A change of plans
Yesterday morning started like any other day, but at 10 am, my husband asked me whether I would be okay with going to Seattle to stay with his family for a week or two. It was unexpected, but I understood the reasoning behind the request.
I'm not sure how many of you have heard the news from Vancouver, BC lately, but things have been a bit interesting of late. It seems there is a gang turf war underway, as we have had 17 shootings in the past 30 days, I believe. These shootings are generally targeted to either gang members or friends and family of members, but the more concerning aspect is how they are happening. The great majority have been in public places- in front of shopping malls, in parking lots, at gas stations, by coffee shops, and even drive by shooting as a car went through an intersection mere blocks from our old condo.
The gangs are brazen, and have no fear of the police or justice system. No one is being arrested, and no one seems to have any control over the situation. The violence has been escalating lately in the city where we live (a large suburb of Vancouver).
Despite all this, Ryan wouldn't have made a move to have the kids and I leave the city, until about 3 days ago, when a new tenant moved into the rental suite below our house (which we rent- we are not the landlords). We don't really know anything about the new tenant, and that is part of the concern. I haven't met her yet, but Ryan felt concerned when he met her (for various reasons- her appearance, her job, her demeanor, etc.). In light of all the violence, and the fact that the acts are not limited to gang members but also to acquaintances, he felt that it was best for us not to be in the house until either the violence simmered down a bit and/or he got more of a feel for this tenant and what she is like.
So, I rushed around and did laundry like a madwoman, packed up what we needed, and tried to leave behind a semi-tidy house and food for my husband, until we left around dinnertime. We're here, at my mother-in-law's for a week and a half, until the end of the month. We're continuing on with learning time (home school), cooking, my computer work, etc. but might try to add in a zoo trip, some visits, etc. while we're here.
Though we're not afraid of the circumstances going on right now and ultimately our trust is in our sovereign God and His good plans for us, I am happy to be here and thankful for such a loving, protective husband who felt it was better to be safe than sorry. Believe me, he's getting the bad end of this deal- no wife, no kids, no homecooked meals, no clean laundry! 🙂
Wow. That’s really scary.
You and your family are in my prayers!!!
What a loving husband. May the Lord protect you all, and provide for each other’s needs while you’re away from home!
Praise God for a husband who cares enough for his family to protect them… we moved to Oregon from So. California where gang problems are a constant issue!! My husband felt that getting all of us out of there was in our very best interests! We are so happy to be away from all of that! Plus, God has blessed us so abundantly here! It is so nice to see a man taking this kind of a stand for his family. I give him an A+!!!!!!!!
God Bless you,
Cynthia
oops- I think my comment got eaten in blogland. 🙂
Oh, Stephanie, what a season! I hope you have a good time with family, though. What a blessing that your husband had the foresight to send you to safety. I’ll be praying for God’s special peace & provision for your husband, as he is home without his family!
We are also recently facing some ‘interesting’ things in our rental, and are needing to move our family out quickly for health & safety. Our application for a rental home just got approved today. We will be visiting family for a few days this weekend, and then moving when we return.
By the way, I was finally able to get my spud account stuff taken care of. Thank you for your help! We’ve really enjoyed it; and I’m sure I’ll be using it during our moving season!
Whenever life settles down for you, I would love to see some of your pregnancy menus! I haven’t seen meal plans from you in awhile, and they’re always so inspiring.
Hugs to you,
Michele
Thank goodness you are safe and sound. Praying for Ryans safety as well. Goodness how terrible to have so much violence happening! What a wonderful husband you have! But you already know that, right 🙂
I’m glad you trusted his judgment…maybe he’s being guided in ways you’re not. Good call.
Praying for your husband’s safety. It’s scary that things are so bad in your city right now! I also pray that your new neighbor turns out to be OK and that the authorities gain some control of the violence soon!
hey Steph,
We prayed for you at Ladies care group last night…missed having you there. It is crazy….it blows my mind that it’s happening in broad daylight and in normal everyday places.
Hope your time away is refreshing.
On another note….I started clothing with Eli. I really had forgotten after so many years how much I enjoyed it and saving the cash. I really like the biobottoms covers. Did you know those covers were used on my friends kids who are now in college. They still work all this time later. Anyway talk to you when you get back.
Oh my goodness, I live in the same province as you and I had no idea. How scary! I’ll definitely be keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Laura
Scary. I have friends in Vancouver. Hope you and Ryan stay safe. Enjoy yourself and perhaps take a quick break. Get refreshed.
If you want to meet up at our zoo down in Tacoma, send me an e-mail. What a scary time! I’ll definitely be praying for your family, I’m glad to hear that you are all safe, though.
I’ll lift your family up in prayer. It’s a scary thing to have to “flee” your house/town because of violence. But thankfully you have a knight in shining armor to protect you! 🙂
Wow! I had no idea things like this happened in Canada. Very naive of me, I suppose.
What a great husband to be so watchful of you guys. I’ll be praying!
How scary! Take care and stay safe. Sending prayers of protection for your family.
Yes, praying a hedge of protection around you and your family. Praying for that new tenant, as well. As your dear hubby gets a better feel for what she is all about, she just may be getting the feel of Jesus.
That is so scary, I had not a clue that was going on up there, I can be pretty news deprived at times. I am sorry you all are going through this, but as you know, God will be glorified even in the darkest times.
God Bless!
Wow! That sounds something like what my husband would do in a situation such as yours. It actually made me tear up a little. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Wow! I haven’t heard this new yet but it’s scary. Bless your husband for thinking of you and your kids. I hope he is doing well. You are all in my prayers.
We’re praying for this situation and your family!
Thanks, all, for your prayers and sweet words!
We are all doing great, and the kids are enjoying time with Grandma and Grandpa and their uncles, and I am enjoying some restful time.
My husband was invited, both last night and tonight, to have dinner with some of our good friends, so yay for that! He did call to tell me that our icecube trays must be broken, because they aren’t refilling automatically anymore, LOL! I think he’s doing alright. 🙂 No more news of the tenant, though. Soon, hopefully!
I have the best readers ever- thanks for being so great!
I hope that you all remain doing well. How scary. I hope you can be back to your wonderful DH soon.
Ask your husband to join you and share some delicious artisan bread and homemade tea with your neighbor. Undoubtedly, she enjoys the aromas from your kitchen.
Remember, our Lord “fed the people” and we are not to be ruled by the spirit of fear. There is a divine reason for this woman being planted in your midst.
I know. I teach “little gangsters” (17-18 year olds) in the USA. They (and their families) need Christ too.
May God order your steps!
Wow. Good for you for trusting in your husband. And good for him for loving you all as Christ loved us. AMEN for great men!