Earlier this winter, Shawn and I were driving around town, sun in our face, taking in all of our blessings. As our conversation progressed, we jointly came to the conclusion that we were truly content for the first time in a long while. We had a sweet little country life, living behind the kids’ small school, helping to care for my nephew, and attending a church we loved.

Later on this same day, we spoke on the phone to our good friends Brian and Jacqueline Zdrojowy. We knew that they were planning to move to Florida to start a church, but we were utterly unprepared for that conversation. The Zdrojowys asked us to be a part of their vision. We had planned to Skype, and in the moment they dropped that bomb, I was so relieved to be on the phone because I could not keep the shock off of my face. The Zdrojowys asked us to join them in Florida to take a look at the city and to hear their vision. We agreed to go.

As the date approached, I became nervous. I felt as though we were taking advantage of Brian and Jacqueline because there was no way we were going to move to Florida. The trip was overwhelming, to say the least. The vision that the Zdrojowys shared with us was amazing and clearly God-ordained. I knew right away that they were doing exactly what they had been called to do.

I believe Shawn knew long before me that we, too, were called to be a part of Awaken Church. As we got on the plane to head home, I told Shawn that I was ready to get back to our home and slip back into our routine. I turned to look out the window, and God spoke to me as clearly as He ever has in my life, telling me that I was not going home, that I was leaving my future home and heading to a time of transition. I cried the whole plane ride home and began my campaign to convince God that He was wrong.

Shawn and I had planned a family vacation to Orlando that just happened to fall one week after our visit with Brian and Jacqueline. We had a great vacation that ended with us taking the kids to North Port to check it out. My children amazed me with their maturity and wisdom about the prospect of moving there. While there, we had an opportunity to tour the charter school that we hoped they could attend. Gabbi, our middle child, said on the way home that if they got into the school, this would be a sign that we should move. On the way home from that trip, I again mentioned how glad I was to get my routine back, and God, again, slammed me with the reality of my situation, and tears flowed. As is my stubborn nature, I continued to fight God’s nudging and pleaded with Him to leave us where we were on a daily basis. Finally, I told Shawn to just call Brian and tell him we would go. Shawn laughed and told me it was about time.

As soon as Shawn and Brian spoke, the inexplicable peace that only God can give washed over me and has not left! Just yesterday, we received the biggest confirmation yet. The charter school that we had so desperately wanted our children to attend called, informing us that they had spots for all three of our children! This is a miracle that only God could perform. I am so thankful today that Shawn led our family to step out in faith and agreed to join the Zdrojowys before we knew about the school, or anything else for that matter. It is so amazing to watch God provide. I have a list of audacious prayer requests and that day I was able to cross off the most important one.

We are so excited to get to North Port and awaken them to God’s grace!!!!

Valerie Leaverton