Going In A New Direction

My twelve year old sister was diagnosed with a bacterial arthritis in January of this year. Before we knew how ill she was, the first signs were her swollen hands. We thought it was an allergic reaction to dish soap. By January we knew better. By March she could hardly walk.

This year has certainly been a test of faith for my family. My Dad recently lost his job, my Mom has been bedridden several times, possibly because of her appendix. And she's been trying to take care of my sister, who occasionally requires a wheelchair.

I don't say all this for pity. I say it, because I see it as a blessing. My family has never been closer! The trails are not over. My Mom is still weak, my Dad is still unemployed, and my little sister still has arthritis. But, on the bright side, my sister is also improving. Her health only steadily declined until my parents bought some property in Northern Idaho, moved out of their house in Southern Idaho (in a small town where they were unhappy) and settled into a four-bedroom renter while the new house is built. Now, my sister can walk without help, and on her better days, she can run short distances.

I moved to Utah in February, both because I wanted out of that little town, and because my brother needed someone to split expenses with. Now, however, it seems my path diverges from his. In November the contract on our apartment ends, and then I will move to Northern Idaho to help my family. That, and to bring down my expenses and pay off my car. I believe the reason for my Mom's recent health issues stem from stress, so I want to help relieve that.

Leaving Utah will not be easy. I have many good friends here, and while my job is not amazing, it is comfortable and familiar. Uprooting again is daunting, but I feel that this is the right way to go.

The Lord works in mysterious ways. All I can do is heed his counsel and walk forward.