January, 2005: Chad and I had been married for 4 years and had two sweet little boys.  Josiah was almost 3.  Isaac was 10 months old.  We had purchased a new home not far from my in-laws.  I loved living near them and loved raising a family in MN.  We had a great church, great friends, and great family; yet our hearts cried out for more.  “God, we love You.  We want to go where you tell us to go!”

He answered that prayer with a supernatural leading to move to Lakeland, FL and plug into Family Worship Center to grow under the teaching of Pastor Reggie Scarborough.  Within 5 weeks everything came together and we were here!  Beaches, palm trees, orange groves, alligators, and sweet tea served at every meal.  What a culture shock!

Our 8 years here have been wild.  5 moves.  4 more children.  Lots of change: some good, some not so good.  But through it all, there is no other place in the world we’d have rather been.  Our church has surrounded us like family; and Pastor has poured such wisdom and balance into our lives.  I don’t think there is another church on the planet I could love as much as I love FWC Lakeland.

January, 2013:  We entered this year sensing “change” was on the horizon.  No indicator of what that change was going to be, just simply “change.”  We were also praying for a new home and began to more aggressively search for one.  4 years ago we moved into a small “temporary” rental home.  We thought we’d live here a year while looking for the right place for our family.  After looking at multiple homes, we didn’t have peace.

One night in January I was out driving alone and talking to the Lord.  “God, why is it that we haven’t found the right house…..is it possible our next home isn’t in Lakeland?”  I paused a moment a little taken back at my words.  Then I made a choice in that moment… “God, if that’s the case, I’ll follow you.  I’ll go wherever You tell us to go.”  My head was yelling at me saying I was crazy for even being willing to leave this city… But my heart knew it was right to be willing.

I called Chad later in the evening and before I could say a word he said, “Krista, I was praying tonight.  Here’s what I am sensing…what would you think of this?  Instead of going to Minnesota for a vacation this summer let’s pack up our home, get out of our lease, and go to Minnesota for an open-ended road trip to see where God takes us?”

I laughed a nervous laugh.  My spirit lept!  And there was peace!

Since that time Chad and I have been praying and seeking the counsel of others.  We spoke with Pastor Reggie, our parents, our mentors, and Chad’s business partner.  Every person gave us their blessing and support.  We are thankful!

We aren’t sure why and we aren’t sure where; but we are very confident that God is moving us in a new direction and asking us to “step out of the boat.”  We are beginning the process of sorting our things, packing up our home, selling our minivan, and preparing for our trip.  On June 29th we’ll begin our new journey.  We’ll spend the beginning of July in Minnesota with family.  Mid-July, Judah and I will fly out to California to see my family and spend 5 days near San Francisco pursuing further therapy for Judah.  If those appointments prove successful we are considering taking the family back to CA at the end of August to pursue further treatments there for a season.  We are still expecting a full, supernatural recovery in Judah.  In the meantime we’ll do all we can in the natural to aid in his healing.  As far as our final destination is concerned – that isn’t clear yet.  We’ll continue to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit one step at a time.

Our hearts are excited and full of anticipation; yet we are also sad.  We will miss all of you!!  We are not sure if our move is permanent or for a season.  Either way, we want to thank you for standing by our side these past 8 years.  Thank you for the many ways you’ve encouraged, inspired and blessed us.  Thank you for surrounding us and holding us up during these past 20 months as we’ve walked through Judah’s healing journey.  We are so thankful for each and every one of you!

Please keep us in your prayers as we step out into this new season.  We’ll continue to keep you updated as God reveals our next steps and our future home.

Lots of love to you all from the whole Dearey family!!

~ Chad, Krista, Josiah, Isaac, Ellianna, Rhema, Adonai, and Judah