Why did we move to Ohio?

I have been asked the question "What brought you to Ohio?" three or four dozen times in the past few weeks. So, if you want the answer...

Faith in God. That's the simplest, truest answer. We had known for some time we wouldn't stay in Herriman forever, and early in the spring we started feeling that we needed to be somewhere else. I believe with all my heart that God has a plan for our lives and that He will guide us in His will if we have open and willing hearts. It took a few months for us to figure out what those promptings meant and get on the same page about it, but the first of July we told the kids we would be moving...to someplace. Todd applied for dozens of jobs, but nothing came together. In late August we realized that maybe we had just assumed the new job would lead us to the "where." We had been praying all along, but we realized we needed to change our prayer. 

I remember very clearly the night Todd and I knelt together and asked the Lord if we needed to keep looking for jobs to guide us to the place He needed us to be, or if He just wanted to tell us where. I knew instantly that He wanted to tell us where we needed to be and it wouldn't be the job that took us there. It was like a waterfall of light and warm feelings. I felt like God had a great big smile and was so happy that we had finally asked the right question. Over the course of the next week and as a result of many more prayers, we knew that we were to move to the Dayton, Ohio area. Part of me was nervous to trust in that specific of an answer, but Todd said simply that he knew it was right and was willing to "put all of our eggs in that basket." This has been a wonderful adventure of yin and yang united in imperfect faith. We have both had times we have struggled and times when we have been certain and been able to lift the other. I am so grateful for Todd!

Once we committed to come to Ohio the doors just opened. Things miraculously came together with some shifting of responsibilities and suddenly Todd was able to work remotely for Calltower. He will need to go back to Utah occasionally, but the continuity is such a blessing! Todd and I came out to Ohio and saw lots of houses. We went back to Utah to make an offer on a house in Springboro. Things didn't work out with that house, but the next week this one came on the market. We knew we liked the area and it felt right. Our realtor took multiple videos of the whole house and after many more prayers we committed to buy a home we had never seen. Yes. We are crazy. 

I am so profoundly grateful I was willing to let go of the fear and the need to control and just trust in God. This home is just what we needed, and our backdoor neighbors are such an amazing gift from God! It is another witness that God know us so well and will work things together for our good if we ask and trust in the answers even though it's hard and scary!

Our home in Utah sold while we were in Ohio and the buyers were very flexible while we figured out the Ohio home so we didn't have to be homeless. The rest is in the pictures. We packed (a lot). We drove (a lot). We unpacked (still in process).

While we were driving across Iowa and again in Indiana I was overwhelmed by the feeling that we were going HOME. I had only spent three days of my life here while looking for a place to live, but something deep inside connected with this place in a way I can't explain very well in words. We miss Utah and our friends and family there, but it feels so peaceful to be home. I know God lives. I know He loves us more deeply and profoundly than we can ever understand. I choose to let my faith in Him guide my life. That is why we moved to Ohio. I know it seems crazy, but I hope something in the story encourages you in your faith as well!

Grace be with you...old friends and new!