(Gradually) On our way to Iowa

Ok, I decided to jump on the blog bandwagon. I’ve never really wanted to do this in the past, mostly because I never felt like I had much to say that people would care to read. But now I realize that I love reading my friends’ blogs, I like hearing about what’s going on in their lives and what’s been on their minds. It’s another useful tool for keeping updated on others lives. So now with us moving and all, I figured, why not? 

So just a little update, we are moving six hours southwest to Des Moines for Andy’s job for 2 years. He’s still working for the same company, just taking on a project that the company needs someone to head up. So we committed to picking up our lives and moving to Iowa. We have visited Iowa twice this summer, and that is the only two times I ever remember being in Iowa, so we are moving in to unfamiliar territory. However we have spent hours praying about this and really have peace and assurance that this is what the Lord has in mind for us for the next few years. Right now we're playing a waiting game as the movers picked up our stuff last week, and it looks like it will not be arriving at our new home until next week.

I’ve been feeling lots of mixed emotions lately, and they can change a lot from day to day (minute to minute!). We have been so blessed throughout this process, everything has really fell in to place so far, another testament to God’s provision and care for us. We are very grateful that some dear friends have moved into our house for the next few years to take care of it. So Andy and I are looking forward to less packed schedules for awhile, less yard/housework (we will be renting an apartment), and looking forward to some time just to be together. However I am going to miss all my friends and family so much. And of course, any sort of major life upheaval is unfamiliar and scary!

Those who know me know I am a natural born worrier. I’ve been surprisingly calm about the logistics and craziness of the move, especially since there seems to be so much we don’t know. However, I have so many fears and worries. Will we be able to meet people? Will I be able to find a job that fits our needs? Will we find a church with a community that we can really grow in? What will we all miss as we’re gone for these few years? Will we be able to just pick right back up where we’ve left off when we get back? And the list goes on. 

Thankfully I serve a wonderful God and have the most supportive and encouraging husband. I have been really learning lessons in trusting the Lord and really letting go of control. I know in my head that He knows the plans He has for us, but so often I try to hold on to a little bit of control just in case He doesn’t quite have things worked out. But this does no good except to cause me anxiety. So God is working on my heart to let go, enjoy His peace, and believe that He is worthy of my trust and has plans for me that are far better than I could ever have for myself. 

Something that has really comforted me lately is God's promises that His plan and timing are perfect.  

"There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot, 

     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace."

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

The line that has really stuck out to me is "a time to search and a time to give up." There is so much that we will be searching for (church, job, friends, everything!) and so much to give up. But this is what God has called us to do at this time in our lives; it is not a time for comfort and ease and familiarity. And that is okay. Truthfully, unless God yanks me out of my comfort zone, I rarely give anything up on my own, so I'm glad that He knows what I need better than I do. 

So friends, thanks for reading. Let's hope I have the commitment to keep this blog somewhat updated! Please continue to pray for us throughout this transition.