The Big Move Cometh

This is our home now, in Safford, AZ. Cute, perfect kitchen, fabulous master suite, if a little dusty in the desert.

This house will be where we will call home after the new year in Rutherfordton, North Carolina.

Even though most of you know what is going on, I thought I should document it for myself, at the very least. 

It's been an interesting process, this getting to the point where after not quite 2 years we pack up and move across the country. 

When we moved down here, it seemed like we were going to be down here for a long time. I'd even entertained the idea of how we could fit our children bringing home their spouses and children to this house, wondering if it would even work for the long term.

The kids loved it here. Sarah has developed some of the best friendships here, ones that I hope will last her a lifetime. Peter has come into himself here as well, discovering the depth of his testimony and commitment to the gospel.

Meri, Andrew, and Benji have all become more themselves here as they have grown, and I'm glad for all they've accomplished here.

But clearly the Lord had other ideas in mind for us. When Kendall first came to work here in AZ for Freeport, he had a superior a couple of levels above him that was, well, scary. Loud, brash, and a foul mouth. Quick with praise where warranted, and equally quick with strong questions when he didn't like what he was seeing. Very opposite from Kendall. But over time he came to appreciate Anthony's good qualities, his intelligence and drive. And more than once other people in his department commented that Kendall's even temper and cool demeanor in a stressful situation was the only thing that kept Anthony calm sometimes.

When Anthony left in Feb. of this year, it was a mix of relief and regret for Kendall. And when Anthony called in August to see if Kendall was interested in coming to Horsehead, Kendall was flattered, but pretty quick to say "no". We'd already discussed that it would have to be after Sarah graduated before we would consider moving again. But when Kendall told me that Anthony had called, I had what Dad called "a spiritual 2x4" to the back of the head. It was clear to me that the Lord wanted us to pursue this opportunity. And when everything from beginning to end has worked out so well, so smoothly, it's been clear that the Lord wants us there.   

So this blog will become even more important, so we can let all of our loved ones know what is going on in our lives, how the kids are growing, and the changes and challenges that we face as we make this huge move.