BIG NEWS! BIG NEWS!

I enthusiastically report that we will be relocating our family the first week of June. Kenny has accepted a job offer with a corporation based out of Illinois. He will be managing a 2300 sow operation located in Higginsville, Missouri (approx. 60 miles east of Kansas City).

(picture of the farm, from the road)


This is a very exciting opportunity for Kenny and the rest of us. As most of you know, this same company approached Kenny last year offering him a job with a 6400 sow operation located in Illinois…we turned them down; a second offer came earlier this year with a 2300 sow operation in central Missouri…which we turned down. It’s definitely been a growing period for us as we explored all routes to getting ourselves relocated. We’ve never felt in our heart that Greencastle was where we were or wanted to settle down, and we’ve been honest about that. And we’ve had to swallow that big lump in our throats as we tried to make a move work, but realizing that we were ignoring the words from God. He made it clear that there was ties left undone here, and so we accepted that. After all, why live for Him, if we can’t, won’t, and don’t let go and listen…and follow what He so desires? What’s the point…especially for all that He has given us. Our patience and obedience has paid off. But not after several tests of faith!!

I am so excited for Kenny to be given this opportunity. The kids and I are so proud to see him strive for what he wants and receive the opportunity to show what he is capable of. He has worked hard for this and I know he will deliver great things as well as the company deliver great things for us. We met with his manager when we visited the area last week and he is a great person who is very excited to work with Kenny. The company is very much like what I have had the blessing of dealing with here at HOP…they are all about family. It’s something that I cannot even begin to put into words, but it’s a great business attribute to have.

Kenny and I will be working up to May 29th at our current jobs, and then finishing the packing and cleaning of our house. We are currently looking to pull the moving truck out of the drive way, early in the morning of June 5th. That day just can’t come soon enough =) If all goes well and better than planned…leaving Indiana earlier is definitely working in our favor. This opportunity is allowing me to be able to stay home with the kids. Madison and Jonathan are very excited about that! We’ll have the whole summer together until they start school…but then…I’ll be having that baby remember!! I have given myself something to work towards…and that is going back to school after the baby is born. Time will tell and things will play out as God has intended. It’s a great goal and I’m striving for it.

Last week we were able to find a house and visit the elementary school. A big adjustment for us is that we will be living in town, but it’s a minor sacrifice as we see it. At the back of our property, on the other side of our privacy fence, is the city park. So the kids and I will be very busy this summer! They are most excited about the new Aquatics Center that is opening this weekend. Guess I better be looking for a maternity swimsuit—LOL! On June 15th the kids will be going to a summer school program which will allow them to adjust to the new school and meet new friends. They can't wait!

I’ve included some pictures below. I look to keep the blog updated as we move and following…it will soon become a wave of keeping in touch and be more than just a baby blog as intended. We are all anxiously awaiting the final days and ready to head west =)

*Madison and I will sure be busy this summer cleaning up the flower beds!! Horribly over grown

(front of house)


(north side)


(back of house)


(back yard)


(elementary school)


(wider view of elementary school; the elementary, middle, and high school are all situated on about 40 acres)