God's Funny Sense of Humor, part 2

So. We have been praying. We had been very excited about the North Carolina opportunity. I prayed specifically that God would take my desire away if we shouldn't go there, if He had something else in mind. I can honestly say, any excitement I had is gone, I do not want to go. It can be debatable if it is God, I know. But I think He gives us options, and what we pick, He will bless.

This was about a month ago. I no longer wanted to go there, but didn't know where we would be going. My mind was taken back to the place I had decided before this other came up. Would you like to know where that is???

Beautiful Sonora, CA!!! I can't tell you all the wonderful Sonora has for us. Here are some reasons: it is close to Yosemite, it has an Adventist hospital, which I am hoping to get a job at, we have friends there, the church... Although a good chunk of our friends just left there when ARISE moved up to Oregon, there are still very dear people there who I am really looking forward to building my friendships with, and many more people and families to meet!

There are opportunities for both Rob and I to be involved in ministries, and we are very excited to be back in California and close to family again!

And I am coming back to CA in only 4 short weeks! The kids and I are riding the train from Denver, CO to Hanford, CA where my mom lives. We are coming so early because my cousin Joy is getting married on the 3rd and I don't want to miss it! Then we will be visiting with family and heading up to Sonora to scope out some possibilities. Rob will join us sometime... October probably. Although fall seems to be coming a little early. (I may just be being hopeful with that assumption, although I have heard locals say it.)

God may still have other ideas for us. But as for now, this is the direction we are taking. We would appreciate your prayers. We still need to figure out jobs, housing, etc., but I cannot wait to get settled and serve God in the area He leads me to!

PS- I am blessed to have my dear friend Sammi Ridley riding the train back with me. She is flying to Denver to meet us and will ride with us to Sacramento and head on back to Santa Cruz while we head on to Hanford. My mom may be riding the train up to Sacramento to ride with us 4 hours back to Hanford! Imagine 37 hours on a train with a 3 and 5 year olds! Praise God for friends and family!