This morning as I have been trying to catch up on some things I am working on a personal progress project for church. It is one for the value of faith. Part of the assignment was to journel on a personal experience of faith. And as I thought about it I began to think about my move here to Texas and it dawned on me that it has now been just over 4 years since I moved here. Here is the journel entry I created for this value experience:

" I believe that my biggest demonstration of faith is when I moved here to Texas. I remember the Town Hall meeting at work when it was announced that they were going to be closing the Chicago office and merge with the Fort Worth office. I was in shock. I did not know what to do or what to think. I could not imagine leaving my family and friends to go to a place where I did not know a single person; a place where I had never been before. I remember calling my Dad from the car on the way back to the office from the hotel where we had the meeting. I don’t remember what he said at that time, but I do remember feeling some comfort knowing that my Dad was there for me and am grateful for his support. As the days and weeks went by I had to make a decision as to if I was going to move with the company or lose my job. I was completely overwhelmed and my initial reaction was not to go. As I talked with family and friends they all encouraged me to make the move. I remember praying a lot and going to the Temple often so I could receive the promptings from the Holy Ghost as to what my Father in Heaven would have me do. After some time I received confirmation that I needed to move to Texas. This was not the confirmation I was hoping for. I had great fear when I thought of moving and leaving the only place and people I had ever known. But I kept receiving promptings that I needed to go. So, in the end I made the move to Texas. It took lots of faith and prayers … not only from me but from all of my loved ones to take this big step. I am so grateful that I made this move and I am eternally grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who wants only what is best for His children. I now see the wisdom that Heavenly Father had in having me move to Texas. I have so many wonderful people in my life that I would have never met if I did not make the move and I have grown so much on so many different levels; again because I moved. The people and experiences I have had in the last 4 years have been wonderful and are opportunities I would have not had if I stayed in Illinois. Now, I will admit things have not always been easy since I moved … I have actually experienced some of the most difficult times of my life in the past 4 years, but I am grateful for them because they have helped me become a better and stronger person. Faith at times is very difficult for me to exercise, but I am so grateful that I took the chance and exercised my faith by moving to Texas."

I truly am grateful that I am here in Texas and I am grateful for the many blessings that have come into my life because of that move. I have met so many wonderful people that have brought such joy and happiness into my life and who have helped me to become a better person.

Now, don't get me wrong ... I do miss my family and friends back in Illinois terribly. But I also know that Texas is where Heavenly Father wants me to be at this time in my life. Texas truly has now become "home" for me ... whoever thought that would be possible!

Thank you to all of those who have supported me throughout my life but expecially these past 4 years ... I never would have made it this long without all of your love, support, and prayers.

Love and hugs to all of you!