Sunday, February 2, 2014

Oh the Places you will Go...

Fourteen years ago, I moved eight hours away from home (north of Houston) to Lubbock, TX and met the most incredible man who quickly became my best friend. Several months later, I finally charmed him into dating me...which led to us being married two years later during our junior year of college. Daniel and I had aspirations of moving back to the land of trees after our graduation, but when Daniel was offered a full time Youth Ministry job at the end of his internship at South Plains Church of Christ, we jumped on the opportunity and have never looked back. We found family at South Plains and made our home in Lubbock. So after two jobs (both at South Plains...youth & family first followed by college ministry) for Daniel, one job (teaching elementary) for Natalie before staying home, two houses, and three rambunctious little rascals later it is with great sadness that we are saying goodbye...
 The Clayton Crew is trading in the cold and relocating to the warmer, eclectic town of Austin, TX. Daniel was offered a Young Adults Ministry job at Westover Hills Church of Christ and couldn't be more excited for this new adventure God has presented us.
The old song "Happiness is Lubbock, TX in your rear view mirror" definitely does not apply in this situation. Daniel and I simply adore Lubbock...well, maybe not the long drives home to see family...but everything else :)! Therefore, we leave with heavy hearts as we say goodbye to so many friends who have become family. Lubbock will always hold a special place in our hearts as this is where it all began from falling in love, to growing up together, to surviving the adversities we have faced with both boys being born, to the joys of God delivering us a sweet little lady, to raising our children among a beautiful community of believers. Daniel and I will never be able to truly express our gratitude for the overwhelming amount of love and support everyone in Lubbock has graciously granted us over the last fourteen years as two young eighteen year olds have grown into a family of five. To our new family in Austin, we appreciate you taking a chance on the crazy Clayton Crew and look forward to joining in service with you. If you are ever in the central Texas area, be sure to look us up...we would love to catch up and possibly hit a few trails with you :)!

3 comments:

  1. You know we will be visiting quite often - hook 'Em Horns! Just one more reason for me to love Austin :)

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  2. Beautifully written..... :) So excited for your new adventure!

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  3. What a great opportunity! I'm so excited for this new chapter in your lives of service. I know the Lord has great adventures for you in Austin! Keep us posted!

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