A u-haul, route 66 (I-40) J, channel 15 walky-talkies, code names, coffee, donuts, bologna sandwiches, sunflower seeds, loud music, truck stops, holiday inns, parks, four states, 1,300 miles, 20 driving hours and two of the best dog traveling champs ever… all this means, WE MADE IT!!
I remember making the turn on to I-40, east bound; it seemed as if it was actually the first step into a new chapter. Our destination was so far and everything about it seemed to be a mystery.
"Are we actually going?"
"Are we really doing this?"
We repeatedly asked each other these questions nearly every time we passed in to a new state and if we didn’t say them aloud, our minds mumbled them just as clearly. The open road and twenty hours gave us time and freedom to think, pray and know that we were doing exactly what we were supposed to be doing; follow the pavement and trust that God was writing His story through our lives.
Our trek was great! It was so exciting to see new geography and experience new culture at nearly every stop we made. Neither of us have done much traveling east bound, so that was exciting in itself. After two fairly long days, we finally arrived at our destination and I couldn’t wait to introduce the family to our new home! My mom and I had traveled to TN back in June to search for a roof to cover our heads, so Tim had only seen the home in pictures. Turns out, I did good! J He loves it and the girls love their new back yard and they especially LOVE the neighborhood park where they can chase the ball ‘til they nearly pass out. Those of you that know Tim would know that he dreams about fishing everyday in the Cumberland River that runs right behind our neighborhood! Unfortunately, those fish wont pay our bills.J However, I guess we would never have to worry about having something to cook for dinner. J
We have finally got most everything unpacked and I have completely convinced myself that the next big move we make we are selling EVERYTHING and just, going. J My oh my how tiring it is to pack/ unpack. I guess I can’t complain because of all that we have, but really, it’s AWFUL! J
We got to meet most of our neighbors and they are all really nice. We quickly realized we were in the “big city” when Tim asked the elderly couple next door if he could mow their lawn and they were VERY confused and wondered what he wanted PAID. It was pretty funny that it took quite a bit of explanation for them to realize that he just genuinely wanted to help mow their lawn for FREE. J Haha… They ended up being very appreciative and now are OVERLY friendly to us every time we see them. Tim is such a sweet guy. J Maybe we should put a bill in the mailbox. J
I started work this last Monday. Everything about it was exactly what I had hoped for. HAITI, HAITI, pick up supplies for HAITI and HAITI… that was my agenda. Every day I get more and more excited, dreaming about what can be done in that country and how we can play our part to make it happen. In addition to this, I get to spend time in an office with amazing people we get to call our family. God is doing amazing things through this ministry and we are so excited to join in His work.
The first Sunday we were here we checked out a church called Mosaic. We really had no idea what to expect and naturally we thought it was going to be a pretty big church; most in this area are. We followed the directions to a building downtown and followed some signs to the second story of a very large building, which then led to a small auditorium. We were greeted by a cluster of art that included paintings and candles (apart from the very nice people at the door J). When we turned the corner we expected to see a large auditorium of people but it honestly took our breath away to see a very small, quaint group, sitting at round tables with candles in a dark ambiance. It seemed to be everything we had been missing since we left the student ministry at Eastern. It was so refreshing to hear AMAZING worship music, (hello we are in Nashville, TN) and be gathered around a small community trying to be God’s bride, His church. We hope to get involved with a community group that meets near our house and hope to start taking part in future projects they may have around the city.
Well, we just wanted to give you a small update on our new life here in Music City. We could probably sit for hours and tell you stories of how we already love this place and what God is doing in our lives daily. It's so good to be, "home sweet home," for now :)
Again, if any of you are in or around the Nashville area we would love to catch up with you!! Thank you again for your love, support and prayers… I will be joining two others (Brent and Missy) from the ministry at the end of this month, on a trip to Haiti for a few days. We will be scouting out projects for next year’s work/ teams and of course dreaming dreams for Haiti while on their soil. Please pray for us as we go; that God would give us a clear vision for the work that needs to be done and that we would do it in love, for His purpose.
Sending love to all of you…
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