Back during Christmas break, my husband and I were reflecting on our few months of parenting and the subject of when we'd start thinking about another little blessing came up. When we moved to New Mexico in 2014, the Lord worked it our for us to buy a 2 bd house close to the church. It really has been a great little house for us, but we knew that once God grew our family that it would get a little crowded. I always thought that I would like my first two kids kind of close together and then wait a few years after for any more. (of course, it's ultimately up to God but we can always try to humor ourselves with a "plan" right?) Anyway, so we were discussing that we would probably need to start looking for a bigger house if we were going to stay in the area or consider other options. My husband was really thinking about a long term plan since we had both agreed that I would not go back to work. We knew that God had led us to serve at the church and school and the things we have learned and the experience gained has been so valuable. For me though, especially since having a baby, I have struggled with having no family around. I have never lived more than 3 hours away so I have planned a trip every 6 months or so to go see them. That kind of left me just looking forward to the next time I see them- living from holiday to holiday. For Greg, he has always (since he was a child) wanted to be a public servant whether it would be in the military or what. We talked about it when we were dating but he knew that the timing wasn't right and that he'd just keep a willing heart and follow wherever God would lead. One of his part-time jobs is an armed security officer in Albuquerque. He had to go through training classes and obtain some certifications and this job causes him to be gone all night a couple days a week. I had to get over a lot of anxiety and worry especially during those weeks with a newborn, but I feel that it has helped prepare us some for what we would venture into next.
We struggled with the decision to "leave" full-time ministry and since we were pursing this idea on our own, we had no idea what area to land our family. After some counsel, we knew that it had to be a place with a good church and school and be within driving distance of family. Virginia...Tennessee...Kentucky...all were considered, but it wasn't until we saw a job posting for Indianapolis LEO and knew that my parents went to a great church right outside of Indy that we felt peace about looking into relocating there. We talked with our pastor shortly after about what we were thinking and were relieved with the support we felt. That was our first kind of confirmation that we weren't just following a fleshly desire, but maybe this really was what God had for us next. Our house was put on the market and we accepted an offer pretty quickly. Part of the terms was that we needed to stay until the school year was over and thankfully they were fine with that. We are still in the middle of everything that goes along with selling a house- which can be stressful, especially with a tight budget and owning it for less than 2 years, but are confident that God is working things out for our good. We hope to close at the end of May and be in Indiana the beginning of June.
Greg has completed the first stage of the application process for a new career and although it comes with risks (especially in this day and age) I know that being in the center of God's will is the safest place to be, no matter where it takes you. We are looking forward to serving as much as possible in the church there and Owen may even get to go to the Christian school that I graduated from! (many years from now- this momma can't think about that yet!) We will leave with mixed emotions as this place holds many memories (our first ministry, classes taught, first home, Owen's birthplace, friends, church members and so on) but we truly have NO regrets. The church and school here are thriving and were are thankful that we got to be a part of it for almost two years.
Some prayer requests for us would be- that our houses appraises on target, Greg's next step of the application progress would be successful (end of April), we would close the house sale on time (May 31st), find a affordable place to rent, safety moving across country...I will try to keep you updated, but even if you think to pray for us once, we would appreciate it! Thank you, friends!
💜 Stephanie
Comments
Post a Comment