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Read Past Moving Stories (click here) July 2010
Carole Ann in Kansas Our family -- my husband of 11 years, our 9- and 7-year-olds -- moved from Kansas to Ohio. We looked at it like an adventure. We were very excited, yet sad at the same time, about leaving our extended family. When fall arrived I realized how sad I’d become. The sadness turned to depression and I found it hard to leave the house, let alone strike up a friendship. Eventually we found a church that we liked and one day a class called Moving On After Moving In was advertised. I burst into tears thinking that someone felt the same as I did. I attended the first meeting with the unrealistic hope that I’d find my new best friend and be miraculously healed from this chronic sadness. That was my daily prayer.
The first class was comforting. Everyone shared tears and moving nightmares but there was no one I really connected with. The same thing happened the second week.
Week three came and brought my new best friend, Cindy. We had everything in common. Our children were the same age and we loved to do all kinds of crafts together. The strange thing was the fact that her family had moved to Ohio the same week we had and she was also from Kansas. A lady in her home town of Kansas City, a stranger in a Christian bookstore, had recommended the After the Boxes are Unpacked book. She also gave her the name of a friend who had recently moved to Ohio to contact for assistance. The class blessed us both and helped us really make Ohio our home. We were inseparable and invited everyone we met to read the “Boxes” book and to find a class.
Five happy years had gone by when we decided to move back to Kansas. We missed our families and they needed more assistance.
Moving during middle school; not the coolest thing for a kid. It was pretty tough starting over again. They missed their friends. My husband missed all the work he’d put into our beautiful yard. And I missed my best friend. I read my “Boxes” book again and tried desperately to fit in. Crossroads Christian Church was recommended and we knew in an instant that God wanted us to be here. I got involved in Bible studies right away and my husband and kids participated as well.
One day in my Bible study I had my “Boxes” book on the table in front of me. The lady next to me, a visitor and total stranger, said, “This book saved my life!” She had read the book years ago after moving here and here’s how our conversation went:
Her: Where did you move from?
Me: Columbus, Ohio
Her: Really. I have a friend that moved to Dublin, Ohio about six years ago.
Me: My friend Cindy S_____ lives in Dublin.
Her mouth dropped open.
Her: I know Cindy. I met her in a bookstore before she moved to Ohio. I gave her my friend’s name and recommended this book!
Could it be possible? The woman next to me had recommended the “Boxes” book six years ago to the woman who would become my best friend and now we end up sitting next to each other?
At that moment, I felt God wrap his arms around me. He reminded me that He is always in control. My favorite verse played over and over in my mind. Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” He had made my life come full circle. This is not a coincidence. This is a God-incidence.
It’s time I gave back for the blessings I’ve received and the experiences I’ve had as a seasoned mover. My heart is so excited to introduce the Just Moved Ministry to our church that I could just burst. God is good!
Click here to learn more about starting a Moving On After Moving In class in your church, neighborhood, or military installation. Or call Just Moved Ministry at 480.991.5268 or email newministries@justmoved.org |
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