We’re here! Yesterday marked 2 weeks since we moved into our new (rental) house. The weather was downright awful the day we moved. It started off snowing, then turned to sleet and rain. Ugh. We attended our church service that morning, crazy as it was, because we absolutely LOVE our Sunday morning services and our community there. It’s such a bummer if we ever have to miss. During that morning service, afternoon activities were being canceled. Just not the kind of day you feel good about asking a bunch of people to trek out to help you load and unload a big truck.

Besides the stinky weather, we also had major Uhaul truck issues. When Chuck arrived to pick up the truck at 7:30 that morning, it wouldn’t start. There was no one to be found to help with the issue. Back at the house, as I was drying my hair I claimed Jesus WOULD get that truck up and running and He would reign over our whole moving process. I just believed the day would be covered by His peace, and it really was.

After dropping my kids off with a dear friend (such a huge help), I drove back out to the farm where Chuck and our friends were loading up the Uhaul. Oh yes, the Uhaul was there! Roadside assistance came, fixed the truck, and we were able to get it just in time. The goodness of Jesus, right there. Anyway, I pulled into the long driveway and saw a sight that caused that flipfloppy feeling in my stomach. There were so many cars parked along the fence I couldn’t believe it! Instantly I was flooded with feelings of awe, a little bit of shock, and overwhelmed by gratitude. We’ve only lived in the area for 5 months, and to have so many people show up to help us out blew my mind. I felt like weeping. Instead, I hopped out of our Jeep in the rain and grabbed a quick picture.

After that, things went quickly and pretty smoothly. Everybody got soaked, and left with muddy feet but our hearts were on fire with the love so tangibly expressed to us. We even had friends come back later in the evening with pizzas, paper towels, and drinks. They graciously stayed late to help us put together beds and began unpacking about a million boxes. I just can’t even express what those kind of friends mean in life. That’s the real deal, right there.

It’s been an incredible JOY to be settling into our own home. Being here feels…right. The Lord opened up every right door at the exact right times. We’re excited to have neighbors (and have already met a few!) and live in a cul de sac. Also, with Walmart Market being 3 minutes from our house now, I have started doing grocery Pick Up and it has absolutely changed my world. I used to have to take up almost an entire day dealing with the grocery situation, and now it’s all over and done with in less than 15 minutes. Glory be.

Community, guys. There’s just nothing like it. Thank you Jesus, one of His greatest gifts.