Big Changes

So here's the deal. After much prayer, advice, reflection, joy, and tears, we are planning to leave the Valley of the Sun. In about a year's time, we hope (there's that word again!) to be living among the pines in my home state, Utah. It's funny to think of it, really. When I left Utah, I never had any real intention of returning. However, we have seen very clear leading from God that this is where He wants us. We will be setting up a new chapter of Hope Kids in Salt Lake City with CR taking the position of director. We are going to use the next year to prepare and build up the ministry, as well as using the time to wrap things up here in Arizona. The kids are surprisingly well-adjusted to the idea, and have shown little else than excitement for the change. Ministry and snow are two huge draws to Utah for them. Gramma is another! My mom has been amazingly neutral as we have been praying through our plans. That has made things a lot easier. We know she's been thrilled with the idea of having her grandkids nearby, but has wanted to give us our space to make our decision without putting pressure on us. What a blessing!
Gramma and Hannah

So now we begin the arduous journey of selling our home, searching for another home, making job plans, and, unfortunately, saying good-bye to people we dearly, dearly love. As much flak as I give Arizona for its climate, I can tell you sincerely, the greatest people live here. We have been blessed beyond imagination in our friendships, not to mention that I am the only person I know who cries at the thought of leaving my in-laws! We don't know what the future holds for others who are praying about joining us, but we say with all sincerity, if we could we'd pack everyone here up in our moving truck and take them along, we would.