Home is where the heart is.

We've all heard the phrase, "Home is where the heart is," but I never thought much about it until God moved me to PA. And I've been reminded of it now that we've moved back to Indiana. My heart is where ever my husband and children are. But pieces of it are also with my extended family here in the midwest and out east. Other pieces are with my wonderful friends in PA. Still more with the amazing church we left behind in Scranton. I have many "homes" and I'm so grateful for that. Soon we will be placing pieces of our hearts in Russia. I think this is the way it's meant to be - to live and to love everwhere and anywhere that God has us. It makes it much harder to leave, but so much more beautiful while we're there... where ever "there" is.

So now we're here in Elkhart, and it's been quite the adventure! And I'm so pleased to admit that it's been a wonderful adventure! There have definitely been the downsides, like moving into a house that wasn't finished being renovated so all four of us were sleeping in one room. And when I had 102 degree fever for 3 days. And when Jack suddenly decided to be colicky after being a perfectly content baby. But, even amidst the down sides, there were so many ups. Like when my sister and mom helped with Marie while I was sick. And when my younger sibs came over to help us unpack and organize. And how I didn't have to cook for the first week because of the wonderful people at First Baptist. And how my littlest brother has a way with a colicky Jack! God never gives us more than we can handle!

We've been VERY busy since moving here, and I kinda like that! We got here just in time for the Elkhart County 4H fair. We went twice and had SO much fun! Marie loved it!

We've also gotten to attend 2 family birthday parties! We always had to miss them in the past. It's so nice to be a part of everything! I still feel like we're just visiting sometimes, though! It's bittersweet. I love that we don't have to leave, but it makes me sad thinking that we're not going back.

We got to check out some houses the other day! I've officially hired my sister-in-law to design for DandLs DangLs! And I've thoroughly enjoyed watching my baby girl interact with her extended family and being daily amazed by how much she's learning and growing!

Also, PRAISE THE LORD, Derek LOVES his job! More on that another time. I've rambled on enough. Time to get the girl down before the boy wakes up... and maybe catch a little nap myself!

Special THANK YOU to all our wonderful Scranton friends for helping us with food and with moving. We love you!