Sunday, May 22, 2016

Trust

WE MADE IT!

Unbelievably so, through much surrender and prayer, we traveled 750 miles through the Midwest, alongside the Smokies and up and down the Blue Ridge Mountains. Gorgeous views, beautiful weather...I mean seriously, even when it rains it is just nicer here in South Carolina! I may be on a vacation mindset, or maybe a honeymoon mentality, but this is just such an incredible journey God has gifted our family! We are so grateful!



So, if you haven't read the beginning of this adventure, you can do so here to see how this crazy leap of faith had begun.

Anyhow, here's an update!

May 2016 was a monumental month for us. God has moved such a huge mountain and we feel so blessed! We officially relocated from Illinois to South Carolina and it felt amazing! We had such blessings along the way...so many of our family and friends helped us load a 26' moving truck, prayed for us, and encouraged us in spite of it sounding so crazy! We had no jobs lined up. My husband had been applying to many places with no interviews in sight. Instead of waiting, we decided to pack up and go.

God's will be done.

Mr. Faithful did an amazing job driving this humongous truck through the mountains, in the rain, and narrow lanes. I'm so proud of my husband, he truly is the priest of our domestic church.

Our entire 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home in one 26' truck, along with my precious cargo - my knight in shining armor husband and one of my sons. Driving through rainy Blue Ridge Mountains.

So, here's a recap of the whirlwind...We got this truck on a Saturday, loaded it up, said our goodbyes Sunday, left Monday morning and stayed at a hotel in Kentucky (halfway point). Then, Tuesday morning driving again until we reached our new home in South Carolina. 

But wait, there's more!

Tuesday we unloaded what we could. Wednesday, we were on the road again...another 5 hour drive to my brother and his family in North Carolina! They were so generous to gift us space to put our furniture while we figure things out during this transition time and while we live with my parents. So, spend the night and head back Thursday, luckily and thankfully without that huge truck! 

Then, Friday morning came.

My husband had a job interview Friday. Remember, we had no jobs lined up the week before. My hubby walked in, and about 15 minutes later, was offered a great paying job!!! Praise God for providing for us in all ways, all the time!!! He should start sometime this week!! Oh, the BEST part about this amazing job?! He will only work 3 days a week, and the remainder he will FINALLY be able to spend time with his family! After 23 years of busting his butt working 50-65 hours a week with nothing to show for it but more debt, my husband will be providing the way he had always intended to for his loved ones! Praise God for answering his prayer to provide!!!

So, want to know why we feel all of this was God's will for our family? Well, first of all none of this would have happened without that simple prayer between my husband and me back in December, but also here's God's humor (in my opinion of course)....the name of the company Shane will be working for is...TRUST. I do not think that is a coincidence at all. I believe this is another affirmation that God has gifted us to let us know we are on His path, that we are doing this right...and righteously. We have continued to try our hardest to stay at the foot of the cross and do feel this is exactly what God intended us to do.

One more piece of amazement....

Today was the first day at Mass at my parents' parish, our parish now! They had Franciscan Friars whom stated that today was their last day at the parish as they were being transferred somewhere else. Upon hearing this news, they also announced the new priest is a young 42 year old, vibrant and fun, from Poland and he studied the priesthood in Rome! He begins at this parish in two weeks. My husband and I looked at each other and both pondered on this news. Then, one Friar added the San Domino Crucifix - which happens to be the exact same one our old parish in Illinois used - will be leaving with the Franciscans. 

I immediately thanked God because I knew in my heart that with the San Domino Crucifix leaving that parish, it was our closure, the ending of a long chapter of our family's life, and the beginning of a new adventure with a new, young, vibrant priest.

You have got to see the signs God gives you. They are everywhere! You just have to take the proverbial veil off and open your ears, eyes, and heart. He offers this to everyone...but it's up to us to be receptive. Will you heed His call for you and your family, no matter the cost?

More to follow as our Faithful Family Adventure unveils...you don't want to miss what's next!!