May 20th, 2010

We had waited for this day to come for a long time, and here it was. We were feeling less prepared for this day than we thought we would be. It had been a busy week of saying good-byes, and packing up our apartment. Today would be the last official day of normalcy in Sioux County. This place we have called home for over 20 years. this is our comfort zone. Home to our family, friends, familiar highschool/college community, and our church families.

God was pushing us out of the nest (like a loving mother bird would), knowing that we would be able to fly. We, however, are still not fully aware of the fact that we can fly though. This makes the time between jumping (or being pushed) out of the nest and falling to the earth rather scary. And with that said, this is where Ben and I are currently. We may even be in this place for quite some time. We are somewhere in this free-fall of life. We took this leap of faith!

1:05pm. This was the time of Ben's flight departure from Omaha. Lisa, Emily, and Myself were there to send him off on this exciting yet scary day. It was raning heavily once we arrived to the airport and that is how us women were feeling. Heavy hearts. Knowing this was a chance of a lifetime. We had mixed emotions. The first move away from home is probably the most difficult. As Ben noted, "it feels as if I am finally going off to college. Leaving our families for the first time, but knowing I will be back here in a year." That is an accurate description of our situation. Once Ben made it through the security gates, after they almost took his PS3, he was able to get bumped. This was thanks to Delta and their over booked flights. He was able to get upgraded to First Class for the rest of his flights, a $400.00 ticket voucher for anyone to use at any time (that would be for me:), money for food, and a free hotel and good night's rest in LA. This moving stuff wasn't too bad!

As I write now, Ben is currently flying over the Pacific Ocean, making his way to Honolulu International Airport. He is to arrive at 11:30am (Hawaii Standard Time), which is officially 5 hours behind us who live in the Central Time Zone. Once he arrives he will check out an apartment near his hosptial (Castle Medical Center) and his golf course in the town of Kailua. If all goes well, and the pictures are an accurate depiction of the apartment, we will have a place to live! :)

One thing God has really blessed us with is making a connection with a Dordt Alum who is currently living in Honolulu. Heidi has been so willing and helpful through this whole moving process and has even offered to let Ben take their car this afternoon while he does some apartment shopping! When God opens doors, he REALLY opens doors.

So what about the wifey?! Many people have asked what I am up to or when I will be moving down. I am currently living with my parents in Hospers. I will be working til the first week in June at the hospital and am hoping to move down sometime the second week in June. I need to officially book my ticket yet! I still have not heard anything about jobs and have applied for 8 positions in the past month. I am trying to be patient. I promised Ben I would be down no later than one month after he moved. SO, if that means working at Starbucks or a golf course for a bit until I find a nursing job, I will do it. Sometimes you just need to move to a new place and get down there. That would be another large leap of faith for me. Showing them that you have committed to a move and are ready to interview and work anytime may be the thing I need to do to get a job.

So there is an update on life so far. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers over the next couple weeks as Ben will be down there by himself orientating and starting a new job and as I am here finishing up mine. Also, pray that we find a place to live soon and that a job open up for me.

God is taking us on quite the journey and I am happy to be able to share that with you!