Aug. 6, 2008
Sarasota?
Posted in The Big Move
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If there’s one thing I’ve seen demonstrated throughout this experience, it’s that God’s ways are not our ways. But He has given us a blessed assurance that He’s with us every step of the way, and He is in total control.
From our current vantage point, it seems that God is leading us to Sarasota, FL. We have very close friends there, who have been urging us to consider Sarasota for a few years now. The cost of living is a fraction of what it is here in the New York Metropolitan area. I guess you could say it’s part of the Bible belt, so there are a number of local church bodies to choose from, and the homeschool atmosphere seems welcoming. Florida’s laws appear favorable to homeschoolers, and there is a thriving homeschool community in the Sarasota area.
At this point, we’re just waiting for God to work out the details. House rentals are readily available and priced at less than half of the lowest rental we could find here. We found a house that would accommodate our needs well, and it’s just around the corner from our friends. We submitted an application, and now we’re just waiting to hear back. Matthew has a job offer in Sarasota. The hours would allow him to rebuild a contracting business there. We just have to work out the terms of employment and finalize it.
I put together a comprehensive budget that would cover the cost of getting all of our people, animals and our vehicle from here to there, the security deposit and two months rent on the house, a tune-up, 2 new tires and a timing belt for the van, a small budget for unforeseen needs in the new house and a month's living expenses (including the cost to restock the fridge and pantry, as most of the food won't transport well). The total came to just under $12,000. God has already provided $5,000. He’s so amazing! We listed Matthew's gutter machine for $6,000, but we may get only $5,000 for it. That would leave $2000. I was tempted to say that the remaining $2000 will have to come from God, but it all comes from God!
In the meantime, we're packing, cleaning out the house and preparing for a big yard sale. We ask for your continued prayers. In addition to God’s provision for this move, we need His strength, wisdom and grace. |
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