A fitting update

So apparently, I stink at this blog thing. Actually, we have no internet at the house right now, and can only I update from the labtop in the bedroom (where we pick up the neighbor's wireless). I just haven't been able to find the time. So, I wanted to give you all an update on life since September. In early October, we moved back to Alabama. I started my old job at Princeton and am so excited to be part of all the wonderful things happening there. The only job Randy could find was as a desk-clerk at a hotel in Talladega. It's not much or ideal, but it helps pay the bills. We're just thankful to have jobs in this economy. Randy is also the interim Minister of Music at Macedonia Baptist Church. It's a small, but loving church that has been a great place of healing for Randy in the ministry. The somewhat strange connection is that the pastor's wife at the church is a former instructor, now collegue of mine at Princeton. We had a wonderful yet bittersweet celebration for Christmas. First, I cooked a big meal at our home for my family. Charis opened one gift (a real looking toy vacum) and refused to open any others. She just played with that until we hid it. Then, we had a strange time visiting Randy's dad in his new apartment. Randy really struggled with this because he never thought he would have to visit 2 seperate places for Christmas. Next we visited Randy's mom and some family that Randy hasn't spoken with in years. It was wonderful to see Randy and his mom having such a good time there. And they spoiled my baby. What more could a mother ask for? Then of course, we had Christmas morning. Randy's mom was with us for this special time. I am so grateful that God provided us with the money to give Charis a decent Christmas. And now, to start the year with an update to the Alabama dynasty! How exciting!!! Hopefully it won't be 3 months before I update again. And thank you for all your prayers and support.

Moving

After much prayer, Randy and I have decided to move back to Alabama. As only children, Randy and I both feel the obligation to care for our parents. My mother has another spot on her lung, and the doctors are quickly running out of options. Randy's parents are getting a divorce after 36 years of marriage, and his mother is facing being without a husband for the first time since she was a teenager. It was with heavy hearts that we told the youth and the church today. That was the hardest part. We love that church, especially those kids. Concord has a great youth group with so much potential. We were really looking forward to watching God grow those kids into men and women of His. But with each blow dealt to our families, we began to feel the sense of duty to our parents pulling us back. Though we are sad to leave what has become our new home, we look forward to returning to familar roots. To be near to so many of our friends, favorite hang outs, and of course, Bryant Denny, is exciting. We were wondering why we had not yet been able to sell our house, and the answer is clear to us now: we needed it. I've been offered a job back at my beloved Princeton, and will find out tomorrow when I can start. Now that, I am pumped about. I miss that place and its people so much. I can't wait to get started there!Randy will be seeking a part-time position and will be headed back to school during the winter. Pray for us and the Concord youth in this time of transition. We will keep you updated throughout the moving process. Much love and God's blessings to you all!

Daddy's Home!!!

Thanks to everyone for your concern and prayers! Randy got discharged home from the hospital today, but it looks like it's going to be a long road to recovery. The doctors feel it may take several weeks for Randy to feel like his old self again. Charis was just content to have her daddy back home though. Randy's mom came up to help take care of Charis while I worked this weekend. We could not have made it without her. We covet your prayers as Randy continues to recover.

First Post

Hi everyone! Since our family moved, we've felt we've been out of touch with people from time to time. To help remedy that problem, we've created a blog. We'll post from time to time about big and little happenings in our lives. Today finds us almost where we were at this time last year and yet a world away. We've recently moved to Hopkinsville, KY and have had to start a whole new life. Randy is the full-time youth minister at Concord Baptist and I am an ER nurse at the local hospital. Wow, what a time of change! Charis just turned a year old and has recently started walking (we're in trouble). Our families back home have been going through a time of turmoil, and we're realizing the gravity of living five hours away from everything we've ever known. The reason this post finds us in such a similar place is that Randy is in the hospital with pneumonia. If you all remember, this time last year, Randy was in the hospital getting a blood transfusion. Please pray for a speedy recovery for Randy! God is doin some great things in our family and the ministry, and Randy is ready to get back to it! Thanks for taking the time to read our blog, and we hope you'll read it as often as we post to keep updated with our crazy life!