5 Weeks to Go
(April 1, 2024) In the spring of 2024, we returned to the city with the intention of prayerfully discerning whether or not this was the right time for us to move to New York. Before this visit, we had never been to Brooklyn, so we decided to spend the week there, having heard that it had a vibrant community of families, especially in Park Slope. During our trip, we had the opportunity to connect with the leaders of Trinity Grace Church and meet with a representative from City to City NYC. Our entire family felt incredibly welcomed and at home with the people of Trinity Grace.
5 weeks from today, we’'ll say “goodbye” to Seattle and depart for New York.
Three suitcases (one of which is a mini Frozen 2 suitcase), a duffle bag, a few backpacks, and the clothes on our backs will serve as our sole possessions for the time being. Shortly after we load our U-Box shipping container with nearly all of our possessions, the four of us will begin our trek to Brooklyn. The rest of our belongings will meet us there once we establish additional work and find an apartment. Taking a red eye flight on February 28, we’ll arrive in the city the morning of March 1.
Like the past few weeks, I expect the next five to be marked by a similar mix of thoughts and emotions—a Venn diagram of sorts, reflecting both the bittersweet goodbyes and the hopeful hellos that lie ahead.
As February 28 approaches and the “goodbyes” and “lasts” begin to peak around the corner, I’m beginning to miss this place we’ve yet to leave.
Our neighborhood in downtown Redmond has been a true haven—offering rest, reconnection, reflection, and renewal. It's given Erin and me our first extended break from vocational ministry in nearly 13 years, a season to breathe, to reflect, to dream, and to discern.
And it’s served as a home for our youngest two girls to blossom.
Kinsey’s no longer a 9 month old squishy baby; she’s a 2.5 year old energetically curious toddler. And Rowan’s no longer that 2.5 year old toddler; she’s a 4 year old inquisitive and thoughtful little kid now.
At face value, 21 months doesn’t seem like a very long time. But anyone who has had little kids understands how much change occurs in such a little amount of time.
The hugs and cuddles less prolonged. The R’s and L’s less difficult to pronounce.
Kinsey not only learned how to walk here, but she also mastered riding a scooter before turning 1! This is where she found her voice, telling us stories and expressing her feelings—especially when she thinks another kid isn’t being treated fairly.
And Rowan ascended, not only in height and up trees but also in intellect and creativity. From a shy toddler to an energetic, joyfully outgoing young girl, Ro creates wherever she goes. Whether it’s coloring pictures or crafting collages from leaves and twigs, her imagination spills over into the songs she sings while she skips and dances down our city sidewalks.
As we walk these downtown blocks in the coming weeks, we’re starting to sense that these walks and outings will soon become memories. Just like the summer nights at Downtown Park are now a chapter of the past, so, too, will this time be.
Our local Trader Joe’s will soon be that place where our girls learned how to push shopping carts and to say “please” and “thank you” and “excuse me, can we have some stickers please?”
Half Price Books and the Redmond Library will be where our girls discovered characters and concepts that expanded their imaginations.
Molly Moon’s will be where our girls explored their taste buds, discovering the various sweet sensations of the wonder that is ice cream.
The park will be the place where our girls learned how to make friends and squirt water squirters, to ride scooters and climb trees. Where our family enjoyed picnic dinners with neighbors, where we salsa danced as the sun disappeared into the night’s sky.
Rubinstein Bagels will be Mom’s former workplace, where we made and met countless good friends over bagels. It’s where we held school, read countless books, and sipped hot cocoa. It’s where we raced down the building staircase every morning, eager to shout, “Good morning, Mom!”
Redmond will be the place where our family learned how to enjoy and be present in our neighborhood and city, a way of living we believe will be vital to our family’s life and ministry in the city. In many ways, our presence in Redmond prepared us for our future in New York.
While these places have shaped our growth and joy, they aren’t what truly matter. Redmond will hold a special place in our hearts, not because of the places, but because of the people—old friends from the region and new friends from the neighborhood.
What a gift of grace it is to have a place and, more importantly, a people to miss dearly.
Financial Update
Here’s a brief update on our fundraising progress:
Anticipated amount needed through 2025: $70,000
Amount raised: $33,408.60 or 48% (as of 01/20/2025)
Anticipated additional amount via monthly giving and misc: $22,056.54
Total amount raised through 2025: $55,465.14 or 79%
Remaining need: $14,534.86 or 21%
Financial Partners at a Glance:
33 financial household partnerships
16 of which are monthly contributors
3 of which are annual contributors
15 of which are one-time contributors
4 one-time local church partnerships
We continue to be astounded by God’s provision and the encouragement of so many people in our lives.
In addition to our plane tickets being donated and our Airbnb being reserved and purchased, we’ve also booked our U-Box shipping container to move all of our belongings. With the costs of the Airbnb and U-Box, we are now realizing that we underestimated the up-front need of $10,000. Still, we feel comfortable with where we are at and are confident in God’s continued faithfulness to our family.
We sincerely thank each and every person, household, and church community who is financially partnering with us. Additionally, we are grateful for everyone who is maintaining us in their prayers. Our family has continued to feel supported and affirmed in this season by so many.
For those interested in partnering with us, more information is available here.
We also invite you to continue praying for us during this season. 35 days and counting!
Prayer Requests
Pray that we have hearts that listen, so we can hear God, each other, and those around us more clearly.
Pray for our youngest two daughters as they transition to New York. Specifically, pray that they cherish our time in Redmond, grieve the goodbyes, and process the distance from our friends and church community. Also, pray that they find meaningful friendships and connect well with Trinity Grace Kids. Finally, pray for discernment as we decide which school will be the best fit for Rowan this fall.
Pray for our family as we begin saying goodbye to our friends and the larger church community in the greater Seattle area.
Pray for the job search. As we begin seeking and applying for opportunities, pray that the right job will not only meet our family’s financial needs but also serve as a way to connect with our future neighborhood.
Pray for the apartment search. May we be patient and trust that the right place will open up—one where our family can grow together in Jesus and build community.
Pray that we would establish at least one local church as a partner in ministry, one that will commit to praying for, encouraging, and financially supporting us.
