This week marks our 8th year anniversary of our move to the land of the blazing sun and unforgiving heat. Davis was only18 months old when we pulled into the driveway on Cullumber Street. Is is possible that I have come to love this cactus filled place? I never thought my heart would let a piece of this desert find a cozy corner within its walls. In fact, I'll never forget the fit I pitched the evening Brent got the phone call that this was our choice. I was standing in the kitchen, listening in on Brent's conversation. Could this really be happening? Are they really asking us to move with the company or he'd have to find another job? I heard Phoenix, Arizona. Where?? The stinkin' desert?? Isn't that a bazillion miles from here?? No way! I'm NOT going! I was pounding my fist on the counter and stomping my feet for emphasis. Really I was - Brent will verify the horrific scene. He then said to his boss, "Before I give you my decision, can my wife and I take a trip out there and at least see what it's like. She is having a serious meltdown right now and I can't ask her to do this without checking things out."
We were heading to Phoenix that weekend.
Things I learned in that 48 hours:
a. to avoid scalding the bottoms of your feet, leave your shoes on when jumping from the car to grab a "house for sale" flyer.
b. I would be the only woman with children. After all, there were NO kids outside playing.
c. nobody owns a lawnmower because ROCKS take the place of GRASS.
d. cactus are prickly and depressing
e. Arizona would never make me happy
After lots of prayer, fasting and a trip to the temple that held our answer, we were back in Arizona searching for a house. Another 48 hours to make a decision. A college friend of Brent's insisted we take a look out in the East Valley. We did. We were lined up to look at twenty homes. The second one we looked at we knew would be ours. Five offers were put on the house. Ours was the accepted offer.
What I learned in this 48 hours:
a. our Heavenly Father is acutely aware of each of us
b. answers to prayers are sometimes scary
and most comforting of all was that Heavenly Father helped me to see something I didn't notice before. . .
c. the desert
blooms!!
My testimony is that whatever
desert you may be walking
through. . .
and no matter now prickly
the cactus seem to be,
you will find peace
and beauty. . .
where you least
expect it.
Your desert will bloom ~
it's God's plan.
I'm so grateful to celebrate 8 years in Gilbert. I'm grateful my heart yielded to this ridiculous scene. I'm grateful for every hand of service, every hug of tenderness, every breath of kindness. You are the blossoms Heavenly Father has placed on my path. I've gathered each and every one of you up and placed you in a gorgeous crystal vase and you sit right in the middle of my heart.
4 comments:
You just brought tears to my eyes Andrea. You write so eloquently and that was beautiful. I remember meeting you, having you and the kids come over to swim, and Brent's homemade brownies. I knew a great friend had moved to our neighborhood. I'm grateful to Brent's job for moving you this way where you have brightened so many lives.
It seems we experienced a similar journey, bringing us both to AZ. Craig and I knew this was where we were meant to be but the thought of leaving family for an undetermined amount of time seemed unbearable. We literally took a leap of faith coming here. It has been hard on many levels but we know in our hearts that Heavenly Father had a hand in this decision. When you look at any decision from that perspective, it changes everything. I am so thankful for a Heavenly Father who loves us, cares for us, and helps guide is through out our lives.
I am so glad that you and Dad decided to come here!!! :)
Me too Maddie. Me too!
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