The time has arrived and it is really happening- I still don't think it has become real in my heart! We are leaving small town America--Ephrata, WA and heading to the city- Indianapolis, IN! Although God has gone ahead of us and there is an exciting journey ahead, there are broken hearts here in the process and broken hearts we are leaving behind. Our time in Ephrata has been really short compared to most lifetime residents, but this past 6 years has impacted our lives in wonderful ways. Let me tell a little about what each family member has in their hearts to remember....
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| Homeschool friends |
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| Brook and Kenz...two peas in a pod |
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| Delaney and Kenz....it has been many years! |
MacKenzie- She has become a young lady here, came at age 8 leaving at age 14. She has become an amazing piano player and very competitive soccer player. Before she came it was ballet, now her hopes and dreams involve piano and soccer. The coaches and teachers of a small town will be greatly missed. She has longtime friends and even new friends that she will deeply miss. She is known for her determination, faithful heart, and being a loyal friend. Hard times ahead for moving across the country as a highschooler.
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| Joseph and Katelyn- the fun never stops (neither does the talking) |
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| Gage and Joseph- little buddies |
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| Caleb and Joseph-every sport, every year |
Joseph- Here is the child who will adapt the easiest but who is leaving a piece of his heart here in Ephrata and I think it will always remain a hole! He is so sad right now and cries almost nightly. My heart aches for him as he cherishes his fun times; Joseph has fun no matter where he goes and everyone knows it. He has excelled in acting, swimming, and soccer....he loves and participates in baseball, basketball, and piano!!! He is a jack of all trades and is known for his encouraging words and excitement on every team! His summer has been amazingly fun and his little heart cannot understand why God would lead him away from the place he loves.
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| Sophie and Annabelle- a cherished lifetime friendship |
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| Lexi and Annabelle- sweet friends |
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| And the crazy silly girls!!!! Emmie, Annabelle, and Chloe--friends since the bitty years |
Annabelle- This little lady has blossomed in Ephrata!! She left Maryland at age 3 and wouldn't talk to anyone...now at age 10 she is the most social child I have and has more friends than the rest of us put together!!! She belongs here! She loves each and ever special friend. She has learned to play piano beautifully, known as "Animal" on the soccer field, and was one of the hardest working little gymnast on her team! She is loved here and is not talking about the move but her goodbyes are tear jerkers as she grips and cries. Annabelle is very sad to leave....she doesn't realize how much everyone will love her in Indy too!
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| Sammy and Garet- wow Sammy looks tan!!! |
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| Cody and Sammy-- this is the little guy who will now live in Sammy's room! |
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| Saying good bye to his fish! Now Garet will adopt them (I won't be blamed for killing anymore) |
Sammy- He just wants to make sure there is a McDonald's and a fish store in Indianapolis!!! He is not so sure! He is a trooper and does not want life to change but he goes anywhere for the ride. Each time he receives a gift for "the drive" he cannot wait to move, but there are other emotions coming out in all sorts of ways which tells me he is struggling too. He does not have many friends but truly loves the ones he has!
Rob and Kimmy----I guess I really cannot speak for Rob so I will speak for me. Our adventures here have been challenging through the years but I have been so blessed by our time, my roots have grown deep. I have not felt much emotion except when the children have, but I know it is there....it is just so crazy busy with details I don't know when the real feelings are going to creep up! Every once in awhile it really hits me--"this is really happening". I had a very hard time with the end of swim team, a very cherished activity for our family. I have had moments and rushes of tears with sweet letters, texts, and gifts. I too have friendships here that are very difficult to leave.
Everyone asks if we are getting excited...I think we have to go through the sadness before we get the the excitement. Of course we are very excited and we have enjoyed experiencing the excitement of those waiting for us. I think that once we get through the first couple hours of our drive....excitement will truly set in. The Lord has many new adventures, relationships, joys, and trials and He has gone ahead!!! Even though I believe my kids don't understand this calling...Rob and I know we are being called. We know that the people of Indiana have spent years praying for their next pastor and we cannot wait to see what the Lord does in our lives there.
And now I say..........
INDIANAPOLIS HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!
