Welcome Home!

Saturday morning began early for our family as we prepared to move to Ponderosa Bible Camp. Rising at 5:15 in the morning is not out of the norm for me, but this day brought with it an anticipation and excitement that I can't put into words. Of course, Chris and I had stayed up way too late working on finishing touches of packing and trying to straighten and clean a bit so as not to leave the house in complete disarray. Chris had to make an early morning run to his business partner's house, so I showered and got ready. As I finished a few things up, I heard a scream come from downstairs. "Woo Hoo....Today is the day...Wake-up Braeden, it's finally here," were the shouts I heard from the boys' bedroom. I walked down to see Caleb with a gigantic grin on his face trying to wake Braeden so he could share in the excitement that the day had finally arrived! They slept in their clothes, due to the late night we'd had the night before, so teeth were brushed, hair was brushed, and shoes were on in record time. Bouncing around the house, it was hard to explain that we had to wait about 45 minutes before the Stone Family would arrive to help us pack the last few things. They helped me take a few things out and shove them into our already very full van. Then GiGi arrived in a surprise visit. She came bearing drinkable yogurts and Go-Gurts for all 3 children. She was a hit!!! They were bouncing around on the driveway, eating yogurt, and telling GiGi all about moving today. The Stone Family arrived promptly at 7:00 and we quickly began to load the back of the truck and pack Laura's SUV. What began as 3 vehicles just a few days before had become 2 trucks, 1 enclosed trailer, 1 van and 1 SUV. I am not sure how we would have made it without every inch of space God provided! What a precious home group family we have to ensure we are being obedient to God's calling by helping us move to camp! Very quickly things were loaded, two final walk throughs were made to pick up those last few items, and a wonderful time of prayer in the driveway was had before setting out on the road. The caravan was quite a sight to see. I spent the time on the road talking to sweet friends, praising Jesus for His provisions, and crying (the ugly cry) about this path to full-time missions. It seems as though we have been praying for such a long time about this, yet in reality, this is truly a short period of time in light of eternity. I have dreamed about the day we would pull through the gates at Ponderosa and truly call it home. Every part of the trip felt just right. This peace is only given through a trust in our Lord and Savior and the assurance that we are being obedient to His will for our lives. It was just as I imagined it would be...pulling through the gates, traveling down the gravel road to what has been known as the nurse's station, and backing in to unload was AWESOME! Several of our new neighbors greeted us with hugs of happiness and sweet signs on the doors welcoming us home. There is so much more to say and many stories to tell; however, the words are beginning to jumble. The remainder of the day was somewhat of a blur with unpacking and preparations for camp beginning just after lunch. We are still slowly but strategically organizing (understatement if you know me at all) and ensuring everything has a place in our home, but it will get there in due time. Thank you for your continued prayers for our journey and this ministry. We are very blessed by those who are going with us!