Wow, after 15 months of transitions it feels amazing (and a bit surreal) to finally say that we are settled. Our boxes are unpacked, pictures are on the wall, and our new-to-us house is starting to feel like a home. The first week felt like Christmas- opening boxes that we had packed 6 months ago and finding dishes and decorations that we forgot we owned. I have been cooking almost constantly- a hobby that I had missed dearly for the last year. And Amelia loves running around our 2 acres, swimming in the pool, and playing on the ‘bouncy bounce’ (trampoline) and slide. The area up here is beautiful with rolling hills, gobs of horses (much to Amelia’s never-ending delight!), and bountiful markets of fresh, local produce and meats (which our new eating-efforts appreciate). Between our house and the interstate there are 12 roadside stands or orchards on this road alone!!
It’s been amazing to look back at the last year and a half and see all that God has brought us through. As much as I miss ‘home’, it is clear that this is where God wants us to be. Without going through the trials and the challenges, our faith and relationship wouldn’t have been tested and refined. We have had to lean on the Lord and our faith more than ever. God has answered prayer after prayer: from providing great Christian friends, to ministry opportunities and even a Bible study and playgroup. And, repeatedly, he has confirmed that we are in the right place.
It’s incredible to look back and see that at the times where our heartache was the greatest, those were the times that our faith and relationship with Christ was the strongest. He truly does ‘give strength to the weary’. Now I need to remember to maintain that desire for Him and dependence on Him in the ‘strong times’ as well. It is so easy to slip back into “I can do it” mode, that we forget that He gives us our strength. The Lord has brought us through times of depression, bitterness, anger, and lots of questions. I would love to say that I was a trooper and took it all in stride, but many days I failed miserably. Thankfully God and Jason are forgiving, and I know that this experience has prepared me for challenges to come!
