Erisman Family Mission: Moving to Florida

We moved on July 24^th, leaving our Minnesota home and lots of friends and family, to come down to Florida to stay with Robert's parents until we start Intake with Family Missions Company in September. Because of the distance, we don't get to see his parents very often so when we found out we were accepted to serve with FMC this year, we had decided then that we would come down here to spend these few weeks with them. Shortly after, we found out we were expecting another baby and would be due during the time we would be in Florida. But, we kept our plans anyways as it still made the most sense in several ways and trusted that all would work out fine.

Now, after our first week here, I'm even more thankful for this decision. The past few months have been incredibly chaotic and stressful as we went through all of our stuff - purging, selling, and giving it away. I can't even imagine what it would have been like if we had been trying to go through all of that work right up to and immediately after the baby's birth. It was a relief to be able to set off for Florida and be done with that part of our preparation. Truly, it was the mercy of God.

We took our time on the drive down here, making several stops along the way to get out and play, which made the trip more enjoyable for everyone. Once we got here, we were able to spend a few days with Robert's brother and his family too, who were also visiting. It has been like a mini vacation to come here and get a few days to just relax and breathe while spending time with family.

As we settle in, we now have to go through and organize the things we brought down here with us. There's still more to purge! We also have a significant to-do list with other preparations regarding our upcoming mission (particularly continued fundraising), and to get ready for baby, who's due August 22^nd (which I've learned is the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary! Which is fitting because I've felt her support throughout this pregnancy and that she's got us covered under her mantle).

We'll still find time to fit in plenty of visits to the beach, though...