Ten years ago today . . . we said good-bye.
Ten years ago . . . the “leave and cleave” part became a huge reality.
Young and excited, we packed our belongings in a trailer, our kids in their car seats, and headed West. My parents came along to drive our van out and for general moral support. One week before, I had had to tell my dear husband that a sweet surprise would be joining us eight months after we reached our new home. That surprise hadn’t been figured into the equation. But the great thing about equations is that you can redo them . . . and sometimes get a different answer!
We arrived in Idaho and unloaded a few of our belongings in the home we would be staying in for a few months while our house up the mountain got finished. My parents stayed for a couple days, even going to church with us on Sunday. But Monday arrived and they gathered us in a circle, prayed and said a tearful good-bye.
That’s when the reality of it hit me. Totally and completely. The last string had been snipped. It was now just Lowell and I. We were on our own . . . and I wondered if I’d make it.
As new babies have a way with timing, morning sickness also decided to hit that day.
Moving 2,000 miles away from our home had many different effects:
- We have learned to appreciate our parents and siblings in a whole, new way. I treasure the texts, emails, and phone calls that I get from them – especially on a holiday.
- It has been awesome for our marriage. The realization that it was just us out here . . . only served to strengthen our marriage.
- We have found our own niche in this community, this church, and among our friends. Not being related to many people in church has given us a unique perspective.
- Our kids do miss their grandparents and cousins – as we all do. But that only makes the trips back east more memorable and something we look forward to for months! Lord willing, we plan to go in June for a 4-day campout with my family . . . and be with Lowell’s family the rest of the time. In another couple months, the kids will probably be counting the days until we leave!
I can honestly say that we believe we are where God wants us to be. And that is such a peaceful feeling. To know we are in the center of His will!
It has not been without its hard times – especially when Lowell had his accident. Caring for him, along with four little kiddos, was hard . . . but I would not trade the lessons I learned. God has known exactly what I needed to make Him King of my life.
Ten years is a long time. We saw three babies added to our family. We muddled through the years of Lowell’s accident and recovery. We learned to love deeper, laugh more, and expand our hearts even wider.
We have learned to trust God for the unknowns.
He knows all about our yesterday. He is here in the today. And he holds tomorrow in His hand.
Yes. Ten years is a long time.
And yet it seems not long at all . . .
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mloublogger says
Wow! A lot has happened in 10 years, eh? 🙂 I’ve been close to Idaho (Thompson Falls, MT) but not been in your state. I’ve heard it’s beautiful!
P.S. I met your mother-in-law in Pinecraft a month or so ago. 🙂
Kendra says
Oh that’s great! She is such a treasure in my life. Come to Idaho if you ever get that close again! We are only 1 1/2 hours away from Thompson Falls. 🙂
Kim W says
May the Lord continue to bless you and your family.
Kendra says
As well as to you, Kim!
Bridget Garriga says
You had a lot of faith to go that far away from your parents. I love the pics of your children as they grow. Especially the last one on this post where y’all are all wearing blue. It’s beautiful!
Kendra says
Thank you, Bridget! It was taken at the Oregon coast this past summer.
Denise says
I enjoyed your post, Kendra. It’s also been a few years since an English class I remember so well (and fondly so)–1993-1994, I believe. I enjoyed having you in my class. You were a good writer then and still are. Keep writing! You’re in the process of creating a gift for your children that they will treasure some day.
Kendra says
Ah, thanks, Denise!! Some days I’d love to sit in that class again …. I would definitely appreciate it so much more. 🙂