The Big Circle

We are excited to announce our next destination. You may have thought, Louisville, that the Childs had left for good, but God had different plans. We will end up right back where we started. Micah begins another (and we are praying it is his last) Interim position at the first of October.

Just as "Squaring the Circle" is a human impossibility, knowing all the intricacies of our circular path and all the reasons for each twist and turn is impossible for us. Asking ourselves what we have learned, however, is not futile. I can imagine there will be productive hours of reflection in our future. I have already begun subsequent blogs highlighting the education we have received (both willingly and situationally) along the way and our "favorites". For now, there is comfort in knowing all of this has been just a small part of a bigger story. We are increasingly thankful for this new opportunity. Our immediate conclusions are encouraging and true; the things we hold dear remain and the promises of the Author of our journey prove once again reliable. Since God is glorified in the journey and the destination, in the case of our family in this season of our lives, He must be more glorified in our big circle rather than just a winding line.

While our families are sad that our circle couldn't have been a bit wider, physically placing us back where we started 13 years ago as opposed to 9, they are supportive and rejoicing with us that this leg of the journey is complete. We had hopes to be closer to them, but know the road from KY to NC will seem much shorter after living in central Arkansas and along the gulf. We are excited about reconnecting with our church and friends. For me particularly, having familiar surroundings will be a precious gift.

Just a couple of fun facts: Micah's big circle spans over 7800 miles (not including side trips) and Tiffany, Andrew, and Elijah's over 2900. Our actual geographical circle looks more like an arrowhead on the map- Micah's like a kite on a string:)

A New Pet?

Prompted by reading Charlotte's Web at the beginning of this school year, the boys just couldn't resist adopting this Orb Spider outside our apartment here in Little Rock. They call her Charlotte, although she doesn't resemble the original Charlotte for which the book is named. They check on her anytime we come and go as well from their bedroom window. They can still see her clearly from inside the house, but for my sake, she is safe on the other side of the glass. I have to admit, she has lovely markings, but the thing I like about her most is that she enjoys her outdoor dwelling and doesn't try and come inside~

Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Heading out on the Arkansas Trail (the scenic, easy path), hoping to catch butterflies.

Found a butterfly...

...and caught it! Andrew released it afterward, of course.

Pinnacle Mountain from the road.

Enough of the easy stuff! The boys aren't sure about this...

But Andrew quickly realizes just how fun climbing a mountain can be.

Elijah "taking a rest".

Stage 8 of 10 that lead to the top.

The Childs guys celebrating their accomplishment.

Up with the hawks.

The spot we took our first Pinnacle Mountain picture as seen from the summitt.

Rested and ready to descend.

Looking back at the climb and glad we are headed down.