New Chapter in our Life

It was seventeen years ago this month that Joel was contacted by a headhunter about his interest in employment with Michigan Sugar Company.  My reaction was, "I don't do north," but I "agreed" to live in Michigan for five years.  You know what Proverbs 16:9 says, that "In his heart man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."  Well, the Lord's determination was that we would continue on in Michigan for a lot longer than five years!  And I did learn to "do north" for half the year, from May through October.  In fact, I do that part very well!  ;)

I love that verse in Proverbs, because I know that no matter what happens, the Lord is ordering our steps, for our good and his glory.  For several years, I had been specifically praying that the Lord would move us back to Kansas, so we could be closer to our families.  So when Joel was contacted this spring by his former company about a position in Kansas, we were hopeful and prayerful this would be God's will for us.  As it turns out, not only will Joel be returning to his former company, we will be returning to our former town, where we lived for thirteen years and where our children were born.  It's a little surreal to say the least.  When we told our son Tyler the news, he said, "It's almost as though your time in Michigan has been one long parenthetical statement."  I like that analogy, but in no means as a way of diminishing the importance of our time in Michigan.  A lot has happened in those seventeen years, and we have grown to love so many people, as well appreciate the beauty and diversity of the state.  We will certainly be taking many fond memories with us when we leave.  

For those of you who read my blog and have been a part of our lives in Michigan, we are so thankful for your friendship, love, and encouragement.  You have often been our "family," and we will miss you so much! 

God is so good!