I remember someone once telling me that life is full of decisions. Some will be easy, with little heartache while others will be hard and downright emotional. Deciding to accept the call (job offer in non-Lutheran language) to a new church in Orchard Park was neither easy or with little heartache. It was very.very. hard.
We've moved a lot. Four times in our almost ten year marriage now. Most of our moves weren't up to us . . . it was part of seminary and we knew what we were getting into. We looked forward to the moves . . . each one meant we were a little bit closer to stability. But when we came to California for Nate's first call, we didn't know how long we would be here. I knew it could be five, ten, or even twenty years . . . and we've established lives here. We have friends, a wonderful congregation to serve alongside, a house. Our kids are in school and dance and swimming. I love my hairdresser and this is home.
We've always known that leaving Mount Olive and California would require God to make it abundantly clear that we were to be somewhere else. And He has. We are confident that God has spoken clearly to both us and to Mount Olive. Not only is He calling us to another congregation, but He's also calling Mount Olive to something new. I don't know what that is yet, but I know it will be good.
This past Sunday, Nate announced his decision to our church and it was one of the hardest days we've ever had. ever. I cried through most of each of the three services and definitely couldn't keep it together when we had to stand up in front of the church and be prayed for by our student pastor, Chuck. It was so much more painful than I even imagined it would be because we truly have loved our time at Mount Olive, but we especially love the people.
Nate has been nothing but open and honest about our journey. If you want to hear a little bit about it, feel free to click on the link to his sermon on Sunday that explains how we came to the decision to accept the call to St. John's in Orchard Park, NY. (Click here to hear the sermon--that's for you, Mom!)
So now we are figuring out how to make the transition to NY. Where will we live, when will we leave, what school will Jenna go to, where will Abby go to preschool? We have to venture out of the world of comfort into the world of discomfort for a while. Will we make friends? Will we get used to snow? :) Where will I find a good pediatrician? Will I be able to find my way to Target without getting lost? How will the girls do with the transition? What do I tell Abby when she asks to invite Jordan and TJ to her birthday party? All of that makes me really nervous, but in the end, I know that God is carrying us through this transition and He will continue to direct our paths and lead us according to His will.
And we will continue to follow.
6 comments:
Praying for you all during this transition.
You'll be in our prayers.
Loving you lots and praying for you all. You know that though. Wish I could be there to help you pack some boxes...or at least have a glass of wine and watch you pack boxes. I know, that's just the kind of friend I am.
I have a friend who talks about wanting "a fax from God"...so we don't have to try and figure out if he's telling us something, it would be abundantly clear...
sounds like you guys got a fax from God.
know it's not easy. praying for peace in your transition.
God bless you on this new chapter. I listened to Nate's sermon and it is so obvious that this is what you all need to do. I know their all lots of details with moving. We will be praying over your family that all goes smoothly with the transition.
Amy A.
Big hugs, Laura. I have always believed in the sentiment that 'everything happens for a reason' and when you get to where you're going, you'll figure it out. Being a military wife, I can understand the anxiety and nervousness you feel with moving. We, too, have moved about 4 times in the past 10 years and each time has been scary AND exciting at the same time. We tell our kids it's an adventure and it's what you make it. You'll find your way and although you'll have some rough moments and maybe some overgrown roots, you'll discover someone who will love your hair and someone to teach your girls how to do the running man. (I'm really good, so if you want, I'll show them via webcast.)
Good luck and big big big hugs.
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