Wow, we did it!

We actually posted to our blog! I have been meaning to do this for a looooong time, but there were always more pressing matters. Our lives are about to change dramatically. We are ready for change. My head is spinning - excited, nervous, thankful, overwhelmed, in awe of God and His ways. The road has been bumpy over the last year bringing us to this very place. He has made our path clear and we are ready to go. We have been searching for the path for some time. We knew that God was directing us somewhere, but we didn't know where. God's ways are not our ways and we couldn't see the big picture until we stepped out in faith.  Retirement from the Coast Guard was a big step of faith. We had job security and a good paycheck. But, it was a step that Russell felt clearly led to take after some trials and much prayer.  It would be wrong to tell you that we never doubted the decision was the right one, though. Our faith did waver on occasion. There were even some sleepless nights, but we stuck with it. We continued to seek God and our faith grew and we marveled at the door that was opened for us. More doors continue to open and God is answering our earnest prayers of "Lord use us, just show us how and where." So we are preparing for a move date of August 18th. It's so soon, yet it feels that we've waited so long for our "orders". We are ready to go....mostly. It will be so hard to say goodbye to dear friends and those who have become like family over the past five years. It will be bittersweet to leave Calvary Baptist Church and the sweet family of God there. We leave behind friends from Flat Run Baptist Church as well, and many good neighbors. I know the Lord will give comfort to us and to those we leave behind. We just want to be in the center of His will. We are so looking forward to serving at Westside Baptist Church, reconnecting with old friends and family, and hopefully, making a difference in the lives of others. To God be the Glory - Great things he hath done.