Life has a way of chewing you up and spitting you back out. Over the past 9 years, we have definitely felt chewed up and spit out a few times. Yet, here we are, 9 years later, feeling like we are exactly where we are supposed to be and look back with gratefulness for the lessons we have learned along the journey. God is good!
In August of 2014, we packed up and moved back HOME to Indiana. We lived in Florida for 11 years and although we enjoyed living there, it wasn't home, at least not for me. I have never slept better since being back home. It's weird how that happens. We completely started over, knowing God would provide for us. We both sensed God calling us back to Indiana, but I had been longing for our home state for a few years and was becoming so homesick. John could have lived in Florida the rest of his life and been totally happy! But, he knew my heart longed to be around family and familiarity. He moved here because he loves me. He is such a good man. I am blessed!
I was able to get a job as a teacher's aide and John started subbing. Eventually, John also worked as an aide in the same school district. Then, he eventually became fulltime heading up their alternative school. It's such a perfect fit for him. He enjoys helping students who are struggling not only in school but in life. It is definitely an area of ministry that God opened up for him. God also provided us with a wonderful country church where John was the assistant pastor until this past summer when he became the senior pastor. I am so grateful that God opened the door for John to be able to still pastor. Preaching and teaching are what God has called John to do and I think it is just the kindness of God to give both to him in such a short time after moving here. We absolutely love our school corporation that we work for. It feels like family.
Our oldest son, Johnathan is now 24 years old, married and living in Kansas. He served 4 years in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Riley in Kansas. He met and fell in love with Meredith, a 7th grade English teacher near the base. They had a beautiful barn wedding at a pumpkin farm in November of 2016. After serving 4 years in the Army, Johnathan is now serving in the Kansas National Gaurd Reserves and is the IT guy at the public library there. I forgot to mention that Johnathan graduated from high school with his associate's degree from Northwest Florida State before joining the Army. He is continuing his education, taking classes as he can. John and I are hoping for grandchildren in the near future!
Nicholas is now 20 years old and after graduating high school in 2016 was accepted to Purdue University where he is now a sophomore studying Public Health.
Kristen is 19 years old and she graduated high school in 2017 and was also accepted to Purdue University where she is a freshman studying Medical Laboratory Sciences and wants to minor in forensics.
We are so grateful to be where we are, doing what we are doing. We thank God for all of His provisions for us. I also am grateful to work with a great 7th grade English teacher who inspired me to start blogging again, along with all of our students who are blogging too. I forgot how much I enjoyed it! I will leave this with a couple updated pictures of our family. Until next time . . . smile, Jesus loves you!
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