On our last day of class I bring in my collection of old hats and aprons... the hats are our 'graduation caps' and the aprons remind us that we are leaving 'to serve with Martha's hands and Mary's heart. We take a class photo every graduation and all get copies and then the hats and aprons are packed away for the next class. The photo is just a reminder of the group of women who walked thro' moving together. Their hearts will always be tied together in small ways because they know each other's stories, struggles, and the joys they have discovered as they moved from hurting together to becoming more 'others' focused.  

Our hope for the class is that thro' it we see Jesus at work in our lives, helping us grow in ways we wouldn't have had we not gone thro' the move. Whether the particular move was something we were excited about, or dreaded, God can use it... and He has! I truly believe the class helps women to take it find a 'softer landing.’ It is a 'safe place' where people understand the combination of joy and frustration that you go thro' when you move. How you can feel like you are finally adjusting and then end up realizing that the new place still doesn't fit like an old pair of slippers, but when you go back to visit what you did call 'home,' that doesn't quite fit either. It's really hard to be in that 'limbo' time, but yet, what a blessing it can be to realize that when someone asks you where you're from, that Charlotte will be an answer you will eventually be comfortable with. Doesn't always happen fast, doesn't always happen for everyone, but, thanks to the Lord, and this Just Moved ministry it happens often and a lot sooner than it would it women were doing the move by themselves. I know that families have been blessed because 'Mom' has developed a different perspective which affects the atmosphere at home and now an atmosphere of hope permeates the family.

The class gives them hope and the reminder that they will have friends again, and gives them the opportunity to build bridges to other women who are also new, also available for friendship, and who really understand. Yea God! for using Susan, and all of you who help her to bless women (and of course their families) all across the world! Our church has been blessed by these women who find their feet a lot faster because they don't feel alone in their move and maybe are a little more aware of how God is at work in their lives even when it isn't necessarily 'comfortable.’ 

Thanks for what you do, we are so blessed to be part of this 'family' at Just Moved!

Class graduates in hats and aprons for their 'Moving On' Graduation Day in April 2007!
Church At Charlotte
Class Leaders: Cheri Heffield and Judy Woolery
www.churchatcharlotte.org