Settled in Seattle

We made it! We are finally settled in Seattle after what felt like months of living on the road. 

We drove through 20 states! (click to view large)

After leaving Bolivia we took a road trip up the east coast starting in Miami and ending in Syracuse visiting friends, family, churches, and the SAM HQ along the way.  In Syracuse, we sortedhrough our junk that had been in storage for the last 3-4 years and got rid of the majority of it.  After all, we survived several years without it, we could still live without it.  We packed up what we wanted to keep and shipped it to Seattle via Amtrak (hint: Amtrak is the cheapest way to ship or move long distances!).  We threw the odd shaped stuff into our car (generously donated through the combined efforts of family and supporters) and into my parents van and embarked on yet another road trip, this time from the east coast to the west coast.  It was a beautiful drive although challenging keeping Noah happy for 700-800 miles a day.

People & Places along the way (click to view large)

The idea of moving to Seattle was more intimidating than when we were planning on moving to Bolivia. At least then we had a place to live, a job, and a support community.  When we started to move to Seattle, we had no place to live, no job, no car, and knew almost no one in this area.  Yet we knew this is where God had been leading us and one by one things fell into place in His time.

First off, some of our supporters and family members pooled their resources and got us a car.  Then right before we began our road trip to Seattle, the one family we knew in Seattle (missionaries we met in Bolivia) helped us find a wonderful apartment. We've plugged into a Church and small group and been making friends fast.  Then just yesterday I was offered a job.  It was a fun ride but is sure feels good to be settled.  Jenna has started classes.  Noah is growing fast and picking up new things every day.  Baby #2 is healthy and growing away.

Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement along the way.  Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we enter this time of preparation for our long-term return to Bolivia. 

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