Homaha

We’re back in Omaha! It’s SO cold. Well, it’s warmer today, but Omaha said, “Oh hey! You were missed. Here’s an Arctic hug!” Thankfully, we have a warm place to stay with Kurt’s parents, and we are so grateful to them for opening their home to our less-than-subtle family. 

We celebrated our family’s many November and December birthdays together, and I finally got all my kids under one roof for Christmas. Isaac flew back from his staffing position at YWAM Kona to join us, and we were reunited for the first time in 18 months. All the little pieces of my heart came back together again. 🙂

In the thick of raising little ones, with everyone needing so much and constantly being underfoot (and the NOISE), it’s hard to imagine there will ever be a season when a year or two goes by without seeing one of their precious faces. It was still super loud when we all came back together, but I loved it so much. ❤

Kurt and I even had the opportunity to pitch in at Lifegate Papillion for Christmas Eve, which was so much fun. We loved being part of such a special day.

Several people have asked how it’s been readjusting to life in America. Honestly, it’s been a shock to all of us. There are so many logistical pieces to put together to set up a new life, even if it’s returning to a place we’ve lived before. We’ve had to figure out housing and schools and doctors and relationships and lean completely on God for so many things so far outside of our control. There were times (many, many times) when I felt frustrated or discouraged because my expectations had to be laid aside over and over again. AND God is so faithful. 

We have an amazing family and community and continue to see miracle after miracle. It’s easier now to tell the story with some of the major pieces falling into place, but during these past few months, I’d be lying if I said I had the best attitude all the time. Thankfully, God is full of compassion, mercy, and patience.

Big pieces that have come together (finally): 

1. We got both girls into LCS! This is a true miracle because the classes are full. As we were scrambling to find alternatives (having already established that we were not super successful with homeschooling), we got the call that both Anorah and Vienna had placement at LCS starting in January. It’s a financial stretch, but an investment both Kurt and I felt God leading us towards as a family. So, Vienna started in 3rd grade, and Anorah started in 5th, and we are so grateful and happy they will have the structure and sound environment of in-person school at LCS! 🙂 Also, their uniforms are adorable.

2. Annabelle is enrolled in high school! This has been a massive undertaking because we thought she could go back to Bennington. (She could not. We misunderstood the rules.) We tried to puzzle her back into Bennington High School, but unless we bought a house in the district – which would have been rushed and unwise – we needed to find an alternative. Ultimately, through many tears and prayers, she decided she’d be willing to jump into high school mid-year as a senior – at a brand new school where she knows no one – because she is braver than I’ll ever be. We are so proud of Anna and her willingness to step out in faith and try new things. We’re praying this school is a blessing to her, and whether she stays on to graduate in 2025 or decides to get her GED, we know God has big things in store for her.

3. Since we didn’t have to worry about school districts when buying a house, we expanded our search radius. Ultimately, it worked out for us to buy a house from a person we know, so that is in the works! More details to come on that adventure. 🙂 We’ll close at the end of February. In the meantime, we’ll continue to live with Kurt’s parents!

Things are coming together, and I know it’s only been a couple of months. I think the biggest thing is setting aside our plans and expectations. In my mind, we are returning to something we left behind, but in God’s mind, we are beginning something new again. We aren’t in the business of re-acquiring a life we laid down for the Kingdom. We are in the business of following God into this new adventure that happens to be in Omaha. New season, new fruit, new wineskins. 

I know that was a lot of Christian words in a row, but basically, we can’t go backward. And we don’t want to! But familiar is comfortable, and my flesh wants comfort more than growth, change, and expansion. God has to continually check my heart – my expectations – and remind me of His goodness and faithfulness. Even in this season of “returning,” God is inviting us into something new, and we are trusting it is for the good of all of us.

So, thank you for your continued prayers and support! We are leaving our ministry account open until March to help us start again. We sold everything, so we’re starting this new chapter with your help. We love you all! Thanks for your continued prayers, love, and support in all the ways. You’re amazing, and we’re so grateful to you! ❤

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Stop dwelling on the past. Don’t even remember these former things. I am doing something brand new, something unheard of. Even now it sprouts and grows and matures. Don’t you perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and open up flowing streams in the desert.

Isaiah 43:18-19, TPT