Season of Change

These past few months have created many opportunities for change in our family. In less than 6 months, we have marketed and sold our townhome (Praise the Lord!), accepted a new job opportunity for Joel (after a very long year of searching for the "right" opportunity), found a new home, and moved (again, Praise the Lord!).


Exactly one month ago Isaac and I were spending our last couple of days in Blaine, packing up our belongings, while Joel was transitioning into his full-time work schedule at St. Scholastica. To think about the days to follow makes me tired! - Having the movers come and load our belongings, being 'homeless' for a couple of days with a 1-year old - closing on the sale of our new home - and making that final drive from the Cities to Duluth with Isaac and a car full of our "essentials." Then in the days and weeks to follow - the movers arriving in Duluth with our belongings, trying to settle into our new home, unpacking, learning the area, meeting our neighbors, and adjusting to our new way of life. We have, of course, managed to enjoy some of the local attractions in between all of the settling - Betty's Pies, Canal Park, Lakewalk, and more.

Amidst all of these changes, we have also decided (mostly for financial reasons) that I will go back to work (outside the home) on a part-time basis. We feel Isaac is ready for some social development outside the home and that this opportunity will allow him to grow in new ways. Although each day brings mixed emotions behind the upcoming transition back into the workplace, I'm hoping and praying that we all thrive in this new way of life. And, I feel extremely fortunate to have been home with Isaac for these last 16 months.

I will begin my new job as (part-time) HR Manager for Community Connection (http://www.ccmn.us/) after Labor Day. I have been fortunate to find a flexible opportunity in my field of expertise and with a very understanding boss who is willing to let me ease back into the workforce.

As with all of these changes, we have seen God at work - opening the doors before us. Although these last several months have been an interesting faith journey with many ups-and-downs along the way, the Lord has proved his faithfulness time and again. We are extremely grateful for those who have partnered with us in prayer through the many decisions and changes along the way. We hope that our story serves as an encouragement to others who are uncertain and/or waiting on anticipated changes in their own lives.

Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."