The house echoed in its emptiness as I inspected the hardwood floors for any trace that we’d ever been there. Most of our possessions were puzzle-pieced into a 26′ moving trailer. What didn’t get in, was crammed into our truck and Honda, ready for us to caravan to new horizons. Gracie, our loyal Maltese, stuck to us like glue, anxious with all the recent changes. I could practically read her mind—you’re not going to leave me, are you? I couldn’t blame her. Life had been a whirlwind. It was only eight weeks ago that we decided to make the move from our California Foothills home (at the base of the Sierra Nevadas) to Tennessee. And here we are at this moment, on the road to our new home (I’m literally writing this blog from a RV park in Winnemucca, Nevada. These two California natives might be facing a bit of culture shock!
I thought it was our idea to make this move. But once we stepped out in faith, God totally took over. We didn’t just walk through open doors—we were pushed. I believe that often God will put a desire on our heart just to see what we’ll do with it. In this instance, He was in every single detail. The house sold before it was even listed, and the woman who bought it felt as if she were being handed a legacy. We couldn’t ask for much more than that.
“Let’s go outside and pray before we head out,” Chris suggested. The three of us—well, two and a quarter—stepped onto our deck. The creak of redwood followed our footsteps, and I took in the stunning valley view one last time as I eased onto the top step. Tears threatened. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to go, but there was still a bittersweetness to it as I relived my friends’ rib-crushing hugs at church yesterday. God had blessed us so much with close friendships, and even though we’re excited about this new adventure, it’s hard to leave good friends. They aren’t easy to come by.
I moved into this place twelve years ago when Chris and I were married. And even though those years went by too quickly, it was the longest I’d ever lived in one home. Chris bought the place thirty years ago—his first real home—and thought he’d live there until the day he died. But God had other plans. 
Repositioning. That’s my aunt’s term for this season in our lives. God has a plan and purpose for us in this new place. What I know is that with my first book contract, I’ll be working on writing more stories. Chris, recently accepted into the Billy Graham Rapid Response Chaplaincy Program, will be using his gifts to minister to hurting people. Beyond that, only God knows how this will play out.
We clasped hands, took deep breaths, and eased into prayers of gratitude and travel
mercies. What an adventure life is if you’re willing to step out in faith.
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God indeed gives us the desires of our hearts. Not that He grants our wishes but instead leads us to new and different journeys that become our desires. It is ironic that your thoughts and feelings of leaving California to the same state that I moved to are exactly how I felt. The difference is that I was only 22 and leaving the safe haven of my parents’ home to endeavor adult life 2500 miles from all familiarity. We may not know each other very well personally, but through kinship, sharing the same sweet grandmother and a grandfather I never knew, we are forever connected. I pray for safe travels for you and Chris as you make your way East and I look forward to getting together once you get settled.
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We are so excited to get connected with you and your family, Karen. I was going to text you when we were closer. We should arrive on Friday (July 20th) and then let the adventure begin!