Big Changes.

Well, I've been trying to figure out the best way to share how life has changed for us these last few months, because there has been quite a bit of adjustment recently. And I came to the realization there was no easy or concise way of putting it. So this may be a bit of a long post.

Last April, Jeff came home from work like any regular Friday. We were preparing to head to a wedding in St. Louis, so we were busy with packing the car to leave. As I walked into the apartment to grab the last of our bags, Jeff pulled me aside and said "So... how do you feel about Tennessee? Because... that's where we are moving!" We couldn't have been more excited for this new adventure. Our new home is in East Tennessee and it is a BEAUTIFUL part of the country. We quickly found out that we would be moving within the month of May, so everything happened very quickly.

A picture of the entrance of our old apartmentin KC. It was our very first home together, so it holds a pretty special place in our hearts.

It was the best move I have ever had. Jeff's company packed up everything for us, so it was wonderful to not have to haul things around and sweat in the May heat. It was pretty bizarre to have the whole apartment, not packed and then within the next 24 hours, have everything in boxes.

Putting together our "Do Not Pack" list. It got pretty crowded in the dining room.

After the packers came. It was just boxes on top of boxes for a good day or so.

Our master bedroom closet, filled with boxes.

We were able to have a little "going away fiesta" with our friends in KC. It was so much fun, but so sad at the same time! God blessed us with some pretty amazing friends and hopefully someday we will move back to KC again!

The town of Rogersville, TN where Jeff's project is located.

Us, at the Rogersville 4th of July parade. Love those small town parades!

Us on a neat bridge at the Riverfront area of Kingsport.

By the beginning of July, we finally started to feel like we were settling into our new home. We had our first visitors at our new home (Jeff's parents traveled to visit us over 4th of July!) The boxes were unpacked, we finally knew where the good grocery store was in town and Jeff was starting to feel comfortable in his new responsibilities at work. Then on July 7th we received a call from Jeff's parents that Jeff's brother, Sam, had collapsed at a Bible study. We would find out soon after that Sam had passed away later at the hospital in Cambridge, England. Sam was a loving husband to Jen, an amazing son to Bruce and Carol, and a brother, and best friend to Jeff. He also defended our country as a Captain in the United States Air Force serving as a F-15 fighter pilot in England. Needless to say, it was a shock and unexplainable loss. Within 24 hours of finding out, Jeff and I, as well as Jeff's parents, had boarded planes and were on our way to England.

Sam's last days and hours are filled with reminders of his strong faith for the Lord and amazing love for his wife. It truly is amazing how God prepares us for what's ahead in our lives. We always say that God's timing is perfect, but when you experience something like this and hear about what lead up to Sam's final moments, you can't help but see how amazing our God is. We are so thankful for salvation and our reassurance that this life is not the end. Praise God!

Jeff's brother, Captain Sam Robertson, USAF

Sam's plane at RAF Lakenheath Air Force Base in England

Sam's plane again.

Sam's squadron patch at The Eagle, a fighter pilot bar in Cambridge, England.

The ceiling at The Eagle. Fighter pilots during WWII
would burn or write their names on the ceiling.

Our time in England was surreal for so many reasons, but we were thankful that we were able to be there in England as a family with Jen and Jeff's parents. The Air Force was truly amazing in how well they provided so much and accomodated us while we were in England, always present to help Sam's wife Jen, as well as representing the squadron and the base for the memorial for Sam. There was also a Celebration of Life for Sam in Fulton, Missouri and a graveside service with full military honors for Sam in Medford, Oregon. Jeff's work has been truly remarkable in giving us the time and assistance we needed to travel. We are so thankful for the family we are a part of and the way God provides at just the right time.

We have been back from our travels for about a week and a half now, and it seems that just now, it is finally sinking in about the reality of the situation. Trying to get back into the swing of things and the daily routine can be hard. Jeff's work is keeping him busy and he is enjoying the challenge it brings each day.

One last change that took place these last couple weeks is that we added two new family members to our household in Tennesee. Dixie and Rambo, our little kittens that we brought back from Jeff's dad's vet clinic. They are definitely a little crazy, but we are already so attached to them, we can't imagine not having them. They are quite the pair, there's really no other way to describe them. :)