Carlson Update

Several of you have reached out asking how our moving plans are coming, so I  thought I'd give an update on all the craziness we're experiencing.

In early July, we went up to Spokane and spent less than 24 hours driving around the area, trying to decide if it was a place we would like to live. It's hard to explain exactly why we feel drawn to Spokane. It is very far away and we don't really know anyone there. We have felt like we'd really like our kids to have a different cultural experience, especially as far as religious and political culture go. We also appreciate how the state of Washington has handled the pandemic. For example, they will be requiring masks in schools this next year, and that is important to us. So, while it is very scary and uncomfortable, and doesn't really make a lot of sense, we have continued to pursue a move to Spokane, and to make life really interesting, we'd really like to get there before school starts, just after Labor Day. Aah!

in front of the teeny, tiny Spokane Temple

Spokane is beautiful, but the drive there looks like this most of the way.

We've engaged with a realtor and seen several houses that would meet our needs, but haven't felt especially drawn to one. And we haven't felt completely ready to commit to this crazy idea.

To make things even more complicated and exciting, I have had terrible back pain for the past 2 weeks, that prohibits me from doing most of what I usually do, like housework and yardwork. I can't start packing like I want to, and I cannot imagine sitting in a car for 11 hours. I'm praying for a miracle, exercising all of my faith, and knowing that if the Lord wants us to be in Spokane before school starts, He'll provide a way for it to happen.

Also, Daniel just let us know that he has a fissure that has opened up in his urinary track because of the complications he was born with. We've already seen the hand of the Lord opening up the way for us to get this taken care of before we move. We were able to see the urologist the day after we called for an appointment, and he is scheduled for surgery next Friday, August 6. I feel like this timing with this specialist is nothing short of a miracle.

We are still working on completing the work on our house. We've talked to our lender and received approval to buy before we sell. So our current plan is to have Scott come back at some point after we move to finish up the things that need to be done here. Again, a totally crazy idea, but it feels right.

our updated bathroom, which now also has a toilet

So, please pray for us or wish us luck, as you feel comfortable. We're in for the biggest adventure of our lives.