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Thankful Thursday

Thursday, July 31, 2008
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

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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.



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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!

33 comments:

  1. Sometimes it takes a while to turn our hearts towards God's plan instead of our own. I'm still working on that through this adoption. Time after time, though, we are always grateful that God pushed us out of our comfort zone. I think you will look back and feel the same way.

    How sweet the boys are with their surprises. I love it when kids truly appreciate something.

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  2. oh Kim I am so sorry for all the anxiety you have had about the move. I understand your reservations about Kate's tranistion... I honestly feel wherever Kate's family is will be home to her, after a very short transition, I think she will adjust beautifully. I am so glad about the school. WONDERFUL:)
    I pray you find the perfect house to turn into a home for your lovely family...
    Love
    Connie

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  3. Kim,
    Thank you for reminding us that God's plans are always better than ours.... If not, you and I would not have Kate & Ruby!!!! You are right a house is just a house, but a home is what you make of it. I have no doubt that you will be happy wherever this life journey takes you. You see, we know the secret... We have hope! Thank you God for that! And, thank you for remembering Ruby Mei's birthday. Our little gem decided to get up at 3:30am to start celebrating... Praying for a very long nap for her (and maybe me) today!

    Blessings my friend!
    Di

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  4. Thank you Father for solving the problems that we haven't even faced yet. Amen

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  5. it's wonderful to have you back again! i was so pleasantly surprised to find the blog not blocked today when i checked "just in case". as always it is a joy following your family. i'm excited to hear about the new blessings this move holds for your family!

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  6. What a pleasure to see your blog. So much is happening in your lives! Saying goodbye to friends...and, your lovely porch and kitchen! I can't help you move, but please trust that I will pray that you have a blessed kitchen in your new home.
    Terri

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  7. You must be one of the richest people I "know". Not in the form of money, nice homes, cars and such but in the way that people care about you and your family. It is so beautiful. I truly believe it is a gift from the Lord. I hope one day to receive a gift like that :)

    Of all the love shown to you. The Lords is the deepest, strongest and truest so why worry? He is holding your hand. He won't let go.

    Hannah

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  8. Great news on the school! So often that's the hardest part of the transition. I completely understand your concerns about Kate. She is fortunately at an age where she'll be happy where you are and where every person her age she meets is a potential friend. Prayers are with you all.

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  9. Hannah,

    Thank you for reminding me how "richly" blessed we are. I do feel grateful each and every day.

    KIm

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  10. Kim

    I hate to admit it but I am much more of lurker than a commenter. I have commented a couple times but not on a consistent basis. Nevertheless, I have been reading your blog every day since before Kate came home. I was out of town when you took the blog private so I had no idea what happened to you. I am so glad you are OK and all is well with your family. Moving is sooo very difficult. I can understand your feelings about your house but remember it isn't the house that makes a home...it is the people within. Please know that you have one more "friend" praying for you and your family during this time of transition. Will you remain in the US or abroad? Either way, I hope wherever you end up they have really good internet access :-)

    Blessings,
    Mommy

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  11. Welcome back my friend!

    I know you have a lot of change ahead of you but I am confident Kate is secure in you, in Dave, in her brothers and not in the house that she lives in. You have created a wonderful home for her and your boys and that will follow you no matter where you live.

    Talk to you soon.

    Kristi

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  12. I am happy beyond words to see your blog back!!! I am sorry that you have to move so quickly. You are right, though, at least you are able to stay together and your husband has a job. Just when I was starting to feel sorry for myself - my 3rd week in a row of 50 hours work (plus mom to 2 girls) your blog made me realize that we all have things to deal with. God won't give us problems that we cannot handle. Good luck!

    Kate
    katherin.johnston@sbcglobal.net

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  13. I know you you feel. Connie's words ring so true....you are Kate's family and she will always be home with you no matter what roof you are under! Big Hugs!

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  14. So well said - I know your fear and anxiety to well. I to am anxious and fearful. We'll talk soon :D
    Ladybug hugs,
    ;D

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  15. I hope what I commented earlier was not taken wrong. It sounded funny after I re-read it. I totally meant it as a compliment and not to undermine all the feelings you are having with the move.

    Thanks.
    Hannah

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  16. Just found your blog and am loving reading back through everything. I am so happy that you had a camera post, b/c I kept wondering what you used! I am also so curious as to what your fantastic supplements are - I never found the follow-up!

    Ashley

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  17. Oh, Kim, I know how hard it is to set out on a new adventure.... I know how hard it is to say goodbye to the people close to you... but if we never venture out, move on... we miss so many things... we miss out on making the new friends the Lord has for us to meet. The kids may have a hard time at first but they are wonderful children who are loved and are secure... they will do just fine...
    He does have a plan for you and I am so excited to hear all about the wonderful things that come your way.
    I just can't get over these pics.... your camera, your editing, your skill is amazing!

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  18. I am having a hard time with this, but I know it is God's plan for you. You are wise to keep trusting Him.

    Call me~

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  19. Kim,

    When I look back at my life, every significant blessing has been the direct result of a major change. I am a person who is not fond of change at all, but when I feel the winds of transition blowing around me I begin to encourage myself that something new and wonderful is on the horizon. Something that I could never orchestrate, but that only God could bless my life with. I have a feeling that even though you feel anxiety about this move, the Lord has something very special in store for you and your family. I also agree with all your blogging friends that Kate's attachment and bonding is with you and your family, not with your house. Her home is going to be wherever you are sweet Kim! Praying for you!

    LeighAnne Ivey

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  20. I think that the move will give the kids a whole new look on a new culture... and environment...
    It will be an exciting time...
    Take all of it in..
    They will adjust.. you are with them and that is all the need..
    HUGS...
    You are an amazing lady.. and your family is sooo wonderful..
    Have a Great Weekend..
    So glad you are back...

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  21. I'm so glad to see your back! I'm just getting caught up on everything that's been happening in your family. Sometimes it's hard to see the big picture when there is so much going on, but I'm sure in time understanding will come. Remember we're always on God's timing.

    We do have friends who live in England and they just LOVE it! They actually came home for a year and now have gone back because they loved it so much!

    Keep the faith - our God is good!

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  22. Very best wishes to you and your family on your upcoming move. It is hard to make such a big change. So glad to hear that the school you wanted has room for the boys -- that will be a blessing for you, I'm sure. Take care.

    Janet

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  23. I'm so glad you're back and blogging. I pray for a safe and easy move/transition for your family. Have faith. It doesn't matter where you live, or the house you move to...your love for your family will make it a home of new and cherished memories.

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  24. This is such an honest, real post, Kim. Thank you for sharing such intimate feelings. I know this is a complete time of turmoil and transition for all of you.

    I love when the Lord clearly answers my prayers with a, "yes." However, I'm not too thrilled when the answer is, "no" or "not now." It is not always easy to accept the Lord's plans for us. However, He knows best and He'll be right along with all of you, no matter what your address.

    Thank you for maintaining a thankful heart in the midst of transition and turmoil...What an incredible lesson we all need over and over again!

    One day at a time, friend...

    Love,
    Lisa

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  25. kim you are a wonderful mom and friend!! you are worrying about everyone, and it will all work out. i am so happy to hear about the boys school. i know that kate will do great, she has come so far!!! don't forget that:)

    can't wait to see you on sunday. did you notice, i am starting to get a few bloggy readers:)XO, C

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  26. God definitely has a plan! He led us to Hartwell to live in a tiny house for a year where our family was smushed together with love. We grew so much and now have more than we could ever need. I pray God will answer all your prayers with His Great Wisdom and lead you where His Will leads. I also was concerned with EllaKate's adjustment but she did beautifully and actually blossomed!!! I pray the same for your family. Thanks for your comment this am- I always love hearing from you!!! Have a blessed weekend!
    Shay

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  27. Kim,
    So good to have you back with us! It's like I've been reunited with an old friend! I'm really going to keep you and your precious family in my prayers as you make your transitions!

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  28. Yaaa! So glad to get back home from China and see that you are back to blogging. I've missed reading about the "peanuts". I too am very attached to my home so I know exactly how you must be feeling. So often we just have to step out on faith. I know that this move will be a good one for you and your family and you will make your new house a wonderful home for all of them.

    Glad you are feeling better,
    Robin

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  29. Miss Kim - I, like Katherine, was so happy to find your blog back on (I actually checked after seeing your comment on Ohmommy's blog)!!!
    I didn't think about printing off your blog about the supplements you and your family take until it was too late, and I so wanted that information for the upcoming fall semester to potentially help some of the students I work with whom have extensive allergies, etc.

    Here's to continued fabulous memories for your family throughout this next adventure (and they will be fabulous because you are all together and have so much love for one another).

    We are all glad to have you back!

    Meg

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  30. Are the boys getting BETTER looking every day!?!?!

    I am so glad that you have friends that are lifting you up during this time - it is AMAZING when God answers prayer - in such tangible ways, like the school calling! How cool is that??

    I can't wait to hear more about your job opportunity. And I totally understand about wanting to go somewhere "new" that would be rich in culture. I am pulling for a position in Hawaii on our next tour.

    Cause if we can't have "rich in culture" maybe we can at least have the beach!!!! LOL!

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  31. Kim,

    I'm Belén from Spain....

    Have you thought what a great experience living in London will be for the 3 peanuts (a nd for you and your husband)?

    I'm sure this time will be a perfect time for you to grow as a family, I'm sure¡¡¡

    I've been three times in London and I love it ( not the weather...I live in the mediterraneal coast and I'm not used to rain...). I've lived two months in Bath ( which is not so far to London)....

    I will pray for you and your lovely family¡¡¡¡¡

    Lots of love,

    Belén.

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  32. Kim,
    Call me, quick! Love from Keesha

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  33. Hi! Just read your post. As a mother.. I can feel your fears and concerns. Just remember:
    Let Go.. & Let God!
    He will guide you continually!!
    My God Bless you and your precious family! ;0)
    Pro. 3:5-6
    Keisha

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Thank you for your kindness.