Settling In

 Joining hands for prayer before unloading the moving truck in West Virginia

We left Florida early Monday morning, spent the night in North Carolina, and arrived at our new home in West Virginia around noon on Tuesday. About twenty people from the church were waiting to welcome us and help unload the moving truck. After a quick lunch prepared by some of the ladies, everyone got to work. It took just over an hour to unload the truck, which was ironic considering it took two entire days to load it! My goal for the day was to have a functioning kitchen and the beds in place. With the help of so many, we were able to pillow our heads on our own beds that night.

Wednesday was spent unpacking boxes and trying to find a place for everything. Our new home, while plenty big enough for us, is quite a bit smaller than our Florida house. I'm actually glad about that. A smaller home will be easier to clean, and I think we will spend more quality time together as a family not being spread out all over the place. We had our first church service Wednesday evening, and it touched my heart to see how excited the church folks were that we had finally arrived after months of anticipation. The elementary aged kids and teens had classes while the adults were in Bible study. Hope and Bryn had not visited West Virginia with us before, so they didn't know what to expect at the church. They were pleasantly surprised to see so many young people for such a rural area. There were 15 children in the elementary group and 17 in the teen group. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming.

Thursday we went to the "big" town about an hour and fifteen minutes away to return the rental truck and do some shopping. I was dreading that initial trip to Sam's Club; I think I spent enough to keep that store in business for at least another week! We arrived home just before dark. It was a long day, but relaxing and productive after several stressful days.

Yesterday we kept unpacking. Bryn and Case went "mudding" in a Polaris four-seater with some folks from the church. Apparently that is quite popular around here. With all the rain we've been having each evening, there was an abundance of mud! Today I'm going to try to finish unpacking my bedroom and bathroom and get them set up since I'm just about through with the main living areas. It's wonderful to finally be able to see some floor space again!

It was very hard to say our goodbyes to family and friends in Florida a few days ago, but already we have been shown so much love by our new church family. The smiles, hugs, food, and kind words of welcome have gone a long way to comfort my tender heart. I know there will be some challenging days of homesickness in the future, but I have absolute peace about this move. Knowing that God's hand has been in this from the very beginning gives me all the assurance I need. I want to thank all of you who have prayed or emailed me encouraging words. God has been so good! http://riverbendramblings.blogspot.com
~Riverbend Ramblings~
The days are long, but the years are short.
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Saturday, June 14, 2014
Settling In
 Joining hands for prayer before unloading the moving truck in West Virginia

We left Florida early Monday morning, spent the night in North Carolina, and arrived at our new home in West Virginia around noon on Tuesday. About twenty people from the church were waiting to welcome us and help unload the moving truck. After a quick lunch prepared by some of the ladies, everyone got to work. It took just over an hour to unload the truck, which was ironic considering it took two entire days to load it! My goal for the day was to have a functioning kitchen and the beds in place. With the help of so many, we were able to pillow our heads on our own beds that night.

Wednesday was spent unpacking boxes and trying to find a place for everything. Our new home, while plenty big enough for us, is quite a bit smaller than our Florida house. I'm actually glad about that. A smaller home will be easier to clean, and I think we will spend more quality time together as a family not being spread out all over the place. We had our first church service Wednesday evening, and it touched my heart to see how excited the church folks were that we had finally arrived after months of anticipation. The elementary aged kids and teens had classes while the adults were in Bible study. Hope and Bryn had not visited West Virginia with us before, so they didn't know what to expect at the church. They were pleasantly surprised to see so many young people for such a rural area. There were 15 children in the elementary group and 17 in the teen group. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming.

Thursday we went to the "big" town about an hour and fifteen minutes away to return the rental truck and do some shopping. I was dreading that initial trip to Sam's Club; I think I spent enough to keep that store in business for at least another week! We arrived home just before dark. It was a long day, but relaxing and productive after several stressful days.

Yesterday we kept unpacking. Bryn and Case went "mudding" in a Polaris four-seater with some folks from the church. Apparently that is quite popular around here. With all the rain we've been having each evening, there was an abundance of mud! Today I'm going to try to finish unpacking my bedroom and bathroom and get them set up since I'm just about through with the main living areas. It's wonderful to finally be able to see some floor space again!

It was very hard to say our goodbyes to family and friends in Florida a few days ago, but already we have been shown so much love by our new church family. The smiles, hugs, food, and kind words of welcome have gone a long way to comfort my tender heart. I know there will be some challenging days of homesickness in the future, but I have absolute peace about this move. Knowing that God's hand has been in this from the very beginning gives me all the assurance I need. I want to thank all of you who have prayed or emailed me encouraging words. God has been so good!
4 Comments:
Blogger Adrienne said...
Oh, Paula - I can visualize it all now. Your words reminded me of a move we made from 'home and family and friends' to a small church on the Oregon Coast. The little church had a parsonage next to the church. I could write a book about it! But, the people were there to help unload the truck and help us get settled in for our first night in our new home. I sense the love and joy your new congregation has because God has chosen you for each other. Praying for a sweet spirit of joy to fill you on days when homesickness wants to flood your soul. And sending hugs. I wish I could be there!
~Adrienne~

Blogger Karen said...
Thank you for the update that you're there! Many happy experiences to come, I'm sure! Don't forget to rest. :)

Anonymous Alesha said...
Love the pic! So thankful for the many who showed up to help with unpacking...what a blessing!

Blogger Faith said...
so glad to hear you are settled and starting your new adventure in West Virginia. Visiting that state has been on my bucket list for many, many years...maybe once the girls are grown.....:)

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