Getting Started

In May, we moved to Waco with every intention of living in Waco for several years. This is the place we felt Y∙LIFe would base from and we would begin a ministry to Baylor students in the fall.

We searched for 6 months for a home for us in Waco and ended up signing a contract to rent a duplex at the end of April for 6 months to give us more time to find the right place for our family. We had found some homes but none that really fit our needs right now and long-term and that were also in our price range.

The week that we moved to Waco, we also learned that we were expecting our third child! This was a full week of excitement, anxiousness, and boxes (most of which are still in our garage or kitchen).

During this first week, Dani and i looked at each other after a long day and both realized (almost simultaneously) that this was not the area we were going to end up. i can't really explain why other than we both really felt this was not the right move for our family or for the ministry.

So, we started to look again in other areas. When our old house was for sale, we looked in San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Austin, McKinney, and a few places in Oregon. We figured at this stage we would still be in Texas but were open to wherever we felt was right for our family (which is where we believe the Lord would lead us by making it clear to both of us at the same time).

Shortly after our little conversation about the move and what to do next, Dani found a new development in the area we just moved from that CenTex Homes were building. We decided to look in that neighborhood and after a few weeks of praying and discussing everything, we decided to sign a contract with CenTex Homes and begin the process of building a home in the central Texas. We were shocked to see that building was the cheapest option for us that also provided us with the space our growing family needs as well as a base for the ministry offices. We will also be close to another college (University of Mary-Hardin Baylor) where we can begin reaching out to college students.

To shorten the story a bit, we met yesterday (Friday) with the construction manager to go over the "Pre-Pour Orientation". We are excited for this and can't wait to settle in to our new home before our third baby comes (hopefully).

It's crazy how difficult things were for us trying to find a place to live until we realized the futility of our abilities and efforts and surrendered to Christ for this decision. It's amazing how easy it became and how we have been reminded constantly to walk in trust and faith in Him.

If we don't have too much rain the rest of July, we should be able to move in by the beginning of November!!!