Okay, so I didn't really leave my heart there... it left me and is wandering around this country in a semi. After two weeks of orientation in Iowa, we got to see John for one day before he took off to Richmond to meet his trainer. This is his first week of a 5-week training period. I think we're holding up pretty good, although I've been so absent-minded lately, I even forgot to thaw out the chicken. I know this will only get easier, especially once he has his own truck and can be home every weekend.

Yesterday was our first Sunday of not being at CCFuquay, and that was, well, weird. (By the way, they should change that grammar rule to "I before E, except after C, or when sounding like 'ay' as in 'neighbor' and 'weigh,' or unless you're just plain 'weird.'") But yes, it was strange. Church was great, but I miss my church family. Life has changed so much in the last month, I'm still feeling like I'm having trouble getting my feet under me. I know all that will come in time. Until then, I guess I'll just keep expecting the chicken to thaw itself out.

In Brooke World, the little munchkin is learning to walk (she was taking 2 and 3 steps together on Sunday), but she still just wants to hold Mom's (or anyone's) hands to walk around the house. You can tell she wants to, she just hasn't worked up the courage. She is not very verbal, but definitely a smarty pants. She picks up on so much that we don't even realize. And boy does that girl love to dance. She finds rhythm in everything, even the sound of the washing machine. We love her to pieces and she brings so much joy to our lives. Can't imagine how boring life would be without her!

Yep. In one short month, our whole life is changing. Four days ago, my hubby gave his 2 week notice at the place he has worked for 9 years. I know God has used him and taught him a lot while he's there, but I am very excited for him to move on and hopefully do something that he enjoys more and work somewhere where he is valued more - after all, their motto is "Expect more (from your employees), Pay (them) less." His last night there is 9 days from now. And in 2 1/2 weeks, he'll be getting on a plane to Iowa and starting his new career - yep, my hubby the trucker ;). I am so excited for this new opportunity, but I know it will probably be a very difficult year. I may only see him two days a week, if I'm lucky. But this is just the next step to get him the experience he needs. Our hope is that in a year or so, he'll have enough experience to get a local driving job.

You thought that was a big change! Just wait, I'm barely getting started! Next week, we'll be saying goodbye to our wonderful, humble home in New Hill and moving in with my parents. They have two bedrooms that only get used about 3 or 4 weeks out of a year, and we have an urgent need to save money. So there it is... I will definitely miss this home and it will be a big adjustment, but there are so many positives about being there, that I am looking forward to it (especially since once I started packing, it's hard to stop, and I'm just ready to get it all done and move on). Since both Mom and Dad work, I'm hoping I can help with dinners and cleaning. Also, since John will be gone so much, it will be nice not to spend every evening alone with just Brooke.

And finally, our second home, our second family, is closing. The church plant that we have been a part of for the last 4 years is closing its doors. The people there really are like family, and it will be very difficult to adjust to not seeing them every week. It's certainly not unexpected, and it would have been difficult for us to continue going, since we'll be an hour away. But it is still very bittersweet. Our last day will be July 31st. I plan on tearing up.

A month ago, I was stressed and confused because we had no idea what our life was going to look like. We weren't sure about John's job, or where we'd be living, or if our church would still be there. I like knowing better (I'm a planner - I can't help it). In one short month, we'll be moving, changing churches, and John will be changing jobs. I'm excited for the future, but also nervous and uncertain. But I know that God will provide for us and direct us and that He is sovereign over everything. Change is difficult, but it's also exciting, and I know God will use us and work in our lives.

You know how every time God closes a door, somewhere He always opens a window? Well, what happens when every time you start to go through that window, another door opens up? Do you keep awkwardly climbing out that window, or do you take a step back so you can go through that open door? The last time this happened, you had one leg over the window sill, so you took that leg back inside and made a b-line for that open door. And just before you got there, it slammed in your face.

So now what? You decided to try the window again and now you're in the exact same spot, leg up over the sill, and another door opens wide. Couldn't God just close the window? Or close the door? Or keep the door open until you get through? And eventually that window is going to get ticked that you keep backing down, and it's just going to slam right on your fingers.

I just keep praying for God's direction and maybe He'll give some more obvious sign to these two thick heads.