He's Almost Home...

This is Fletch! When we found out that we would be moving, we also found out that Fletch would have to be in quarantine for 6 months. Wow, that was hard to hear. We knew that we would have to find a good home for him in the interim until he could join us. So in talking with friends and family, we found the perfect place for him. Shawn knew someone from work who absolutely loves Golden Retrievers. She and her husband already have a Golden, by the name of Sara, who they thought would be delighted to have Fletch as a companion. 

They thought it would be a good idea to see how well the pair would get along. So one Saturday Shawn and the kids brought him to their house to let them play. They got along really well and the plan went ahead to let them care for him for the next 6 months. That was back in April of this year. We had to let him go about 3 weeks before we would get on a plane and travel "across the Pond" as it were. He's been gone for awhile, but has been in the best care possible. Julie and Mark absolutely love Fletch! He has gotten to enjoy long walks around Gull Lake, run around with Sara during the day, play in the mud, hide in the flowers, and so much more than that. It's hard to take him away from the only home he's known for the past 5 months or so. That being said, there are 5 excited children waiting in anticipation that were heartbroken to see him go in the first place. Did I mention that Shawn and I were heartbroken, too? You see, I've never owned a dog before in my life and having Fletch has given me an appreciation for how people love their dogs. I'm one of them now- a dog lover that is. 

So here's the good news... Fletch comes home on or around October 25th. Our girls, in particular, are counting down the days on a special "Fletch is Coming Home" calendar. I believe that as of today we have about 27 days to go.  

The First Song That I Sing...

I love that song by Sara Groves. I want to start my day in just that way. I really try to, but it doesn't always happen that way. Sometimes I'm too tired to get up early enough before the kids are up and around. God gives me grace and I just try again the next day. 

So it's Friday and we are having family night. Shawn and the kids are playing on the Wii and I'm working on this blog. I really should be in there playing baseball or golf or something. I just want to get our blog going. In a couple of minutes I'll join them and watch Little House on the Prairie. We have 5 seasons and the kids love watching it. It's wholesome which is a good thing. 

Gotta run and join the family.

Trying the blog thing...

I have been encouraged several times to start a blog. It has intimidated me, until now,  so here it is. 

Last year around Thanksgiving, Shawn came home and said that his boss asked him what he thought about a move. A move? To where? To England of course! We talked about it that evening and decided to go if that's what the Lord had in store for us. Almost every night that he came home I would ask if he had any more information. Most times the answer was no. Then the time came when it was official. 

We decided to share it with our kids on Christmas day. We waited for all the excitement to pass and for the kids to be able to enjoy their new things. We couldn't hold the secret in any longer. When we sat down with them, there was a mixture of emotions. Some cried, some laughed, and the younger ones cried because everyone else was. It was an emotional time, but at the same time, it was very exciting. 

Plans moved along quickly and so much had to be done in such a short time. We had to get rid of stuff, sell cars, sell our home, and put things into storage. While that was all happening, we had to say goodbye to family, friends, our church. It wasn't easy, but we had each other and we had our God, Who is bigger than all of it. We knew He would strengthen us and guide us as we prayed through it. 

Our friends and family supported us and thought it would be a great opportunity for all of us. Since we home educate, school would be in the experience of living in a new country and being able to travel. Education happens in everyday moments and experiences, not just through books. 

So here we are. It's almost the end of September and time has gone by quickly. We've been able to visit other countries like Wales, Scotland, France, Switzerland, and Italy. I'll keep you posted on all the adventures our family experiences with pictures and posts as often as I can. Enjoy and be blessed!