Well here’s the chapter that answers the questions I’ve been asked thousands of times in the past several months … “When is Bailee leaving for Italy?” and “How are you going to handle that?”
The answer to the first question is Friday, February 9. She will fly out that afternoon and by Saturday morning, Italy time, she and Josh will reunite and finally be able to begin their lives together as husband and wife. She’s nervous, excited, anxious and ready to be there so pray for her nerves to be calm and to have a safe flight over.
The answer to the second question is a little more complicated. How would most moms handle their daughter moving 5,000 miles away for an extended period of time even though she knows it’s the path God has put her on? It’s going to be so hard and I will be dealing with a lot of emotions. Not just my emotions, but my family as well. Robert, Alex and Anna Kate are all going to have to deal with this too and it’s not going to be easy for any of us. We’ve had quite some time to prepare for Friday, but it’s still coming so fast and I can’t seem to make time slow down for all of us.
Again, I want to thank each and every person who has prayed us through this journey and continues to pray. I know I’ve sounded so redundant, but I really am thankful for all the support we’ve gotten. We all ask for continued prayers. As soon as she leaves Friday we hit the ground running with a very busy few months being that I’m coaching girls varsity soccer, Anna Kate is playing for me, Alex is playing boys varsity soccer, and Robert drives the bus for both teams….not to mention our normal busy lives with work and church. The distractions will help us for sure! Maybe when we slow down our “new normal” will feel normal.
As for Bailee and Josh, we are so very happy for them. We are so thankful for the love they share and have no doubt Bailee will be just as well taken care of by Josh as we took care of her. We do not doubt his love for her one bit. Love you all and thank you for following this journey with us! 
Words of Heart 