Twenty-six....and counting....

On this day 26 years ago, April 30, 1993, a young family with a four year old daughter and sixteen month old son purchased a house in Harrison County, Kentucky. We knew no one. Tim's family remained in Ohio and my family remained in Virginia. We were all alone except for friends in other counties whom we knew from previous ministries. We were excited, grateful....yet lonely...but not for long.

Neighbors stopped by to welcome us. Church people visited and invited us tobecome part of the community. Our school system soon welcomed our daughter, (and later our son), into the educational family. The medical community quickly learned about us and treated us like family. Eventually, my daughter and I became part of the local community choir, a precious family that continually brings us tremendous joy.

It's very meaningful when we walk into the doctor's office, pharmacy, store, church or restaurant and feel like we now have roots...and lifelong friends. Recently, I met a new friend who asked how long we have resided here. I jokingly said we transplanted here twenty six years ago this month. Her response was amazing. "Oh, honey, you are no longer a transplant! You belong here now and you are family!" Tears came to my eyes as she hugged me and expressed sincere joy that we are here.

Of course, we miss our families out of state. Of course, we miss our friends in other counties, states and countries. Of course, we wish we could live close to all of our loved ones. Today, however, is a reminder of the precious gift God gave us when He led us to Harrison County, Kentucky.

We had no idea what was ahead when we moved here. We have shared joy, laughter, tears, sorrow, loss, illness, concerns, prayers, celebrations...and life with the folks of Cynthiana and Harrison County. Friends have come to our home in the middle of the night for emergencies. Neighbors have mowed our yard, watched our house and even taken out the garbage while we are gone. We have made urgent trips to hospitals, work places and doctors...but not alone. We have gone through 9/11, tornadoes, ice storms, droughts and a flood together.

Twenty-six years later....we are blessed to call this community home. May God bless these precious people as they welcome transplants....and now call us "their own." Thank you, Harrison County and Cynthiana, for making us feel welcome and for treating us like we belong. We are grateful and we love you!💜~thl