Mark and Beth

Last night our small group said goodbye to Mark and Beth Hadley. I have only known them a short time but I have grown to love them. I shouldn't say that I have grown to love them because as soon as my daughter, Lucy, started talking about Mark and she loved him, then I loved him. Lucy went on the Promise Trip with the Middle Schoolers when we had only been in Abilene a couple of months and Mark went on the trip. Mark was her favorite person on the trip and made a huge impact on her.
Mark and Beth served us communion last night...sweet and intimate...my favorite way to do communion. They spoke to each of us personally and acknowledged who we each were and what kind of impact we each had on them. They both had such insightful things to say to Tim and to me. Mark did say that we were like Abraham and Sarah...I hope that doesn't mean that we are old. I loved watching them serve Carlee and Jolee...Jolee and Carlee's sweet little eyes fixed on them as they spoke words of love and encouragement to them.
Mark, I love your passion for Jesus. It is contagious. Beth, I love your joy. It is also contagious. (I can't wait to see your house because your description of it was so enthusiastic and joy-filled that I know it must be wonderful)

Being with Carlee and Jolee last night made small group seem so much like home. It made all of us miss Kerri all over again. Her girls are so full of life. Jolee entertained us all evening and stepped right back in where she left off with us. She sat on top of the beanbag and rubbed Brad's freshly shorn head. So funny and so cute.