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Originally, I had decided not to bother blogging much about our move because I was in the middle of my wedding photography season and didn't want to draw any attention to it. Plus I didn't want wedding vendors or fellow Portlanders thinking of me as someone who had "moved away" and then not refer wedding photography business to me. But the longer I've thought about it, I've decided to just not worry so much. :) I am still shooting Portland weddings and will continue to do so, so if you want to refer anyone to me, please do! 

Even though moving in the middle of my busy summer of shooting has been a bit nuts, or really nuts ;), I'm so thankful we did it! This has been such a great summer for our family and I'm loving it here! 

I grew up in this sweet town of Corvallis and love this place most because our families live here. I was blessed to be surrounded by family and have close relationships with my grandparents and cousins growing up here. And Josh and I have always wanted that for our kids. We moved to Portland 11 years ago and often said we would move back to Corvallis once our kids got to grade school. The past couple of years with Jude's diet, therapies, struggles and successes, I've just longed for the support of my family. A stronger support network in general. And I began to feel like my kids were missing out on the joys of family that I grew up with. Josh and I had been praying about moving back for 3 years. But God's response was always, "Wait on me." Psalm 27 & 37 were constant reminders to wait and trust and I'd see His goodness. 

It was challenging to have faith that He had a plan on days when I just felt like I was living in permanent "limbo" because Josh and I just weren't sure what to do... buy a "forever home" in Portland to raise our kids in, or keep waiting until the Corvallis plan worked? Each attempt to move forward always felt like we had 2 out of 3 puzzle pieces fitting, but never all three. But God kept saying, "Wait, Bethany. Trust me." My fears of the future eventually gave way to trusting Him and hoping for what He had planned. Even if it meant waiting more years. But I prayed not!

 I had been praying that God would provide a home for us on property, with an orchard. I had been praying that God would provide a lovely piano for us to buy, because I missed playing so much. I longed to see the sky full of stars again, to be outdoors so much more with the kids... I missed seeing God's fingerprints in nature. 

And then, after 3 years of praying, God answered in the most unexpected, wonderful way! And in such an unusually special way, and I'm so thankful.

The Farmhouse (I'll share more about the history of it in another post, as it use to be my Grandparents' and is owned by my dad's side of the family.) On acreage. With an orchard that we walk through almost every evening, as the sunlight spills through the oak grove nearby! And the nice people who moved out, left us a piano that I love playing every day. It's also been amazing to see family almost every day. That's the best part. I'm so thankful for this season here, however long it may be, and thank God for His goodness to us.

xo,

Bethany