Chapter 13: Moving

It’s been pretty awesome to not live under the pressures of schedules this summer for a couple months. No appointments, no late meetings at work, no visits from the plumber. (ok, so we never once had a plumbing visit, but you get the point!)

We never really knew when exactly we would close our time in South Dakota and make way to the Hooser state, but I guess the time has come. Cher (Steffen’s mom) gave us an opportunity to come out to Virginia with her and stay in a Gold Crown Resort for a week in Williamsburg. Ok, while it seems pretty exciting and obvious to take that opportunity, it was actually a really hard decision for both of us. Dad really could use Steffen’s help for two more months, and I was still in love with being with all my family and animals (not to mention being in SD!). But, after a few days spent in thoughts and prayer, we decided that this was a good time to close up shop and head out to Lafayette.

I’m super excited to travel across the country in the next few days, but it’s still pretty hard to grasp that I’m leaving my family behind. Twenty hours behind. I can’t help but wonder what will change between now and the next visit back home. Maybe these thoughts are sparked by the recent death of the beloved family dog, but I think it’s natural. Will the house be done? Will dad have any hair left? (ha!) Will Reed be in college? Will girl be alive? Will the horses remember the smell of my palm? Will I introduce my first child to mom, dad, and the rest of the family? Who knows.

I’m reminded of the verse the Lord brought to me when I first moved away from home and was just a newlywed (well, maybe we still are) with Steffen. Isaiah 43:18-19 Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I think that’s just what I need to do- to not dwell on the past or wish that I could have two worlds. I just need to thankful for the wonderful experiences I’ve had in these 23 years of life so far. I’m excited for the Lord to do new things in our lives, and I am even more excited and grateful that BOTH of us have parents who want the best for us and love us more and more.

So, here’s to leaving the life of a KOA and coming into our new home of Lafayette, IN!