A Year of Waiting...

It appears that our long wait is nearly over! Monroeville, Alabama (The literary capital of the US & birthplace of Harper Lee and Truman Capote. Ms. Lee still lives there! She wrote To Kill A Mockingbird in case you're wondering) will become our home sometime this summer! Michael will assume the role of Senior Pastor following the congregational vote and examination by the presbytery. Both of which should go smoothly.

I can't believe that within a couple of months I will be unpacking stuff - my dishes, my pictures, my furniture, things I can't even remember I have. Of course, the old rule of "If you haven't used it in a year, you don't need it" could apply, I suppose. I have learned so much this year, one of those things being that all my stuff is just that - stuff. All the things of value and importance I have surrounding me.

What else have I learned? Well, that God is our provider. Not man. Countless times over the past year things have looked hopeless, but God has always been faithful. Money when we needed it, continued insurance coverage, clothing for the kids and myself, tuition help at school, a church body to call our own for a while (Grace Fellowship Albertville - a true gift from God), good friends to confide in and be real with. There are so many who have truly walked through all of this with us.

Another thing? Waiting is not passive. It's not sitting idley by. It's an active seeking. I studied 1 Peter on my own and James with the ladies at Altadena Valley PCA over the past several months. Rich, rich words. I have clung to God's promises to restore us and make us strong, firm and steadfast. Honestly, I don't think I'll ever be the same. Neither will Michael!

Michael's job in Cullman ended on June 5, 2005. We found out that Monroeville was going to happen on June 4, 2006. On June 5, 2006, as we drove home from Monroeville, I was struck by how God had redeemed that day for me. I had found myself dreading the "one year mark", but instead God made that a day of joy and anticipation. He's so sweet like that.

So, for those of you who travel south on 65 to go to the beach, please stop by and say hello. We are 15 minutes or so from the interstate. I'll give you more information when we get it!

Oh! And by the way - Mason lost another tooth...Ethan's surgery is Thursday, June 29, to remove the birthmark from his leg...Caroline had "cheerleading lessons" while at Sports Camp in ALbertville last week where she learned a roll tide cheer...and Molly, well, Molly continues to be our little bit of sunshine. Here's the proof!

Blessings,
Amy