A Big Change

About 6 1/2 years ago we made one of the biggest changes of our lives, we made the choice after lots of thoughts and prayers for Darrell to take a job with the Walmart Home Office- which required us to move to Bentonville Arkansas. Our thoughts were we wanted to raise our girls in a family friendly area, with great schools, and great people. We found everything we thought we'd ever want and need here. It took a little while to adjust but we were really happy. There's no way to really describe what it's like to live here, it's this great little bubble. It's an area that has not really been affected by the economy- there are jobs and the city keeps growing! When you walk anywhere people make eye contact with you and wave and even say hello. We had neighbors knocking at the door and introducing themselves the day we moved in, then invites for dinner at people's houses. We have friends that are so close to us that we consider them family- because most every ones family is out west. We found incredible schools, schools that challenge our kids and want our kids to be pushed and exceed expectation. The crime rate here is low, in fact it is very rare to hear a single siren from an emergency vehicle.

So why are we leaving this great place?! I've asked myself this over and over- and it's because we know that the Lord wants us somewhere else. Somewhere cold with incredibly long winters, somewhere that is even farther then all our family. Somewhere that we don't know anyone or anything about schools, wards, and good areas.

We have felt for a long time that a change was coming for our family, but we didn't think it would be a change like this! Darrell received a promotion with the Walmart Home Office, he will be the Divisional Compliance Director over the Northern Plains Region. And his office will be in Bloomington Minnesota!

We are excited for this new adventure and the changes that will come, but so sad to leave Bentonville. I struggle with my emotions, I feel like I'm a traitor to Bentonville- why would we want to leave a place that has everything we've ever wanted I ask over and over. But I can't deny the feelings and promptings Darrell and I have had regarding a move, and we both know with out a doubt this is what we are suppose to do. But just because we have the confirmation to go doesn't mean it's an easy thing to do!

We are in the process of getting our house ready to sell, go to Minnesota and find a new house, get the kids enrolled in new schools, and get up there and settled before a new school year starts. I'm overwhelmed and stressed- but still have a calm feeling. The girls are excited a little, and sad a lot. Ashlee seems to be the one who is most excited to go- she can't wait for snow! And boy will she get her snow!

So, that's our big change, it's surprised us- but we are thankful to have lived in such an incredible little city! I never would have thought when we came out here 6 years ago that I'd be this sad to leave, but Bentonville has been great for us! And now as we start packing and moving I also know that we where we go will be good for us as well. Luckily we belong to a church that is the same everywhere you go- and with the changes we have automatic friends because of our church. We are looking in the St. Paul/ Minneapolis area for a home- and from what we've researched it's a great area to live- just a little on the cold side!