Thankful Thursday

The career opportunity that is motivating our move was not one that my husband directly sought. There was an opportunity in London that we were interested in.  I thought it would be such a rich cultural and educational experience for us to live in the UK for a few years. I imagined travel and museums and cultural experiences and friendships that would immensely enrich our family. I envisioned us riding the tube around shopping and exploring the city. I even thought of how cute Kate would sound as she picked up an English accent! I knew it would be a tough transition but I thought it would be a good one too. Instead, the company offered my husband this other position.

I am really grateful that Dave was offered such a great opportunity.  I see people around me everywhere really struggling with the economy.  I am thankful.  I truly am.  I am also fearful.  

This job literally fell into our laps.  But I have these little tugs of fear.  Kate is completely adjusted here.  I can leave her with a babysitter now.  That took over a year to accomplish!  The boys have been in a school that is a PERFECT fit.  That is not always easy.  Although they are both very bright, one is not a traditional learner at all.  He marches to the beat of his own drum.  Things finally seem steady and calm in our house.  Now, we will turn it all upside down. In those moments of fear, I keep asking myself, "Why?" Will this move make Kate regress in her attachment? Will the boys do well in their new school?  Will we find a house?

This week a few people reminded me that we do not always know God's plans for us.  My friend Lauren posted this scripture:

"All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (Psalm 139)

And our good friends Karen and Doug (and Becky too) sent me an orchid (a favorite) with this verse on the card:

" For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

So I thank Karen and Lauren for reminding me that I do not need to have fear but I need to have faith and trust.

Last week, when we still were not sure if we would move or not I asked God for something very specific.  I prayed, "Dear Lord, if this move if the right one for our family, would you please help me find a school for them.  God, please lead me in the right direction for a good school." The very next morning a Catholic school called and said that although they are full, they will accept Will and Harry.  Now, that is answered prayer!  I am working (and it is a struggle) to trust in His plan.

Now I pray..."Dear Lord,  thank you for all of the blessings you have given us in this house. Please help find a buyer that can experience the same joy here that we have."

I am also thankful to Jaren, Lisa, Connor, Christian, Spencer and beautiful little Gracie! This beautiful family reads our blog (they do not blog) and they sent us some cheerful little gifts and a beautiful letter to lift our spirits.  I wish you all could have seen Will and Harry's faces when they saw these Kl*utz kits.  They were SO excited.  I do not spoil the kids at all and they rarely get little surprises like this.  I LOVE your letter and will save it.  We love the book for Kate too.  Your thoughtfulness reminded me that there is SO much good in people:) THANK YOU!  Here are the boys with their gifts.  Moments later they ran to the basement to build them!  Lisa, you are so kind.

A big thank you to Sheri also who sent me a beautiful card and photo holder.  I loved them both.  I have already packed the photo holder for our move but you will see it displayed proudly once we have a new home:)  Thank you Sheri.  I love what you wrote in the note.

A final thank you for all of the kind and supportive comments and e-mails.  Words escape me on that one but I am truly touched.

One more thing.....

Happy Birthday Ruby Mei! 

 We love you!