Answered prayers

We knew that we would not be able to do any of this without God's help. We turned to him for guidance when Dan received the job offer. We leaned on him during Dan's time in England. And we would certainly need to draw from his strength and wisdom for our upcoming move.

So when Dan began his new job in England, we boldly came before God, and also asked our families to join us in prayer. These were our requests:

*Comfort for all as we navigate life apart (especially saying goodbye)
*Safety and protection over Dan (travels)
*Safety and protection over us at home
*Health for us all
*Emotional strength
*Smooth transition out for Dan's predecessor
*Smooth transition into the new job for Dan
*Courage and boldness for Dan in his new job, good retention as he learned his new role
*That our baby would stay put until Dan returned

We asked for all of these, continually, and God delivered! He answered all of our prayers and met our needs so beautifully, providing abundantly in the form of people. Friends and family flew in. Friends and neighbors reached out to us, brought us meals, ran errands for us, prayed for us... It was amazing. God's provision was perfect - he knew all of our needs before we could even ask.

Shout-out: I must publicly thank my neighbor Becky Opp - she was a source of encouragement and support to me, she had the boys over countless times so I could run errands, complete chores, even work in my garden! Thank you, Becky. You helped us out big-time in Dan's absence.

God was working in Dan's life across the pond as well. His first weekend in England, he found himself in a church full of strangers, but ones who kindly approached him, welcomed him and allow themselves to be used by God to provide my husband with community and fellowship which he desperately needed that first week.

All of this was sweet confirmation, that even though this path was hard, it was right one. As trying as it was at times, and hear me: I would not want to do it again (!) God challenged, sustained, comforted, strengthened and protected us. He taught us lessons, gave us new perspective and kept us intact. He also strengthened relationships with others, allowed me to have the most special girl-time with my girlfriends, special bonding time with my amazing little boys, provided Dan with great courage and much, much more. So we give thanks and praise for His goodness and faithfulness. And know that we can walk this path ahead with faith because he is trustworthy and will see us through.