While in Michigan, Scott intended to find a job in the elevator trade, working construction for a company in the union. (He worked in that capacity for 2 1/2 years before we met. ) Scott visited many local companies, but no one was hiring. One particular office was closed, so he shoved his resume under the door. The next day he received a call from Tom at McNally Elevator, a non-union company. Tom was impressed by the resume he found on the floor and was interested in creating a service position for Scott in the Grand Rapids area. Scott met with the owners and liked what he saw, but was confused as this was different from what he was anticipating. Did God have a better idea of what we needed? After a couple days of praying and talking it over, he accepted the job. We found an apartment and traveled back to South Dakota to pack our belongings and say good-bye.

"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you,- He will never leave you nor forsake you- Do not be afraid,- do not be discouraged. " Deuteronomy 31:8

Saying good-bye was difficult. There was so much to miss. ..The therapeutic beauty of the Black Hills. The laid-back, slower pace of life. The extended family I had grown to know and love. The church that had befriended, encouraged, and ministered to us. The comfort of cherished friendships, familiar routine, and freedom to be myself As reluctant as I was to move to South Dakota, after eight years, I found myself unwilling to leave. In spite of his own unfulfilled dreams, Scott exhibited a strong faith. "God has something better in store for us," he reassured me.

My family eagerly welcomed us back to Michigan. As we arranged our furniture, unpacked boxes, and hung pictures on the walls, the apartment gradually began to feel more like home. And ever so slowly God began to melt the resistance in my heart as I started to embrace this new chapter in our lives.

"Do not dwell on the past See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up,- do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland " Isaiah 43: 18-19

We are discovering the "steams" of blessing. Scott is enjoying his new job which allows him to spend much more time with family and is a lot less stressful. We are minutes away from my family (doting baby-sitters), Bible Study Fellowship, parks, libraries, museums, a zoo, and other exciting experiences a big city has to offer. There are many ministry and home school opportunities as well.

Thank you for your encouraging words, expressions of love, and reminders of God's promises. I have wonderful memories of our time together. Continue to "let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven "- Matthew 5: 16

God bless,

JayneAnn Stratmeyer (South Dakotan At Heart)