It is hard to believe but we have been in Florida now for three weeks. The Lord couldn't have blessed us with a more smooth transition. Mike, Avery and I loaded up our house on April 29th and started on our way. We made it to Florida on May 1st and were surrounded by tons of people from City Church that were ready and willing to help in any way possible. We felt welcomed and encouraged from the beginning.
We really love the location of our rental home. Mike is only a few miles from his office and Avery and I are only minutes from lots of new friends. We are still learning our way around the city but every day seems a little better. The first week we were here Avery and I drove around for three days looking for the bank. The funny part is I can look out of our Den window and see the Bank I just couldn't get there : )
Avery is really starting to adjust to the new house and to her new friends. She did tell us that she likes her old house better because she misses her friends next door. Mike and I feel similar in many ways. We are enjoying the new community and feel very blessed to be here in Florida but at the same time have a deep ache for the closeness of our friends and family back in NC and SC.
This was our last meal with our friends in Durham. It was such a bittersweet morning. I can honestly say that our years with these friends have taught me more about true community and friendships than I could ever imagine.
This is Avery's new room in Florida. She loves having a big bed. The first night after we got it she hopped in and said "this is awesome!" When I went in later to check on her she was spread eagle across the entire bed.
Avery on her third birthday! It is hard to believe that we have a three year old. It is such a blessing to have her to enjoy!
If you asked her what she wanted for her birthday she would say a Dora cake. She didn't want anything else : ) Her MaMa, DA, and May got her a very large Dora cake that we are still eating!
Avery got to celebrate her birthday several times. Our friends Wendy and Riley brought Avery a personal Dora cake and they didn't hesitate to dig in!
On Avery's birthday we had a few new friends over. We pretended it was everyone's birthday and all enjoyed cake with candles.
We are really excited about what God has in store for us here in Orlando. Mike is really enjoying his job at City Church. He will begin Greek I in August. We are also eagerly awaiting the arrival of our baby boy. ONLY seven weeks to go!
Thank you all for your prayers and support. We are thankful for your sacrifice so that we can be here learning more about church ministry. We look forward to staying connected and will continue to keep you updated as we make a new start in Orlando!
