Packing, packing, packing!

Nelson and I have been trucking along with our move plans. In two days, our house will be loaded into the truck, and in a short 9 Days, we will finally arrive to our new house in Leland. The time is flying so very quickly. The reality of our huge move is really starting to hit me as most of our belongings are in boxes, and every free moment is spent packing or getting together with friends and family for goodbye dinners/lunches/parties. It is a somber, yet exciting time, as we face one of our biggest life changes. We are leaving all that we know... our family, friends, home, and stability. But it is with a purpose, and a callling, having faith that as we follow God's will, he will provide for all of our needs.

And, on that note, I will share how God has continued to amaze us by filling our needs. You see, that new house that we got in Leland, has two detached offices. We were confused why God would provide us a house with detached offices, but we knew they were there for a reason. God had a plan for them, and it has been revealed! I posted last that I turned in my 4 week notice at work. Well about a week ago, my boss offered for me to keep my job with reduced hours, working from home in Leland. I was shocked, and amazed by this offer. One of our biggest needs in this move will be to find jobs. While this will not provide all that we need, it is certainly something! And I was leaving my job with great concern over the program that I have built from the ground up. It made me sad to think about all of the details of this program, slipping through the cracks, without my presence. And now, I feel great relief knowing that I can see this project through its entirety. Thank you Lord for your faithulness. You never cease to amaze me!

I know that as we move forward, things will not always be easy. We would have no reason to turn to God in faith, if he provided for every detail without a little heartache and sweat. But for the moment, we are thankful for the details he has continuously pulled together. Even right down to us finding a home for our old, old cat. God cares about even the smallest things. Just rely on him and he will come through.

Well, we must get to packing. Lots left to do. Pray for us during this transition. Pray for our packing, safe moving, and for God to reveal our roles with Crosswinds Church. Pray for Crosswinds, as they approach their opening date, and are already bursting at the seams in their informal services. God has a plan, and it is big. Pray that his plan be unveiled to all involved. Take care and God Bless!

God is so faithful! - A new home and more...

We are so excited to let you know that so many things have fallen into place. We have found a great new home for our large dogs. They live in Queens, New York with a very nice woman who is spoiling them more than ever! We have reserved our moving truck, and have started recruiting people to come help us load on Feb. 21. AND, we have also been approved to lease this beautiful model home in a nice gated community in Leland. And best of all? It is only 5 mins away from Crosswinds!!! Pastor Chris is ever so graciously going to look at the home for us tomorrow to make sure that all is in line. But it looks as though, this will be our new home!

You see, we spent weeks trying to find our dogs a new home when we realized they were becoming too much to afford with Nelson being laid off from work. We didn't get any real response, and every lead went to the wind. When we finally accepted God's will for us, he has provided down to the very smallest detail. Within a week of contacting a breed rescue group, we had found a wonderful new home for our beloved puppies. They are adjusting well, and we are feeling really good about their placement.

We also hit a roadblock when searching for a rental in the Leland area. You see, most landlords would really like you to have a job IN North Carolina, so that they know you will have income after you move. Well, we certainly have not had time to come down for any interviews before we move, so the job hunt is going rather slow. However, we decided to put our whole story out there on the table when responding to a couple of house listings. Well, this very nice Christian man who took mercy on us, has decided to allow us to rent this home right in Leland! Lesson learned... when you are doing God's will, he will provide. He can move mountains and open doors in ways that we had never imagined. God is so great!

As the pieces fall into place, and each day passes, our move date is approaching so quickly. We have 24 days left before we actually leave, and only 18 days until our house must be packed to go. I've already given a 4 week notice into my work, and it was accepted with extreme disappointment, but excitement for our family and the adventure that lies ahead. It was amazing to see the response of even the non-believers at my workplace. I hope in some way, I have been able to plant some seeds with these co-workers during my time there. None the less, time is flying and I had better get packing, eh? :) Sending our love and blessings to all!

Jess