They made it too!

the family made it and the kids were very excited to see their rooms and all of their toys that have been in boxes for the last several weeks as we prepared for the move. The first full day here we played in the snow, made our first Minnesota Snow Man and drove their John deer jeep (thanks Hiatts). Then today, the second full day, we toured Tyson's new school and walked around the underground walkway, called the subway, and the skyway downtown. Kids are having fun and Deb and her mom are doing a great job getting the house unpacked. We are nearly ready for visitors. Basement is framed and sheetrocked and looking great as well.

The weather warmed up and will keep climbing into the 50's by the end of the week so spring is on its way. WOOHOO!

Thanks for the prayers and no matter what you northwesterners say, life in the midwest is still good! Just ask my family.

unfinished goodbye video for my son

my face is leaking

As i finish the packing of our beautiful little home here in Gleed, WA. it gets more and more difficult to say goodbye to my home of the last 11 years. It is difficult to leave any place where you have put down roots, but it is even more difficult to go when it was not your choice. The pain is getting so real as the day approaches when i will drive away from my home on a journey to a new one. As i reflect on my kids dancing on our new fireplace made by the hands of a dear friend my face leaks for the memory will only be that, a memory. They will no longer be able to dance in their home made stage to Grandpas music on the stone fireplace that Don made. I am sure they will find a new stage, but this will be their first.

They will no longer be able to chase eachother around the island in our new kitchen that we just put together for them or around the laundry room hallway living room track. They will find a new track to run around, but this is their first and for us one of our fondest memories and favorite things to watch them do.

They will no longer be able to grow weeds in their weed garden at the top of our hill in the backyard. They will find new places to play, but this is their first.

they will no longer be able to go to Ray and Pam's for dinner and a swim in the summer. We will meet new friends and new families, but these were the first. And you are all so dear to us. We will miss you more than i will ever be able to express verbally.

All these things and so many more are the memories that are so painful to see go. God this hurts more than i thought it would and I don't like it. My face keeps leaking.

I know you didn't want to leave heaven where all your comforts were to come to this awful place to redeem us so you know what I am feeling. Help us through it as only you can.

Adios Yakima

We are pulling out on Thursday for our new adventure in Rochester, MN. New house, new Job, new stores, New life, New schools, New Church, New Everything. Thanks to all of our friends here in Yakima for the memories, support, prayers and for being there for us through out this whole transition. We will be back to visit when we can but we may not be able to see and visit with all of you but stay in touch with us and if you want our address contact me through Email and i will send it to you.

NEW HOUSE!

I am sitting in a restaurant called Pannera here in Rochester, MN. It is -8 (yes that is a minus eight) degrees outside, 3 inches of fresh fallen snow, and I just met with a board chair who is a physical therapist at the Mayo clinic and was all but offered a position as the high school pastor here at Calvary E. Free church. All we need now is a vote on this coming Sunday to be asked to return. We are obviously anticipating this as we have found the house we will put an offer on today. Scary and exciting time for me and my family. 3,025 Square feet of brand new house with an unfinished basement. We will get to go and pick out our appliances today as well. It comes with a $2500 allowance for these appliances.

Day one done

So here i sit on a monday morning at a Caribou Coffee after having faced the first day of candidating here at Calvary E. Free. Acutally it wasn't too bad. We spoke a bit in each of two services, visited all the High School Classes and then did a Q & A forum from about 12:30 to 1:30. We had the afternoon to chill a bit and then off to a superbowl party from 4 to about 9. Long day but we survived. Now it is Monday and I have some staff meetings and other meetings with a couples dinner tonight. Not to bad today, but so far it is looking good. We will be able to tell better after wed. night when there will be a parent forum and I will speak at youth group with all 6th through 12th graders, adult leaders and parents. After that I think we will have a good idea on the whole week went. Be praying for us on Tues. and Wed. as we will be looking at houses. We need to find one since we sold ours and have no home if we don't.

thanks

Darin