Florida FAQ

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Okay, so as most of you know, our days here in Iowa are numbered. It's for real and it's actually gonna happen. We are so excited! We are also a bit nervous, sad, and hesitant. But did I mention, EXCITED???

This has been in the works for years, but we've been dropping hints about how serious we are to most of you within the past few months. We've been careful about what we've said to who, as to not damage any current work situations. We've also been limited in what we've said because we didn't have all the answers to all the questions that we knew would follow. (Gosh, I'm making it sound like we're part of some secret government operation! We're not. Or are we? ;) )

And of course, as we expected, the questions are coming on strong. I jokingly told Wade that I was going to make a blog post of all the Frequently Asked Questions, print it, and hand it out to everyone who wants to know the scoop.

So maybe you care, maybe you don't, but hopefully this will answer some of your questions!

1. Wow! You guys are moving to Florida? Why? 
     We're moving there just because we want to. Because life is short and we want to take this risk. For some reason, we feel like God is calling us to live down in Florida right now. I know it sounds crazy, but we've been thinking about doing this for years and we have every reason in the world to stay here, but that nagging feeling just hasn't gone away and we feel like there must be a reason for that. There are so many other reasons, like the weather and pursuing our dreams of a sports related ministry and teaching swim lessons from my own pool, but basically, we never want to look back someday and wish we would have done this. And if it doesn't work out, we can always move back!

2. Cool, so is Wade relocating for a job?
     Nope. That would be fantastic since he currently loves what he does here, but his company is based out of the Midwest with not really any career opportunities in FL.

3. Okay, so does he at least have a job lined up down there?
     That would be another negative! He's submitted a ton of applications and has talked with several people, but so far nothing yet. Yes, ideally we'd like to move down there with him already having a job. Obviously. But our lease is up on December 31 and we are not renewing it, so we either find somewhere to live up here or down there and we've decided to move regardless of a job or not.

4. Are you crazy?!?! 
     Yes, possibly. And I feel a bit like a hippie when I say that I truly believe that God will provide us with what we need. We have a little bit saved up and we are both able to work, so we acknowledge that it may be hard for a bit if we can't find something right away, but I think we're gonna be okay. :)

5. **stunned silence** (this is when people don't really know what to say to that, thinking to themselves what idiots we are)


6. This has always been your dream and Wade has a great job. It sounds to me like you are dragging him down there.
      I actually had to ask Wade if this one was true. Thankfully he said no, because we sure as heck wouldn't be doing this if he wasn't 100% on board. In fact, there's been times when he's been more about this whole crazy idea than me. (He even changed all his passwords to FLORIDA couple of years ago.) And no, this hasn't always been my dream. Yes, I did live in Florida for a year in college and loved it, but I also love Iowa too. I really do. I love almost everything about this state (especially where we currently live), except for the freaking SNOW and COLD and WIND. And I would always get annoyed at the people who complain about it but do nothing. Well... this is me doing something. And don't worry about Wade. We are completely a 50/50 team. He is absolutely the leader of this family and he definitely wants to do this. Just ask him yourself. He'll tell you exactly what I've told him to tell you. (KIDDING!)

7. So when? where?
     Right after Christmas, to a town North of Tampa, right on the Gulf Coast. Wade found us a 3 BR/2 BA home to rent a few weeks ago while in the Tampa area for a business trip. It looks lovely and it's in a development that has it's own pool! (And best of all, after 10 years of washing dishes, IT HAS A DISH WASHER!!!!)

At this point, people's reactions have been varied. We've seen excitement, sadness, confusion, and disapproval. We know that this won't affect just us and we've definitely taken that into serious consideration. Change is never easy. Wherever we end up, just pray that His will is being done.

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 6:26

Our new home!

 We'd greatly appreciate your support. It would mean so much to us! I'll keep you updated on more details throughout the next month. :)