It's Official - We're Moving!

The last several months, I haven't blogged very much for several reasons. The biggest one has been all the uncertainty we've been living with. In December, my contracting position that paid for more than 2/3 of our income ended. That meant we had to find something. Quickly, because each month we'd be digging in to savings or going deeper into debt.

We've struggled along for the past 4 months, without a clear direction, just knowing that God was in control and trusting his plan. That's been hard, as you can imagine, because when there doesn't appear to be any movement with a needed job or even with selling our house (that we could no longer afford), you wonder what God's up to. I've been through short bouts of depression, frustration, anger, doubts, and more. But, Go

d has constantly been proving himself faithful. There's been short-term contracts to build sites for churches and other groups, there's even been plenty of movement at the church to encourage us that we were being useful to God there.

Last week, though, a job offer finally appeared. Just about three weeks before, we looked into a full-time church position in Elizabeth City - and after a whirlwind of activity, they decided that I was a fit for their needs - a Pastor of Children & Families. So, in a few weeks, we'll be living in Elizabeth City.

What kind of lessons have we learned through all this (including the past 1 1/2 years?):

• God is Good - all the time!
• Faith isn't always felt - but it is always tested!
• God can work even in unlikely places and through unlikely scenarios!

Definitely good lessons!

So, what's the plan? Our last Sunday with Mountain View is May 24th. Then, we'll pack, move the first week in June and start at New Community Church in Elizabeth City on June 7. The church is amazing - and we are so blessed by God to be able to be there and serve!

Oh, and for some awesome family photos - the growing Roten clan (thanks to Haley Cromer for the photography!).