Yesterday was a send-off day, courtesy of my church family. Ian, my pastor, invited me up to say a few words and then to be prayed for. Afterward was a surprise goodbye party, complete with goofy t-shirts with an embarrassing photo on the front and a list of "10 things we like about Susanna" on the back. The outpouring of love was really touching, and surprising. It's funny how lonely and unnoticed you can feel, and then in moments of grace be reminded of how many people love you.

It was not only touching, but puts closure on the time I've spent here. There's something right, and satisfying, about going off with the love and support of the people you're leaving behind.

This week is finally serious packing time, with today being spent putting things away in boxes and cases and pulling out bagfuls of stuff for Goodwill. It's not like I have a lot of possessions—years of moving have kept me a transient minimalist—but there are always a few things you realize aren't worth the trouble to haul along.

I feel oddly calm and at peace, and even looking forward to the move. Who knows what lies ahead...one thing I know, or at least hope, is that it can't be worse than what lies behind, and might be better. At any rate, it'll be a new adventure. Nothing bad about that.