Allen Top Ten

Steve and I love Allen. We will always have the best stories because we lived in this unique small town. There are so many hilarious {and mildly inappropriate} stories that’d we love to share with you. Since we don’t have time for that here is our Allen top ten list.

::TEN:: The Allen cops. Now, while this has recently changed, when we first moved here we got pulled over because one of our headlights was out. As soon as Steve rolled the window down the officer apologized for not recognizing our car and let us go on our way.

::NINE:: The covered stadium at the football field. Used during WWII. Interesting, huh?

::EIGHT:: Halloween in A-Town. If only we had a picture of this scene. When we first moved here and I pulled into town from school that day I had never seen anything like it. Shaving cream everywhere. Then lots of trucks pulling trailers with kids. They do it big over here.

::SEVEN:: Dollar General coming to town. Never did we think we would be so excited about getting a Dollar General, but you better believe we were there on the grand opening.

::SIX:: Quick Pic Cokes. No explanation needed. They have the best fountain drinks. Yes, you need a large bigger than your face. 

::FIVE: Walking to church. Or to the school. Or to the football game. Or to the grocery store. Or to the library. Okay, pretty much anywhere. Then, if you have to drive you can just leave the car unlocked with the keys in the ignition. Or if you want, just leave the car running. ITS FINE.

::FOUR:: Golf Carts. Almost everyone in Allen owns a golf cart. There is no golf course, but when it gets warm enough it’s all you see around town. The dedicated folks, like Wayne Bullard, drive their golf carts year round. We always thought it would be fun to have one. 

::THREE:: The Cups. I don’t know why I love this so much, but I do. For EVERY SEASON, HOLIDAY, YOU NAME IT. Cups go up at the walking trail. I don’t know who does this, but it’s so great. Cupid loves Allen. We all love Allen.

::TWO: Skelton’s. It shouldn’t be a surprise that something involving food is number two on our list. When we first moved to Allen we quickly realized everything shut down around 7:30. We were either going to cook or drive 20 minutes to Ada. About a year ago a family opened a dive-n. Yay! It’s the best. Where else can your go through the drive thru and get homemade chili? We love and will miss the Skelton’s. 🙂

::ONE:: The People. The people here treat you like their own. Like we had lived here forever and welcomed us in without a question. Coming right out of college and early on in our marriage we couldn’t have needed the love more. During our time here the people have shown us patience, grace, and have loved us so well.

Allen, America will always hold a special place in our heart. We were so blessed by our time here and are so thankful for the experiences it gave us.

change ahead

Steve announced to our families and students Wednesday night that we are leaving FBC Allen. This morning he announced it to our church family after worship.

Even though I knew what he was announcing, both times, it wasn’t easy to hear. My eyes swelled up with tears before he even spoke a word. Leaving this community won’t be easy.

For the past three years Steve and I have poured into the teenagers in this town. We have formed deep relationships and this isn’t just my husband’s job, it has been our lifestyle. Leaving students and families who have allowed us to enter their world and be a part of their everyday lives isn’t easy.

I’m sad to leave these wonderful people, but I am incredibly excited for what is ahead.

Sunday, February 23rd Steve accepted the youth pastor position at First Baptist Piedmont. The process has been quick and this church and community came out of nowhere.

At the beginning of 2014 Steve and I thought we would be in Allen for the foreseeable future. Then at the end of January Steve got a phone call from Piedmont’s pastor asking to have lunch. Another youth pastor Steve and I are close to had submitted Steve’s resume. Piedmont was towards the end of their search process, but his résumé had caught their attention. He had lunch with the pastor, we interviewed, and the rest is really history.

God is so good. I’m overwhelmed that He is choosing to bless us in this way. Choosing to bless us with a healthy church in a wonderful community. Blessing me with the opportunity to teach in a number of amazing school districts. Blessing us with a community that will be a great place to serve and raise our kids one day. I just can’t get over His goodness. I know He desires to give His children good gifts, but sometimes it’s hard for me to believe for myself.

Change isn’t easy. Transitioning to a new church will be difficult. New relationships are to be formed. I need to find a teaching job. There is a lot of work to be done in Piedmont. I’m trusting God with all these unknowns and challenges that lie ahead.

And we are so stinking excited. Thank you, Lord.