We have to move.
Yes…9 times in 15 years will soon become 10 times in 15 years.
And I am not thrilled.
Remember the Large Family Moving series?
Yeah…not so long ago, huh?
At times this seems utterly insurmountable.
But it’s not.
God will provide.
Just as He provided this place.
Thankfully, it’s not a job change or even a city change…just a house change….a house I really, really liked.
And just because I don’t wanna move doesn’t mean I’m going to somehow get to stay here, so suck it up I must…
and pack it up I must.
Rebecca says
Praying that everything goes smoothly with your move!!
Amy says
Thanks, Rebecca!
Clara says
Oh no, Amy! It feels like you only just moved there! (How long has it been??) I’m sorry to hear this! 🙁 I hope you can find somewhere to live for a little longer this time around… Moving with so many children must be a real challenge. Praying for a smooth transition and move.
Amy says
It has been 7 mons. We can have the full year lease if we need it, so that is a plus, but last time we moved in a foot of snow…not anxious to do that again! And yes, we hope to sign a 2 year lease wherever we land so at least we can stay that long.
Erica says
Amy, I am sorry to hear this news! I will be praying. We just had to move 2 times in 2-1/2 months, also due to a situation with our rental house. 🙁 I was o-ver-whelmed. But, God provided beyond measure, and now we are blessed to have this house to live in.
Psalm 31:14-15 – “But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hand.â€
I’ll be praying…
Erica
Amy says
Thanks, Erica…I’m trying not to be too overwhelmed, but I really don’t like “up in the air” and this is so very up in the air. The verse is perfect. 🙂
Vicki says
Oh No Amy! We both moved around the same time so I can ONLY imagine trying to do that again! But God’s will be done! In the long run its always better Amen?
Amy says
Amen. Not easy, but always right.
Anna says
I so know the feeling. I’m hoping we get to stay put for a little while, but know that He could always choose to move us at any moment. Remembering you at this time.
Amy says
Thank you, Anna. 🙂
Grateful for Grace says
Oh, wow. We are about to move for the third time in three years and I’m not excited about it. 10 times in 15, wowza. Praying for you (and me). At least we both have good systems. And terrific families. And an Amazing God to get us through the frustration and work of packing and moving.
Amy says
Praying for you too!
Jillian says
Oh Amy, I’m so sorry you have to move again. But, I’m thankful that you wont be leaving behind your good friends. I will pray that God gives you the strength to get through this move also.
Blessings,
Jill
Amy says
Actually, I have no friends here…yet. All of my friends live in the other cities and places we’ve lived over the years. But someday….here too. 😉
Donielle Schipper says
Just want to offer some sympathy and some hope. Two years ago (can’t believe it’s already been two years!) I did exactly what you are going through. I absolutely LOVED the house I was in, and NEVER wanted to move. I had birthed two of my children in the basement and I had strong sentimental ties to that house.
But I followed my husband in his quest to purchase a bigger house about a block away from the house we were in. I did NOT like this house AT ALL when we first moved in. It is dated and smelly with burnt orange everything! Even the bathrooms had shag carpet!
I have to tell you, though, that I have been totally blessed because of this move. We have been able to completely change the master bedroom and bathroom, as well as the main bathroom. We even built a brand new bathroom in the basement, which is way beyond my wildest dreams in luxury. My children LOVE running around and enjoying the larger property. They have room to ride their bikes on our drive, where previously they would have had to been on the road.
So my sympathy is that I know your pain in having to move out of the house you love. And my encouragement is that God will bless you for trusting in Him to provide for you beyond what you “think” you need.
Amy says
Thanks, Donielle…I know this didn’t take God by surprise and I am sure wherever we end up all will be well. Your story gives hope 🙂
Donielle Schipper says
You’re welcome and I’ll certainly be praying for you in your move. I know it’s not easy to move a big family! 🙂
Muthering Heights says
Hon, I just found out that we have to move again too…another 1500 mile move in less than a year! I know how you feel. 🙂
Amy says
Oh, Jessica…that makes my piddly across town move sound like small potatoes. {hugs}
sandy says
We just completed our 10th move in 10 years (yes. Really). I was 39 weeks pregnant when we moved 2500 miles from NY to ID due to losing our home to foreclosure.
You will rock this Amy!
Amy says
Sandy – You made me laugh out loud! Thanks! I needed that vote of confidence…would you just come on over here and cheer me on (and help me pack cuz I’m guessing you are even better at it than me! lol)
sandy says
I SO would! I would bring chocolate for therapy purposes also. LOL. That would be wicked fun! Pack up the house party! For fun, we could just pack everything randomly…and then it’s like a puzzle when you unpack. (Not really fun. That happened to us on one of our moves. We found a trash can filled with shoes in one box.)
Amy says
That’s a little how it was w/ the movers this last time…I was thinking how much more sense my way of packing made. Guess now I’ll get to do it MY way! lol
Sarah L says
I understand your reluctance. My husband and I have lived in 9 different homes. Our 9th anniversary will be in November. We “only” have 3 littles, but I understand how disruptive and difficult it can be, especially when you homeschool!
Tina @ A Gentle Mother says
I just stopped in to see how you are doing. My heart sunk when I read this. I am so sorry:(. We will be praying for you.
I loved your last post too. I am so thankful you are being blessed with such precious friendship! (((HUGS)))
Amy says
Thanks, Tina…you should meet her. 🙂
Tina @ A Gentle Mother says
Is she in my area? 🙂 She encouraged me and I don’t even know her, lol.
Amy says
Yes 🙂
Alyssa Carter says
Amy,
I know it’s not easy; we have moved 10 times in nine years and most of those not by choice. We have finally been given the opportunity to buy land, so that’s what we did. We have a little cabin, but feel very blessed and know we are where God wants us to be. This wouldn’t have happend if the landlord hadn’t sold the house out from under us eight months ago. Keep trusting Jesus to provide, and I will be praying for you and your family!
Theresa says
Hi Amy, this is my first time commenting as I’m new to your blog. But, it struck me as we just moved from our beautiful home last month due to forclosure. I remember my sweet (unsaved) hubby coming to me and telling me we just couldn’t do it anymore. I cried. I wanted to fight it, but how? So I prayed the Lord would lead my husband to where we needed to be. I submitted to his decisions, even when I didn’t want to. But, the comfort in trusting in Jesus surpassed all the other feelings I was having. After 2 long years, it happened. It turned out better than I could have imagined! I LOVE our new rental home!! When we first saw it(w/a rental agency) I didn’t want it. It had carpet in the dining room. That really doesn’t work w/a 3 & 5 yr old!! But, this is where the Lord chose for us. I prayed and asked why?? But said I trust you Lord, even if I don’t understand. We met the owner a few days later and he offered to buy beautiful laminate for the dining room and formal living areas! Our formal living room is my kinder’s “school room” and our son’s play area. I left that day smiling from ear to ear. God is sooo good. I am actually liking this home better than our old home, something I thought couldn’t be possible. Trust in the Lord. So simple, yet so hard sometimes. In the end, always worth it!!
Amy says
Thanks, Theresa – such an encouragement!
Molly says
awww….man! I’ll whine and complain about it for you…so you don’t look like a complainer. K?
Well…like you said, this didn’t take God take by surprise, and He’ll give you exactly what you need. 🙂
Amy says
Thanks for being my official whiner, Molly! lol
Wendy Gunn says
I woke with you in my thoughts this morning, and I prayed for you.
You are right: the Lord will provide. The house, the strength, the proper attitude. David is a good example. David, in the Psalms, whined and complained, but always ended with praise and trust. God said he had a heart like Him. May we all have a heart to end with praise and trust.
I am praying for you, Amy.
Wendy
Amy says
Yes, that’s a lot how I feel…I want to whine and complain and stomp my feet, but I know God is in control and this will grow me and glorify Him. I appreciate the prayers 🙂
Debbie says
I really can not imagine, Amy. We have only lived in two homes in the 25 years we have been married. We have been here for 15 years. Some days I dream of a bigger house, but I really enjoy the very small mortgage we pay. When we bought this house, there were only 3 of us, now there is 7 and 1500 sq ft does not seem quite enough for our family, but we manage and thankfully, we have a large yard. I will be praying that all goes well with your move.
Amy says
Thanks, Debbie. We don’t want to buy a home until we are more permanent, so renting has been the way to go and most of the time it has been a pleasant experience. And not that this is bad, it just is what it is.
theresa says
We only have 6 children, but we are moving 4000 miles from our home in Texas to Alaska next month. Driving. The whole way. In one car. After visiting relatives for a week. Don’t have a home in AK yet, will look for one when we get there. Don’t know anyone there. Maybe you and I could share some scripture and chocolate to help relieve some stress?
Sandi says
Oh friend,
I know this life all to well. My oldest has lived in 10 houses and she is only 11 yrs old. She thinks it’s cool…her mom not so much. the current place will be 2 years in Jan. We find out if the lease it contniued in November. I think it about is several times a week. We can’t buy where we are. We live in the most expensive city in all of Canada.
My heart goes out to you. I will pray BUT you are right. He WILL provide. It is amazing how much faster it goes each time because you learn better how to do it.
Blessings
Amy says
Yeah, it’s the thinking about it I’m tired of already. We can use up our lease, but do we want to? Will we find a nicer house than the one we looked at the other day? Is there something cheaper? Can we swing more money a month…and the list goes on and on… lol
Sherri says
Oh Amy… so sorry to hear that. Will definitely be praying for you! I can’t imagine…
If anyone can do it well, though, it’s you! 😉
Amy says
Aww, thanks Sherri 🙂
Tanya - Lilyofthevalley says
I’m sorry you have to move again. (((hugs))) That is hard… I wish you all the best and keep us posted.
Amy says
Thanks, Tanya
Lisa J. says
Wow! I am so sorry to hear this! I pray your move goes well. I can’t imagine moving so many times. May the Lord be with you!
Sarah says
I understand. We have moved 8 times, and it’s hard. Every time we move we see God work, but I do sort of understand how the Isrealites felt about looking back at Egypt. Some times I have a hard time not looking back.
Sarah says
I meant, 8 times in 10 years…
Sheila says
We have moved 8 times in 18 years, but the last three were all this year. Ugh, ugh, ugh!! I don’t know where you live, but if I could, I would bring you the hundred or so boxes we saved from the last move and a meal and help you pack. I could at least help with all your books! It is amazing how overwhelming it feels, and yet somehow we get through it. May God bless you with energy and peace.
Amy says
Awww, thanks Sheila. 🙂
Amy Schaffner says
13 times in 12 years, I TOTALLY understand!!!!
rebecca says
Amy,
I feel for you! We are in the middle of moves (yes, plural) right now too. We moved from CO to NM a week and a half ago. We are now in a “little house” as we affectionately call it-it’s 2 bedroom, about 900 sq ft-with 7 kids, ages 2-14. We are looking for a house, have actually made an offer on one but won’t know for a few more days if we got the house. Until then, we stay in the little house with about 1/8 of our stuff (only absolute necessities), half of what’s left in storage near us and half in store in CO still (we’ll get that when we go back for a Dr. appt for our youngest in Oct).
Hang in there!