We Made It!

It's hard to believe that a week ago we were busily packing up our stuff in Hartville, taking things apart, and polishing details for our move. Now, a week later, we sit in our townhouse in North Carolina, completely unpacked and, with the exception of the three kids, mostly cleaned up. The following post chronicles our past week or so.


As I mentioned, there was a ton of stuff to pack. It wore us out! We were so grateful for the help we got. Several friends helped with the kids, and even Aunt Sharla flew up from Texas to help entertain the kids and help pack. We couldn't have done it without everyone's help!


On the 10th, the truck came. Somehow, the driver was able to back it in to our driveway and still allow for cars to get by on the road. There were three guys that came and did the packing and loading. We tried to have everything ready for them by labeling each piece of furniture as "apt" or "storage." They loaded all the storage stuff first (including our piano, couch, refrigerator, and a ton of boxes!). We were grateful too for decent weather. It didn't even sprinkle until later that night. It was in the 40s that day--not bad for a NE Ohio January!

The kids and Janet were with the Wachtel's in the morning and at Paul and Dena's the rest of the day, but it was important for me that they come and see what was happening to their things so they had an understanding of the move. The only question I got from them later was from Austin, who wondered (while we were somewhere in WV just where the truck was and why it wasn't following us.)
After staying over night at Dena and Paul's we left on Wednesday, the 11th. We drove as far as Wytheville, VA. Janet drove the car and I had the kids with me in the van. They travel really well, especially with the help of the TV/VCR, Monsters, Inc., Peter Pan, and a couple other long favorites! We left for Raleigh on the 12th, Thursday, and got in at 2:00 where we met the manager here and signed the lease for the townhouse. We then went to a different hotel and the kids napped while I reserved a 10X20 storage space close to where we now live.

The truck and the movers came on Friday morning the 12th with just two guys. They arrived at 8:30 and had unloaded the "Apt." portion of the load by 12:30pm. From there, they followed me to the storage facility and began to unload while I went to get Janet and the kids and took them back to the apt. The weather that day was perfect! It was nearly 70 degrees and sunny on both Friday and Saturday. Great days to unpack and unload.


The boxes never end! Now we began unpacking everything and setting up shop. It went well and here we are Sunday night with all the boxes unpacked, and we're ready to start our week with school for the kids and (hopefully) a YMCA trip or two, and of course, I have my first day on the job on Tuesday (17th).

We thank all of you so much for your prayers and for the help and encouragement so many of you have been as we endured (and continue to endure) the most stressful time of our family's life. So many of you helped in so many little ways (thanks, Julie for letting us borrow your vacuum cleaner!), and we appreciate it so much! Thanks, too for the phone calls from many of you just checking in! We love to hear from you!

Our biggest concern now is that our house will sell. Once it sells, we will feel released to really begin working on looking for a house in the Raleigh area. (Can't wait to move again!) Beyond that, we pray for great friends and connections for everyone in the family. We know they're here, we just have to meet them!

Communication has never been so easy or affordable! Please keep in touch with us! We miss you all already!