What a beautiful little girl! It is amazing that my first little baby who never slept is now an energetic, smart, and still beautiful four-year-old. This year, we were so blessed to be able to spend her birthday with some extended family. Nani and Papa graciously hosted our soiree and Grandma Dot and Grandma and Grandpa Alvaro were able to share in all the fun. We also got the privilege of celebrating her birthday with Chris' family when we traveled to Ohio for his sister's baby shower.
As I sit writing this post, I can hardly believe it. Our first baby - that beautiful, pink, little baby - has begun Preschool. Emma could hardly wait to begin, and did great on her first day. I anticipated a lot of crying and leg-hugging, but Emma was true to form and just looked at me and said, "Bye, Mom!" Though I was slightly emotional, I was more excited to see her begin this new phase of her life.
It has been quite some time since the last post, and we wanted to update everyone on what is new with the Dilleys. As many already know, a few weeks ago we moved – to Michigan! After many months of praying for the Lord’s direction for our family, the doors were finally open for us to move. On a Friday in mid-August, Chris received a phone call from his employer telling us that he was being transferred to Michigan. One week later, to the day, the moving truck pulled into our new driveway! We were so blessed by all who helped us pack, move, unpack, and watch our children during that busy week. It is an amazing thing to see the body of Christ put feet to their theology and help when it is needed most.
Many have asked us why we decided to leave Louisville, and there are several answers. The first is that we, as a family, have had a desire to minister in the Detroit area for several years. It is no shock to anyone that Detroit is a city that is considered “hopeless”. We want to bring a message of hope to people that is not based on jobs or the economy, but on salvation through Jesus Christ – a hope that can never be taken away! Second, we wanted to be closer to family. We have lived away from family for nine years. Since the arrival of our children, we really have felt that it is important for them to know all their grandparents and be able to see them frequently. By living in Michigan, they are able to see one set of grandparents daily and are now able to visit the other sets in Ohio more because we have less places to travel. Finally, we evaluated our goals as a family, and decided that now was the time to move. The doors were opened and God has sovereignly guided us through and sustained us.
We would like to say thank you to our Louisville friends, co-workers, and fellow students for many years of laughter, support, and encouragement. For nine years, Kentucky has been our home and we will certainly miss the familiar people and places. Louisville holds many wonderful and irreplaceable memories for our family. Chris and I met, were engaged, graduated, made our first home, welcomed two beautiful and amazing children into this world, and served on staff in our first church – all in Kentucky!
While we continue to get settled in our new home, please continue to pray for us. Specifically, pray that we would continue to trust in the Lord as we find new doctors, transfer insurance, forward our mail, and all of the little details that come with an out-of-state move. We know that where He leads, He provides! As we end one chapter in our lives and begin another, we know that God will continue to show his love, grace, and sovereignty to us. Through this entire process we have marveled and been reminded of the greatness of our God and his ever-present hand in our lives.
