This is number 9. 9 times, we have relocated for ministry. It might sound like a lot, but I know there are families out there who have moved more. With that said, I guess we're fortunate to only have moved 9 times.

Moving is a funny thing; the sorting, the packing, the trashing, the moving, the unpacking, maybe a little more sorting, and then a little more trashing. At least that's what we have found in the times that we have moved. With each move, we think we're actually getting rid of stuff, only to have to get rid of more stuff when we move again. Still not sure how that happens...

Anyway...

We've Moved! Last weekend, a group of loving servants from our new church showed up at our Canonsburg house and graciously helped us move into the new house in the new community! We were so blessed by the many, many hands (and trucks) that showed up. Just about everything was out and loaded in less than 2 hours. I think the unload took even less time! By night, we were all able to sleep in our own beds!

I've been wanting to write about this most recent move, to share all that we are seeing God do in our lives and the lives of our kids. Till now, we haven't had much time. So let me share a few things with you this morning.

Moving is a stressful event. Regardless of how well you think you may have prepared, you will find yourself, at some point, overwhelmed by the realities of relocation. It has been true with us! We worked really hard to be organized and ready for the big day, but when the big day came, we wished we had a few more days to get ready!

For the Higham family, moving effects a lot of people in a lot of different ways. With this move in particular, all 5 of the kids needed to be registered for the new school! That's a lot of paperwork to complete. 2 of our boys are already in high school. We had hoped to see the boys through their 4 years of high school while in once place. So a move like this one, to a new school with a junior and a sophomore, is a hard one. 1 of our guys started middle school. And while he thought he'd begin with all of his friends from grade school, he's had to venture out and start all over again, by his self.

On the other side of the family, Amy has had to make a new nest. As much as I didn't want the majority of the work to fall on her shoulders, it has. She has packed and unpacked more boxes than any of us. She is the one who has had to cope with all the bumps and sharp turns and loop-tee-loops as we've navigated through this move. And she is the one who has probably also given up the most, losing 2 of the families who's kids she watched. And yet, she has gracefully and patiently done all she could do to make it as easy a transition as possible for everyone! Did she have her moments? Yes, but we all did. Like I said, moving is stressful and overwhelming, no matter how prepared you think you are.

But through it all God has been so good to us. The last 4 years have been some of the hardest years we have had to face, both in ministry and in the life of our family. The last 2 years, have been years spent on our knees and in God's words as we prayed and sought after His will. So while it's hard to leave a ministry and a home and a community, we believe God has called us into this move. And because He has called us into this move, we know that He already knows our needs and how to best care for us. He has already proven that on a number of occasions.

So yes, we've moved. The old house is now empty and cleaned. The landlord is preparing it for sale. The new house? Well, that's quickly becoming our home! The new schools? We love them. The new church? A perfect fit. The new community? Well, I think we're going to love it! And God's faithfulness? Yep! We're seeing that every day!

- the higham family

Hi we're Jay & Amy, and we've been married for 19 years and are super blessed to be busy raising our 5 kids; 4 boys and 1 girl. We juggle the adventures of life and ministry and share what we are learning as it relates to marriage, family, raising kids, serving in the church, and chasing after Jesus. Raising a family is hard work, especially in today's culture. But our hope is to encourage you and your family, as we live for the glory of God.

Welcome to a new week!

Last week, the Higham's spent a considerable amount of time unpacking and getting settled into our new house. And met I just say, Amy has done an incredible job at making our new house a home! While we still have boxes and piles that need to be opened and sorted, the new house is functioning well!

But we knew that the move would be something that would require attention and focus, so we took a break from the vlogging and blogging. However, we're happy to say, We're Back!

That's right! Starting this week we are back to the routines of of family life, and that means, we are once again vlogging and blogging! So let me say, Thank You! to all our subscribers, viewers, readers, and followers! Thanks for your patience, support, prayers, and encouragement! We really appreciate all the kind words and comments!

So without further delay, here is Monday's, Life in the Higham House, vlog!

Thanks for watching!

- the higham family

Hi we're Jay & Amy, and we've been married for 19 years and are super blessed to be busy raising our 5 kids; 4 boys and 1 girl. We juggle the adventures of life and ministry and share what we are learning as it relates to marriage, family, raising kids, serving in the church, and chasing after Jesus. Raising a family is hard work, especially in today's culture. But our hope is to encourage you and your family, as we live for the glory of God.

Right now, the topic of the move is dominating just about every conversation in the Higham house. And while it's exciting to accept a new job and think about moving, it's also a bit scary! Emotions are running wild with fear, anxiety, stress, excitement, and hope. There has already been plenty of tears from both the kids and us.

So with all this raw emotion, Amy and I thought we'd pull out the video camera and record the second episode of The Family Vlog (name might still change) and share some what we are seeing and learning as we prepare to make the transition to a new location.

I will warn you, the video is about 30 minutes long. Out goal is to keep The Family Vlog to somewhere between 15 and 20 minutes. But I think there is some good stuff in there that might be helpful if you and your family are thinking about or going through a move. So please watch the vlog, and be sure to comment and share in the discussion!

Oh, and don't forget to subscribe and thumps up the video if you liked it! Thanks!

- the higham family