Goodbye, Sabos.

In September, or maybe it was October, we had the privilege of meeting the Sabos. They used live in Corvallis and go to Calvary, but about six years ago they moved across the country to Virginia. We actually met them one Sunday in early 2003, when Jonny and I first started going to Calvary. We remember them because Julie was pregnant, and when Jonny asked if this was their first they smiled and casually said, "No this is number nine." (Which is totally them- so laid back and chill.) About four years later there was a little 'Sabo Update' in the Calvary Connection at church, so we read about what they were up to and saw that the Lord had blessed them with a couple more kids. Then, two summers ago they came out to Corvallis for a visit, and the Sunday they came to church Jonny and I were serving in the nursery with their latest addition- number 11, Ezra.

So yeah, over the years we've heard the buzz of the Sabo's. So of course when we heard that they were moving back for a year so Matt could go to the School of Ministry at Calvary, we were so excited to get a chance to know them. And we did! (They even tried convincing us to move back to Va with them!) After becoming friends with them this year we can totally understand why everyone is in love with them and caught up in their wake. They are an incredible family. Incredible because, well, the obvious- they have a ton of kids! They have a ton of kids but are as laid back as if they only had two. They are also incredible because after spending just a brief time with them, we witnessed their genuine love for each other and for the Lord. The Sabo kids are wonderfully kind and in love with Jesus. They are also such loving servants. The oldest kids- all they way down to ten year old MerriGrace- served in the child care for women's ministry all year long. Eli has loved getting to play ball with 'Tawar & Efan' (Taylor & Ethan). We have loved getting to know this family. They are such an encouragement. If a mom of twelve kids can home school, keep a house, make dinner, change diapers, be a sweet wifey, all the while discipling her children through every task, and still have time to be a friend and pour her life into others, I think I can make through my days. I love that their eyes are on the Lord before anything else. They don't do things the way the world would suggest. Seriously- who would quit their job to move their family of 14 across the country to go to bible school? It's a little nuts. (I think driving four hours to Klamath is pushing the limits.) BUT It's so encouraging to see a family sold out for Jesus- willing to take a huge step of faith and obey what God has put on their heart. They know first hand, that the Lord's ways are not our ways.

Anyway, all that to say- what fun friends we've made! We are going to miss them so much! We're sad to see that 15 passenger van with the 'Fl Qvr" license plate go, but excited to see what God has next for 'Team Sabo.' We can't wait to make a trip out to the east coast to visit them! And you never know what God might have in store... there may be a science opening in Goucester, Va one of these years! :0