Monday, February 28, 2011

Change Is In The Air

There have been so many exciting changes taking place in my little little family of three lately. For those of you who are close friends, and certainly family members, we are so thankful for your support and encouragement -many of you have been riding passenger on this ride with us and we feel so lucky to have you in our little world.

Trusting God is not always easy. Sometimes God asks things of us we don't feel we can commit to Him. Sometimes God requires us to exercise our faith in actions, not just by our spoken words. God requires full dependence on Him- to grow, to trust, to develop spiritual gifts. As I have grown in our marriage- 10 years next month!- and have grown as a mother and Christian, I find I am less fearful in general when it comes to new experiences and opportunities. When you face trials, you tend to grow from them in such a way that you develop inner strength. I know this is true for me. When faced with hard decisions, anxiety ridden situations, or worries, I always feel stronger when I lean on the Word and His promises. I have stopped waiting on God to fail me- I know that He won't. When you can come to that place in your life- to truly profess that your life is meant to praise Him, it is amazing how quickly your priorities shift. Life is sweet, for me, when it is simple. Simple life is taking Jesus Christ at His word- to become child like in faith and to believe that He really, really is in control.

We have been faced with many tough decisions as of late- knowing that the creator has a unique plan turns hard decisions into exciting opportunities. We have happily embraced all God has bestowed upon us and look forward to the blessings we know He will provide.

For those of you who follow my blog, you will remember David recently traveling to many different places for business. What I wasn't able to share with anyone, other than friends and family, was that David had job interviews in those cities.

I really need to back up almost a year to really share God's goodness- and I want to remember this story for myself .

After building a large custom home on over an acre of land four years ago, we felt ready to expand our family. We had been married 7 years and we both had degrees in stable careers. We had already bought and sold two different homes before building. It was a natural next step for us. After having Harbor William, the commute for David -two hours a day roundtrip- just became less desirable. We decided to put the house for sale by owner and test the waters. When the house sold in only 8 weeks to the first family to view it, we were so thankful. As most of you know, the economy is quite disconcerning right now. We could literally feel the hand of God ushering us into a new season, but weren't quite sure where we were headed.

Our plan was to house hunt and find a home in close proximity of David's workplace. We enjoyed a summer off and began looking around Christmas. We saw many great homes, but nothing felt just right. We even made an offer, but were unable to seal the deal and after negotiations, decided to back out of that offer. Again, there wasn't a feeling of peace. It was a very uncertain and stressful time. Having a young child, I felt the need to rush into a home. I knew, though, that God would have me to sit, be still, and listen.

After a time, David too, began to feel that God may have other plans in our future. When two phone calls translated to two out of state interviews, we kept an open mind. Things began to move very quickly, smoothly, seamlessly.. even easily! Doors were opened and opportunities presented themselves. We found ourselves in a unique position. And we took it.

I have been cautious to blog openly, but today was David's first day of work. I know it is real and I feel very confident- and excited to share a new season we are beginning. God is faithful- He is a master planner!

We will be living in a very big city-












We will be living 5 hours from here:



And only 3 hours from here:




If we felt really adventurous, New York, New York is a day drive away as well.

David has accepted a position as a Quality Engineer- only one of two- for a million dollar manufacturing corporation in Detroit, Michigan.



Though it is far from home, as I have told my students at school, Detroit is an amazing city. Known as the Motor City, it is the heart of the manufacturing world. It is a great promotion for David with a better salary, benefits, and the opportunity to be trained in Six Sigma, which is the Engineer's equivalent to management courses. I will not have to work and am looking forward to exploring our new city with Harbor William (alright, exploring the library and the grocery store!) Ha!

With the Benchmark testing fast approaching in April, we have made a difficult decision to be a long distance family for 10 weeks. As a teacher, I feel the need to stay true to my teaching commitment to finish through the Benchmark testing and be there to celebrate with my students after it is over. David left last week to house hunt and get settled into his apartment. He is working with a realtor and is making all of the "home" decisions solo. I trust him fully and will be happy no matter where we live. Homes are different up north- lofts, flats, condos, cape cod type homes... everything is very different than in the south. I'm sure it will be a bit of a cultural shock for a bit once Harbor and I join David at the end of April. At that time, the company is paying to relocate our belongings with a moving company, which makes the actual move much easier on us. We are so thankful for these small blessings!

While it has been hard to be apart for this week, David has been able to get settled and start work without the extra worry of Harbor and I adjusting. I'm glad he can work long, hard hours and crash at night without feeling the need to entertain us. We have learned to use Skype (Sooo fun!) and Harbor officially thinks his daddy is now living in the "Puter", as he puts it.

We are right on Lake Erie, in the heart of Detroit, 5 hours from Niagara Falls, 3 hours from Chicago, and only 10 minutes from Windsor, Canada. In fact, many people that work at David's company live on the island community of Grosse Ile. Islands are numerous as the Great Lakes and river systems divide much of the mainland. The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel to Canada is just a 10 minute drive from David's desk, so we hope to take full advantage of the area and explore and make long lasting family memories. This may be home for only 5 years.. but maybe 10. We are willing to be used of God and are confident that life ahead holds many exciting opportunities.

We will miss our families and friends terribly. Our parents, especially. We hope to come home to visit as often as possible and look forward to showing our Southern friends what life up north is like- once we figure it out ourselves! Ha, ha!


Please pray for us, specifically that David will handle the responsibilities of such a large corporation smoothly and with as little stress as possible and that Harbor and I will make the needed adjustments and remain encouraging and supportive of David's work. We look forward to finding a home church and exploring the many bike paths in the area (Yippee!!)

We love you, friends and family! Thanks for all the phone calls, emails, and well wishes! We have already had a few "going away dinners" and are just soaking up our last weeks here.


Telling Daddy goodbye


And leaving with just enough to set up a one bedroom studio apartment.



I hope you will continue to tune into my blog. It will become so much more to me as I find ways to stay in touch and document new adventures. I think the best of blogging is yet to come!


We love you all!

48 comments:

  1. Congratulations! Sometimes change is a breath of fresh air! You'll do great in Detroit! And 10 weeks will pass before you know it! Good thing you are moving in the summer! :)

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  2. Wow how exciting! I am so excited to read your blog and see all your new adventures!!

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  3. Ok, I totally wasn't expecting this! I just KNEW you were going to post that you are pregnant! HA.

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  4. I'm so excited for you guys! NWA will miss you, but I know God has big plans for your little family!

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  5. Wow! That is so exciting and quite a change! I think you'll like Michigan. My SIL & her husband are trying to move up that direction where his family lives. I hope the next 10 weeks fly by and I can't wait to hear about your new adventures!

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  6. Congrats! I thought you were gonna post you were pregnant too! Ha! Would you mind sending me your e-mail address. I wanted to ask you about how hard it was to paint Harbor's ceiling and your dining room. Are your walls the orange peel texture?

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  7. Wow! What an exciting adventure! So glad you'll be blogging so we can keep up with you and see all the fun things that God has in store for you!

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  8. Oh how fun! As a Michigander who reads your blog I hope you enjoy our state :) There is certainly much to explore but I can't help you too much with the Detroit area. I'm on the other side of the state! I'll be curious to read more of your next adventures!

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  9. That's exciting! It's sad you'll be moving so far away, but I know God has great plans for you guys. I will definitely look forward to keeping up with you through your blog!

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  10. Very exciting! I live in Grand Rapids, MI. I am about 2.5 hours away from Detroit. I love Michigan and I know that you and your family will love it as well. There is so much to do outdoors ( I have been reading your blog for a few years now and know that you enjoy being outside)and a great small town feel in many of the cities. I wish you the best!

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  11. Wow- that's a big move!! Good luck to you! Can't wait to see your updates!

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  12. How exciting! There definitely is a reason for everything and I'm sure once you adjust to the North, it will be such an exciting experience! Lots of luck to y'all and I can't wait to read more about it!! :)

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  13. Oh wow!!!!!!! Congratulations to you and your family! How exciting!! Can't wait to see your journey in a new city!!

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  14. Oh Jessica! We love you too! So sad you'll be going but I can't wait to see what God has in store for you guys!

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  15. thats super exciting i live just 3 hours north of windsor so we will sorta be neighbours now!!

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  16. WOW---exciting, scary, fun!!!! Looking forward to following along on your new adventure through your blog! :) Very exciting! :)

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  17. I was introduced to your blog by a friend. I will miss your updates about different places you go. Some places I never knew existed. Please continue to blog. God Bless You

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  18. Congratulations! That sounds so exciting! I will definitely keep in touch by blogging with you!

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  19. I haven't cried in a while over this...and well, tears are flowing again. I will miss you SO much. But this post does make it seem like its going to be really fun for you guys! You know how much I love you!

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  20. Oh, how exciting. One of my dearest friends from Louisville is from Detroit. She LOVES home... :)

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  21. What an exciting adventure!! I know all about this moving biz and how scary and uncertain it can be! You have such a great, postive outlook on the whole thing though!! I admire you for staying on the rest of the school year. I'm sure your parents and students do too!!
    I wish you and your sweet family the best!

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  22. How exciting!!! I wish yall the best of luck and can't wait to hear all about your move.

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  23. congratulations! A fresh new start . I'm sure it's all exciting and scary all at the same time. Look forward to reading all about it. You will be very close to me less than 2 hours even though i'm in Canada. Great outlet shopping in flint and Windsor which is across the bridge in Detroit. Detroit has a great zoo. Thinking and praying for you.

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  24. i would love to meet you esp since you will be so close to me when you move. Would love to make cards or something. Windsor has some great used kid places. WE stayed there last spring for a weekend. Can tell you of good places in Niagra Falls to stay. Detroit has great hockey and baseball.

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  25. Jessica,
    CONGRATULATIONS!!! How exciting!! So glad that you were willing to step out in faith. That step is sometimes so difficult, but so rewarding.

    Looking forward to reading all about your new adventures.

    Have a Blessed day,
    Dawn

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  26. Wow!! Jessica, that is so exciting. I will be so completely different than what you are used to, but it will be a new adventure! I am so glad I get to still follow your new life in Detroit through your blog. I will be praying for you as you go through the end of this year. I know your students are glad you are staying!

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  27. God is so faithful and unchanging! I couldn't be more excited for you, as moving away from family and friends, this will sound odd, has been the best thing for our family. It was by far the hardest thing we've done, but so good to really make a strong family unit. Congrats to y'all!

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  28. I've been following you for a long time and it makes me happy to see your lil family so happy and living life to the fullest. I can't wait to read about your adventures! that's going to be so much fun! Congrats :-)

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  29. WOW, Jessica! That is big news! Wishing your family an easy transition and a wonderful time exploring a new city!

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  30. Wow Jess! What an adventure you're about to face! I knew things had been kinda quiet over here lately, but now I see you've been quite busy getting everything ready. Will be praying for you as you're apart from David and for a great transition into a new city!

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  31. Congratulations!! I'm excited for you. And I'd be happy to show you around my old stomping grounds! I would love to finally meet you anyway, since we were getting to be friends during our pregnancies and our sons born only weeks apart!!

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  32. WOW! How exciting?? I am sure it is scary to leave so many friends and family, but it sounds like so much fun!!! Can't wait to hear about your new adventures!

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  33. Oh wow, Jessica! How exciting! Congrats to David! In a matter of 10 weeks we will both experience big changes! Sounds like a very cool place to live! I can't wait to see the home David picks out! =) I know your parents are going to miss you soooo much! I think that is the hardest part of being away from home!

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  34. What an exciting time for you, David, and Harbor. :)

    I am looking forward to reading about your new adventures. ;) And on how you'll be decorating your new 'digs'. :)

    I know you'll miss your families as y'all are so very close. But hopefully there are lots of trips in the future for you all. :)

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  35. Jessica,
    We are so excited for you & your next step...10 weeks will pass super fast, but I know it's difficult without your honey (we've gone as long as 9 months apart due to work!)
    Still will follow you & enjoy your new adventures!!

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  36. WOW, what big news! Excited to read more about this new journey for your family!

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  37. My family is only two hours from you! Congratulations! You might even get some snow this spring after you move. I can't wait to see how you take to the North. It is quite different than down here, for sure.

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  38. Love your blog! I think I'll start at the beginning :)

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  39. Congratulations Jessica! A wonderful opportunity for you all. I can't wait to see this area through your eyes!

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  40. Oh Jessica how exciting for you all! I know God has a great plan for you guys! Being able to stay home with H is going to be great! We were talking about taking Brady to Niagra Falls and when we do I will let you know! May God bless you and Dave as you listen to his calling. Have a great day!

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  41. jessica i am soooo excited for you. I am praying the 10 weeks pass quickly and are sucessful for your students. I pray you and your sweet family have lots of fun and new adventures and that you continue to follow where GOD leads you..Look forward to reading your blog and hearing about all your exciting adventures. How lucky is harbor to have mommy all the time now.. :0)

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  42. What an exciting adventure awaits you my friend! I'm so excited for you and your family!!! I can imagine that Mom & Dad (both sides) and your extended family will be so sad with you leaving, as you'll miss them too. But just imagine the visits and the fun times ahead! Are y'all out of school in 10 weeks?? We have till June 9.

    I hope you have some great times with your local friends & family as you await your move to the Motor City! I was actually telling my hubby about your move and he was like isn't it funny how you see all the TV ads for Detroit and now you're moving there. :)

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  43. I am so in awe of your little family's faith! Congratulations to David on this very exciting promotion and to you too for being able to stay home for some time with Harbor! I know you will miss teaching, but what an exciting opportunity! My very best wishes and prayers to for a memorable time in Michigan!

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  44. whew....wow! seeing that picture of David huggin' Harbor goodbye brought butterflies to my stomach and tears in my eyes. so, so powerful to see such a wonderful couple/family who i've come to admire and adore take such a big leap to what God is leadin'. for some it would be so difficult and tryin', but for you it seems as if you are putting complete trust in God and allowin' him to lead your family. God Bless you and your family....and i pray that you will truly be blessed in more ways than you can imagine.

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  45. I'm so sad you will be leaving NWA! I was hoping to have some play dates with our boys next fall while my family went to football games. I pray you love living in Detroit and can't wait to read all about it!

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  46. I used to read your blog back when your son was about 1 (I believe..he may have been a little bit older) but then I somehow lost the link and just found your link again today! I am from the Detroit area (I live about 45 min away from Grosse Isle). I think you'll love living in Michigan especially the area you're moving to. There are a lot of cool things around here and just so much to do!!! Hope you enjoy it!!! I'm going to start following your blog so that I don't lose the link again :)

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