The Big Move

The last few weeks have been busy ones for us - and for many of our family and friends! We have - after a long 18 months - moved into a house that is a few blocks from church. There are so many blessings to count, thanks to be said, and prayers that have been answered that it is hard to know where to begin!

Shortly after moving to the Kansas City area God began to be very clear that we were to rent, not purchase, our next living space. While I can't say I was a huge fan of this idea at first, I had plenty of time for it to grow on me! We had been specific about praying for a few things that we wanted for our home - things we felt were important for our life and ministry. Once our house sold we began looking at rental properties, and the specific requests we had made began to look like lofty dreams as reality proved that renting was more expensive than we first anticipated, and space was limited. We then looked into buying a foreclosure, short sale, etc. - and were met with a very clear NO from God. So we waited. And prayed. And contacted some old friends who we knew had some property for rent, even though it was out of our price range.

And then we saw God begin to move in amazing ways. The budget issue was taken care of. The current tenants no longer had a lease on the property so it was available. And MOST incredibly - it had all of the things we had prayed for! We are overwhelmed that God not only provided what we needed - a clean, safe space close to our church - but also the things we DESIRED - like a basement, a fenced in back yard (with a fort I might add!), and 3 bedrooms all on one level. Left to our own resources, this home would never have been an option for us - but with God's perfect timing and provision, we are marveling once again that He never leaves us lacking.

We are still unpacking, organizing and getting settled. Kingston is spending the night at Nate's parents for the first time tonight where "home" and "grandma's" are not the same thing. We have started putting baby items upstairs in anticipation that our sweet girl will arrive shortly - and with the knowledge there is much to do before she makes her entrance! Life is still very much in transition - but as I enjoy a crackling fire, my own bed, and the energetic kicks of a baby who is 27 weeks today - there is no way to restrain my heart from thanks and praise to our God - who knows my needs, hears my prayers, and always works things together for my good!

Here are a few pics - our (unorganized) basement and play area, Kingston's Big Boy room, and the crackling fire (and some dear friends)!