncategorized. .
Now that the big MOVING news is out, on to lighter topics. In case you missed the announcement check out my blog post “It’s Official”.
If you know me at all then you know that I LOVE to read. And that I will practically read anything. I’m all about reading things that are controversial, things that may go against what I believe, or are for what I believe, etc., just for the sole purpose of understanding all the possibilities. I may not always agree with what I’ve read, but I crave the knowledge of it. I recently read the book, The Shack by William Young. There has been a lot of hype about it and I wanted to figure out what all the fuss was about.
I won’t ruin the book for you, but the gist of the book is this: Mack’s daugther is murdered by a serial killer in a shack in the woods while they were out camping. From that moment, his trust in the Lord begins to fail, he’s angry and bitter at a God that would take away his child. He receives a note that he believes is from God to go back to the shack where his daughter was murdered. The first part of the book is kinda slow and drawn out, but I guarantee that the last part of the book is worth the read. I love the way the author shifts our thoughts and opinions on who we think God is (typically a white, old guy with a beard). Basically God is portrayed as a large black woman (with questionable humor, not vulgar, just not proper), Jesus is portrayed as an ugly Arab man, and the Holy Spirit is portrayed as an Oriental young woman. I thought this paradigm shift was pretty interesting. It truly did make me reconsider what I think of God to be. He’s more than just one “look”, he encompasses all looks. Anyway, I digress…
It also reawakened my understanding of the character of God. I’ve been on a journey lately of trying to wrap my mind around what I believe of Him. The book addresses, in a practical way, how the Lord chooses to look at us, how He chooses to love us despite our sin, etc. The way it made you feel about God’s love for us was incredible. The emotions portrayed from God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit throughout the book were certainly interesting. I really enjoyed reading about the interactions between the Trinity in the book, it was really endearing.
I must say that I think it is a great book and would definitely recommend it. I think the BIG thing to remember is that this is a FICTIONAL book. I’m sure there are some things that don’t scripturally line up, but it wasn’t written as strictly factual. The way it encompasses forgiveness, faith, hope, trust, love, reliance on God, and hope is worth reading. If you know anyone that is struggling with forgiveness or the loss of a loved one this book would be fabulous for them. I think the book really offered different eyes to view our perceptions of God and how He longs to interact with us.
June 19, 2008. Uncategorized. .
Random picture of Hal
