I’m taking a break from posting a DIY this weekend because I have a DIY list a mile long. It’s with a mixed bag of emotions that I announce our family full of stories will be relocating our narration 1200 miles north. We’re moving back to Michigan.
A little over 5 years ago, The Narrator and I embarked on an incredible journey. We had fallen in love with Florida and after our vehicle stranded us in the freezing Michigan cold one Christmas Eve, we started having warmer thoughts. It was an adventure that we knew we’d regret if we didn’t try. It was time to stretch our wings and head out on our own. We moved to this town not knowing a soul, but excited about the opportunities God had presented. It wasn’t easy packing up and leaving everyone and everything we’d ever known, but God met us on the other end in the form of life-long friendships that have blessed us beyond measure. Through it all, the good and the not-so-good, God has grown us in ways I never, ever could have imagined in the past 5 years. He stretched me by teaching me how to open up my home to crowds of people monthly, hosting out-of-town family and friends for weeks at a time, and having 2 different precious gals live with us. I received so much more than I gave in every situation. I became a Mom and experienced pregnancy and motherhood and a sick baby in the hospital surrounded by women who took care of us like family. My life is fuller than I ever could have dreamed. I’ve learned to open my heart and love like never before.
Over the past few months, we began to realize that it might be time to move back. Each time our parents came to visit and the kids had to say goodbye it got harder and harder. I thought that after 5 years the farewells would get easier. Instead, I found myself crying harder each time. It stunk. The climax was last week when we dropped Nana and Papa off at the airport and I drove away with 2 kids in the backseat crying, not understanding why their grandparents couldn’t stay forever. We decided it was time to put out some feelers in regards to moving back home. The thought seemed absurd to us with the economy and housing market in the state that it is – especially in Michigan. We knew it would take an act of God. And that’s what He did – He acted.
A week or two before Christmas The Narrator sent out a few resumes and heard back within a week on one. He didn’t realize until he got an email regarding setting up an interview that he knew the guy he’d be interviewing with. About ten years ago we had worked with his wife and had dinner as couples a few times. We had completely lost touch and had no idea he was now at this company.
The job description fits The Narrator and he’s excited about the vision they are working out. God is in the details, and I plan on making that clear throughout this whole process. Stick around in the coming weeks as I continue to share the little God-details that have blown us away.
I was visiting my Grandma when The Narrator called to say they had offered and he’d accepted. In fact, being at her house when I got the call was a big God-in-the-details moment. That morning after breakfast, Little Miss had asked if we could go visit Great-Grandma “to see if she’s doing better.” We had nothing planned that day, so I called her and we headed down to visit. I had been nervous about telling her we were probably going to move, because I love her so dearly, and it has been such a joy for her to have my kids around. So being there, telling her about the possibility, and then getting the confirmation call while at her house was God’s perfect timing. It was so much easier to tell her in person and for the kids and I to be able hug and love on her. I’m quite certain God prompted Little Miss to ask to go see her that day. I’m glad I listened.
The Narrator will be working remotely until our home sells (another great God-detail). We have a list of things to do before putting a sign in the yard, but we’ll be working through it quickly. We’d appreciate your prayers through this process – the work of selling our home, finding the right realtor and buyer, packing up, and saying the goodbyes that I just can’t think about yet. (Another God-detail, in 3 days, a discount airline begins flying DIRECT from here to there making it so much easier and affordable for us to visit, and our friends to visit us there!!!) And for our kiddos – this is going to be quite an adjustment for 2 little minds and warm-blooded-bred bodies!
As we got into the car to head home that day from Grandma’s, this song was playing in my cd player. It caught my attention and my heart swelled until I thought it would burst with praises to God. Here and there, everywhere we have gone, He has been there directing our steps – even when we took detours and paid the price for it – even when we’ve paid the price for the mistakes of others. Listen. Let me tell you what He’s done for us.
Well, I’m so happy for you, but know that you all will be missed here in Sunny Florida!
We’ll be praying for things to go smoothly and swiftly!
Where abouts in Michigan are you going to be?
That made me cry ….sad because I believe God brought our families together and we were just really getting to know you all a lot better ……you are an AWESOME family…happy because God is good and I’m happy you guys are all going to be with your family! We know how hard that is….we wish you all the very best and we know God will cross our paths again! If you need anything please let us know! Love, Mandy and Family xoxo
Yes I am crying ,but they are happy tears, Praise the Lord, You folks are coming back home, we sure have missed you, Love ya Grandma
I am so sad (for us here) but at the same time so happy for you and your family up in Michigan. I know that this is the Lord’s doing so I can’t help but smile for you through my tears. Love you…
Melissa, thank you so much. We are going to miss everyone beyond words. At least it’s only a 2 1/2 hr direct flight!
Mandy, you are so sweet. We have SO enjoyed getting to know and love your family and Little Miss is going to miss your girls! At least we have the Michigan connection. We’ll be in West Michigan, but it’s only 2-3 hrs drive. We’ll definitely keep in touch and visit when you’re up!!
Grandma, can’t wait to see you!
Susan, you’ve been such a precious friend the past 5 years, I can’t even talk about it yet!!!! Michigan is awesome in the summer…. 😉
We cannot wait to do life together with you guys again. It’s been an amazing friendship–whether near or far. Glad we’re doing the “near” thing again–you’re so good for me.
p.s.–Elli was clapping in her bed last night, and as I listened outside the door she was saying, “I can’t believe T-Rex and Little Miss will be able to drive to our house and play!” I just smiled and cried, ’cause I feel the same way.
Moves are but never easy. Even when God is in the details but we have seen your faith carry you through so much….surely you will handle this in ways that will grow us all:) But on a lighter note….and with no offense to all your michiganites…..But how and why you are CHOOSING to live in Michigan..well not even God could make me understand that! More power to you!
We are not there anymore but the idea of you leaving makes me sad too. I will praying for all those around you that will be struggling with their loss. On a realtor note, I would HIGHLY reccomend Michael Davis. He sold our seffner home, and we have been in touch ever since. Him and his wife are a couple that John and I have looked up to-He is true man of God and has been in the business in brandon alone for over 25 years!
When we listed, we prayed over the listing, we prayed for the people moving in…it was awesome. We should with Get with Erica stidham and find out how they sold their house so fast? Good luck as the process begins…Im excited for you guys!
REALLY?!?!? Oh my goodness — how wonderful — and sad all at the same time. First and foremost, WE ARE GOING TO MISS YOU GUYS BEYOND WORDS! You have touched us so much in the short time we’ve known you and we just love you guys so much — you are truly an amazing family. An inspirational family! We know what it’s like to go on life’s adventures around the country, but there is “something” about going home. There’s just something that’s missing and then when you return it’s there again. Of course it’s so hard to say this, but you are doing the right thing and I know God is showing you that…all the way back to the fact that your parents haven’t been able to move here. WOW! What a great thing for the kids — I wouldn’t trade, no matter how much we miss San Diego, my Mom being such a large part of Taylor’s life for ANYTHING in the world! We love you and good luck!
Jenna, Elli’s comment was sooo sweet. I passed what she said along to The Narrator and the kids and everyone loved it!
Melissa, thanks so much for the referral. We’ll call him this week. As for why Michigan, I suppose it’s hard to understand unless you grew up there and family is there 😉
Casey – I’m so glad to hear from you. I know you understand because you did the same thing. We are going to miss you all so much too!!!
I just had to comment on the “Michigan” thing ….because I was born and raised there …I was 21 when I graduated from College and moved to Florida….I know what you mean …Michigan is just “Michigan” and only if you are from there do you really get the “Michigan” thing 🙂 We have Brian’s parents here and we are just waiting for my Parents to move here and then we will be ok ..working on my Sister and her family too ….but at times I really do miss Michigan ….I know Brian hates the Winters and we are spoiled here with the weather …but after having a family of my own ..I miss Michigan even more …can’t really explain it but …I understand exactly why you guys are going back! I am looking forward to keeping in touch via FB and your “blogs” …..I’ve come to LOVE your “blogs” …your sooo talented and it’s fun to read them …I realy look forward to it …plus I can live “vicariously” through you and see what it’s like to go back to Michigan after all this time …can’t wait! When are you guys leaving? Have to get together before you leave. Also ..another “God thing” ..I know God told me to “make that pizza party finally” …for a good reason …just wish I would have made a point to make all the ones before that too 🙁 But we are so blessed to have met your AWESOME and GODLY family! We will keep in touch ….keep those blogs coming … 🙂 Yes ….the girls are going to be SAD too 🙁
Mandy, you are so sweet! It is rather hard to explain the MI thing. It kind of gets in you. Of course, I’ll always be a Buckeye at heart 🙂 I’m so thankful that we all can stay in touch with FB and blogs. Thank you for the kind compliments, and we so enjoyed having you at the pizza party! We’re going to attempt one more before we put the house up, and we’ll be here until it sells, so I don’t have a timeline yet, but I know God does!
Say it isn’t so! We are really going to miss you here for sure. Now being a grandpa, I can really understand the joy of having the grandkids nearby. I always said I learned to love being a parent, I re-experienced that in a different way with little Natalie which is amazing.
I pray Gods blessing on you all, as you have been such a blessing to me and the family. I will miss my little buddies too!
So thrilled for you guys! Do think you’re a bit weird for leaving sunny FL 🙂 but totally understand wanting to be near family. And laughing at how close WE are to YOUR family. 🙂