Retrospect


Looking back there are so many words that can be used to describe 2013. Whirlwind, stressful, adventurous, challenging, hard, strengthening, new beginnings, uncertainties, wilderness, provisions, and the list could go on and on. This time last year we knew that 2013 would hold lots of change, we didn’t know just what that meant. This time last year we were praying. We knew that Brian’s Associate Pastor position would only be around for a few more months, as he was paid on a grant that was set to expire at the end of March. Brian had already been sending out resumes knowing the end was near and while there was a great deal of interest God continued to close doors and continually echo – just wait. That is my least favorite thing to do and is probably why we had to. During the process of getting our hopes up and having them come crashing down and struggling to find purpose in the uncertainties we were facing God continued to remind us He’s still active and working even when we can’t see it and when it seems silent. There were many tears and lots of frustration and anger that God listened to and dealt with. And then in typical God fashion, when things come to the breaking point God reveals this awesome plan, One bigger, better, and different then we could have imagined for ourselves. We took risk and new adventures, we left the kids in Missouri (having never left Chi for more then a night at a time and that being just down the street at my parents this was a scary and challenging thing) and flew off to visit the far away land of Virginia and what would soon be our home. God worked miracles and did it all in His timing and not mine which at times was very frustrating. He surpassed all expectations and provided an incredible church for us to be a part of, a fantastic house that not only met our needs but had all of our wants as well, and set us on a new adventure. I really didn’t think that we would leave Missouri and never thought we’d be this far from our homes. I always said if God wanted to move me away from family I’d at least need a beach to cushion the blow and that’s just what He provided. I didn't know how I’d leave my friends and family and head off to the unknown. But God was preparing the details. He provided people in our new home that would love on us and take care of us like family and he’s provided friends and is continuing to form new relationships. We've learned so much along the way. We've learned that sometimes the best thing is to be patient (I’m so not good at this one) and persistent and ready to move (in any sense of the word) when God says to. We've learned not to take time with family and friends for granted and that getting to Skype with them and talk on the phone isn't the same as getting to physically hug and sit with them but it still keeps us connected. Getting to count down the time in between visits makes time go faster (so anybody who wants to visit we’d be so happy to have you! Wink, wink, nudge, nudge). We've learned that when God gives you a passion and a talent you pursue it with everything you have, even when those close to you disagree because in the end it pays off. We've learned to be even more grateful for God’s provisions and how He really does take care of us day to day and mouthful to mouthful. We’ve learned that those times in the desert make the moments in the promised land so much more rewarding and keeps things in perspective.

While we’re learning to navigate this new adventure, of being away from family and friends and the new roles and responsibilities of pastoring a church, we can say that without a doubt we are where God wants us. Saying yes to the journey God is asking you to take isn't always easy and it doesn't mean things will go your way or you’ll be safe but it’s always worth it the risk. We are looking forward to this New Year, a year where we start in the promise land and not the desert. A year with new challenges and I’m sure new struggles, but the reminder that the same God who was faithful through those past deserts is still faithful and will help us through whatever awaits us. For the friends and family that prayed with us and for us during those trying times and who were there to listen and cry to when the frustration became too much please know we are so grateful for you. So grateful to have those people who will fight for us and right along side us during the hard times. We are blessed beyond measure and can’t wait to see what this next year and chapter will bring.