Finally.. "IT"

“IT” is in motion! Hooray!

I have to say that the past week has been mentally exhausting! Our idea that birthed last Sunday took growth on a massive scale. More and more that I thought of “IT” the more I desired “IT’ to become. And think of “IT” I did. I thought of it in the morning, in the evening, in the car, on the toilet, at the park… and so on and so forth. Poor Michael was thrown into my emotional tornado!

In the end, we prayed and asked God that if “IT” was a good decision, that the circumstances surrounding it would be worked out. I believe that God gives us freedom in making decisions regarding our future, our desire is to be always in His will.

What was IT? IT was the possibility of moving back to Bethany campus. There was a two bedroom apartment that had opened up, and we were on top of the waiting list since the time we at to attempted to move there. I do love the current apartment we are in, it is nice, and homey, and comfortable. I love that we have made so many special memories here; bringing Caleb home from the hospital, family dinners, Bella moving into a big girl bed, deciding to move to Brasil, Christmas, and lots and lots of laughter. It will be a little bit sad to repaint this place and say goodbye to our first official home.

BUT…

There is always the other side of things. To afford a nice apartment we had to live in a not so nice neighbourhood. This place is not so kid friendly. I have never felt totally comfortable going outside with the kids, and there isn’t really any place to walk to. Also here I was left car-less since Michael takes our one and only to work. Errands, and fun outings needed to be prearranged or done at night. I was beginning to feel a little bit trapped here, and I didn’t like that feeling. The kids have been a little bit squirmy too, and I wonder if that is from a lack of a place to run. Laundry is also a nightmare, it is $2.50 a load, and it piles up like nobodies business since we never get change!

One of the lessons I have been learning is, to be content where I am at. Part of me wondered if moving to Bethany was not going to work out because that lesson of contentment still isn’t fully learned. This summer I have had to constantly choose to be joyful in our apartment regardless of the above circumstances. Some days were better than others, and some days were worse. Just ask Michael, he can testify!

However I believe that moving to Bethany will be most beneficial to Gabriella and Caleb. They will have three nearby parks, tons of little friends to play with, and walking trails. Their Daddy will be able to come home for lunch most days and we will have a car at our disposal. Just the apartment itself is bigger, and the balcony is huge and safe to play on! Also our church is just next door. We hope to be more involved this fall with the youth group, and a ministry at the college. Not to mention that the music studio is right there for Michael.

Our current apartment managers were extremely gracious and are giving us a huge break from the penalties of terminating our lease. We are extremely thankful. It is obvious that God had his hand on this end, and on Bethany’s . They too have been extra willing to work with us! On September 29th we will be moved! Praise God.

In a way I feel like we are ending one chapter in our lives to begin another. Leaving this apartment seems to be our first step to Brasil. Candidacy begins in October, and from there we will be thrown into support raising and logistics full time. I can’t think of a better place to be during our season of preparation.

Please pray for Gabriella and Caleb. This will be Caleb’s first move, and I don’t know how he will be adjusting to a new home. Please pray specifically that he will feel peace, and a sense of stability. Gabriella is a seasoned mover. Technically this will be her fifth move in 3 years! She tends to go with the flow if she is prepared in advance for the change. Please pray that we will be in tune with her feelings during this time, and that we will be able to involve her with the process. Please also pray that she too will feel have fun with the change, and feel secure.

We are looking forward to our new home, the memories that await us. Bethany has and always will be a special place to us, and I am happy to spend more time there. Please come and visit us! We love you!