What A Year

I know that it is not December 31 and I know that I am not recapping 2007 but .. wow .. what a year it was: June 18, 2006 - June 17, 2007.

It all started out when we left for Lafayette, Indiana ( it was move day ). On our way to our new home and new ministry ... an individual fell asleep at the wheel crossed the median and hit my wife and kids. Talking about away to start a move.

The family was bruised and we were seperated in various hospitals and homes for about 48 hours. The recovery time for the boys was a little longer. Thankfully, all survived and there are no real effects that have taken place.

The next few months were a great adventure as we being a new ministry and The Journey was launced. The students and adults at the church were great and we begin to weave changes into the ministry that would help us achieve our vision and mission.

Late last year, we came to the realization that we were not going to be having the insurance covereage that we thought we were going to have and it could be a rocky road. We were hoping that everyone would remain healthy and we could work through the process.

Unfortunately, that was not the case.

Stacey has had a real battle the last 3 months. There were many nights of worry for her health and what was going to occur. While everything was happening, we realized that we were in severe trouble when insurance was not going to cover much (if anything0. We still do not know if anything will be covered because the docs and hospitals are still telliong us that they have not heard from our insurance company and ( the early procedures ) it has been over 75 days.

Thus, I began the process of looking for a position. In reality, we only sent out three resumes. We were offered a great position with health benefits for my wife. Thus, we took the position and are very excited even though we are sad to leave where we are.

So, a year from the move, we are packing boxes and placing them up against the living room wall. We are 13 days from our move right now.

It is our hope, dream and prayers that this is our last move till at least Bethany graduates from high school ( 14 years ). We really want to settle down and hope that we have the opportunity to do so.

So, as I look back at this year, I see a bad wreck, the case tied up with lawyers, a good ministry year, wife health concerns, nightmare on the insurance end and the realization of another move.

What have I taken from this experience during this year .....

It is about relationships. Love those you are around. Allow them to love on you. Be in relationship with each other. Look at the wonderful things God is doing. Don't worry or fret over a few people who do not see eye to eye with you. Love your family. Love God. Be Yourself.

I want to thank all of our friends and family that have been there for us through this roller-coaster of the year. It has been a very interesting ride. I can not say that I want this year to repeat though.

To those at CUMC, thanks for the memories. I am so sorry that it was only 1 year. There are so many great things that can occur. The program and ministry is set for this year. The leaders are phenominal ... you will reach the vision. I look forward to our relationships growing.

To those at Zion, thanks for everything that you have already done for us. I am looking forward to our relationships and our ministry together. We are looking forward to helping the church achieve their mission. The church is an achor to the community.

To my friends elsewhere ( previous church and blog friends ), thanks for the encouraging words, the visits, the money to help for prescriptions and everything else. You are wonderful.