Good-Bye Peiffer Family

Our church was small when it first started out, only about three families, three families that were as close as a family and visitors would never come...We had a vision for our Church, but nothing was happening, nothing was getting done. We were pretty discouraged. Until, Joshua Peiffer showed up at the doorstep of Providence Church...I'm not saying that he was the one who made the dream of our church come true and that as soon as him and his family came, everything fell into place. But he was the first step to the growth of Providence. When he moved up from Georgia it was him, his wife Jana, and his daughter Katherine.

Three years from then, their family has grown adding two more precious kids, David and Elizabeth. And not only have they added kids, they've added life and love to our church. Through many different trials that the Peiffers faced, they still stood strong, and tall. I personally would have to say that they have been an encouragement to me, especially Jana and the kids. I can remember a time that I was down, upset at the day, and I had to go over to their house to clean. Honestly, I wasn't too happy about it. But when I got there, I was welcomed with Katherine and David running to me, followed by baby Elizabeth, both gave me a huge hug, and "Befy" gave me a big adorable smile. I knew then that the day wouldn't be too bad. To top the day off, Jana took me home and I surprised myself by starting to pour my heart out to her. She then encouraged me through her words, her smile, and even just the little jokes she would make about the people driving. :) By the time I was home, I knew the day was given by God, and even though my day had started off gloomy and disappointing, the Peiffers had refreshed me through the love of little kids, and the words of Jana. But that is just one way...I can also say that I've seen mostly Joshua and Jana encouraging my parents, (or other parents), in many different ways of their own lives. Whether it would be the growth of our Church, or things at home. My parents felt like they could talk to them about anything...

Yesterday the Peiffers left back to Georgia. It was a sad day...for everyone. It was a day that might not have been filled with tears, but honestly we were all grieving in our hearts. I kept hearing people say, "I can't believe their leaving." or "I wonder when it will hit me that their actually gone?". Well today it hit me. And that's why I'm writing this...

So, Peiffers, thank you for being kind, encouraging, and such wonderful friends to our family. Everyone here will miss you, everyone here loves you. I pray that you will Shine the Light to friends and family in Georgia, just as you did to us here in Illinois.

I love y'all... :)