an update of the crazy

We're here! We have actually been in North Carolina since last Wednesday but we have been shuffling through the boxes, emotions, school work, family, meeting new friends and getting to know the area. There was also some sleeping, although I am not sure I will ever feel that it is enough.

First off I want to say Oakland has been so kind and supportive through this process! We were overwhelmed with all of the hugs, prayers and gifts before we left. It was so encouraging to hear we will be missed but they wanted what was best for us. We will definitely miss our church family, and are grateful we are only a couple hours away. We also got several promises to come visit so I'm holding them to it!!

Moving is new to me. I've moved houses many times, but never my hometown (besides college of course). It is definitely going to be an adjustment, and sad at times, but we are so excited to see how God is going to use us here. We have seen Him working in so many ways through this transitional time that we can't wait to see what he has for us!

We have not met a stranger yet. Everyone at Highland Park Baptist is so friendly and wanting to help make this an easy transitional time for us. Even though we have only visited twice prior to moving here, we already felt like we were part of their family. Sunday night we had a Thanksgiving service where we had food and people shared what they were thankful for. I loved seeing this part of the church. They were praising God for all sorts of things but I kept seeing the common theme of being thankful for what God is doing - not what they are doing. Highland Park is growing. They are seeing many salvations, but they acknowledge it is nothing they are doing but what God is doing through them. THAT is exciting. Drew and I are excited to be apart of it.

We also got 'pounded' on Sunday night - where people brought us household goods to stock our pantry. Wow did they!! I think we could make it a year on all the corn and toilet paper we received. :)

A couple in the church is allowing us to stay in their basement apartment until we found our new home. It has been so kind of them and is a great cozy space. :) We are so grateful for this, although are looking for an apartment of our own. I think we will feel less in transition when we set up our house somewhere. We are actually looking at a couple places this evening and then will probably have a decision made by tomorrow.

Peyton is adjusting fairly well. It was a rough couple days but he has slept through the night the past two nights so we are hopeful. He is a huge reason we want to get our own place on the earlier end. Boxes and new places have been way too 'normal' for him lately and we want him settled at home. He of course has a smile through all the crazy... except when he doesn't. HA

So all in all things have gone well. We have been trying to get school done (we are in week 5 of 8) and spend some time together, just breathing. It sure has been a whirlwind of a month but God is right beside us so we can get through anything!