Oklahoma....

Well, we're moving to "No Man's Land". AJ and I went there in view of a calling. It was a whirl-wind weekend. Friday night we played Wollyball with the youth. It was great getting to know them, and they seem like a great bunch, with a lot of potential for growth.
Saturday was an all day get to know you at the church. I did get to leave and go take a nap while AJ was practicing for Sunday morning. Everyone at the church who came to visit was really nice. Good people with great values. It was nice to see such a good turnout.
We had a nice visit with the Pastor, Jim after AJ was done rehearsing. He's a very straight-forward man. No guessing with him on what he values and where he stands. His wife and son are in Amarillo at the hospital so Jon Mark can get better. We went to visit Liberal, KS afterward. It's a great way to feel like a minority. There are ton's of Hispanics. And I didn't hear any of them speaking English. Guess I'm gonna have to expand myself.
Sunday morning, church service went really well. AJ did a great job, and then we were off to the office so the church could vote. That was the longest time for me. I don't do well with waiting on something I can't plan for. But the vote came back with 79 people that voted and 71 voted yes. A 91% Yea.
Well.....not sure why I never finished this one, so now I'm here to finish it.
So much has happened between that last sentence to today June 16, 2011. We made the move to Hooker. We had Gavin's birthday in MO, and moved that same weekend. All I remember is having the wonderful FBCKC Youth group to help, and all the emotions attached with a far off move. AJ drove the U-Haul w/the Escort on a dolly, and the boys and I were in the van. I was okay, until we were about 2 hours away. I was exhausted and just had a crying fit the rest of the way. By the time we got the parsonage, we slept on the floor in the living room together. The next morning, Dick Fisher and some youth boys came to help move things in. It was wonderful to have strangers help, and the big stuff was in in no time. That was just the beginning on the wonderful hospitality this town and church possess.
In the 2 years (almost) we've been here, we have had a lot of the "good, bad, and the ugly".
The youth saw a sudden numbers explosion :) , but once they realized AJ meant truth and expectations it took a dive :( . But we have seen some truly great friendships grow because of their commitment to Christ and each other. Who says you have to have a big group to reach the most people?
Aidan has enjoyed his 2 years of homeschooling and we'll be starting on our 3rd in the fall. It's been great to teach him what the school system says is important, but also what we as a family says is important. His faith is unshakable, his commitment stronger than most adults, and his love for others is growing every day. Gavin started pre-school in 2010 for the socialization and speech program. He has truly come out of his shell, and realizes that there are others just like him. His speech is becoming clearer and he's getting more confidence. Along the way, we also added another member. Reylynn Hope was born on November 18, 2010. A couple weeks early and not without a difficult pregnancy. But she is well worth it. She has added a quiet devotion to the family. He love for Aidan has shown since the beginning, and she is teaching Gavin what it means to be a big brother.
I'm still plugging away, trying to find my spot in and out of the family. I'm still helping AJ (where needed, and time fitting) with the youth, although I have taken a step back, due to the church feeling like I help "too much". I love teaching Aidan, although we do have our moments together. Gavin keeps me on my toes as a typical 5 year old would. And now with a daughter, I am looking forward to all the "girlie" things I will be able to do.
If anything, Oklahoma has taught us to be a family dependant on each other. To take care of others outside of our family. And know that there are different lives that affect us every day. But that God has us here for a purpose.