Goodbye Dwight!

Last Sunday, Jason's dad preached his last sermon at the Dwight United Methodist Church and the whole family was able to be there to hear it. It was entitled "Taking the Journey" and it was an inspiring message about not being afraid to let God lead you into taking a next step in your life.

What I took from this message was that God calls us all to be faithful and follow the plan he has laid out for our life. God plants seeds in our head and prompts are heart --- little "pushes" towards what he wants us to be doing to best serve Him and others --- and though it can be scary (and very uncomfortable for a "control freak" personality me) we should listen when God is trying to guide us into something new because no matter how scary or uncomfortable or  uncertain a "next step" might be -- he always provides us with what we will need to be successful.

So, after 41 years of ministry, Jason's dad and mom will be retiring to Huntley, Illinois and they will definitely be entering the next step of their lives. One of the most exciting parts of this change is that they will be (much) closer and we will be able to see them more often. That means our children will have BOTH sets of grandparents close by and present in their daily lives.. and that is pretty great!

Here are some pictures from the retirement celebration the church threw for the Leppin's--

Bill preaching his final sermon (I only took one because Jason couldn't believe I was taking pictures with the flash during the message. Ha ha... leave it to me not to miss a picture opportunity)

The whole family after the service- Thanks Belly... you have such a way with the camera :)

Cake and a pregnant lady...... need I say more?

Here is an excerpt from a cute poem some friend's wrote for the occasion...

"Through Bill's ministry, souls he's been preaching,

To lead them to Christ with his Biblical preaching.

Will he miss the ministry? Well, some things maybe.

We know he will miss kissing each baby.

His schedule will change as he answers bluntly,

I won't be here- we are moving to Huntley.

They will be driving to Huntley, but wait there's still more

Bill's going to carry Marsha through the front door.

We are sure they will enjoy their retirement so,

And they will say we should have done this long ago.

We love the Leppins, and will miss them each day,

We wish them the best and for them we will pray.

Happy retirement Marsha and Bill

God be with you, We know it's His will!"

and TODAY they officially moved into their new home in Del Web - Sun City!

The place looks great and it seems like they will have plenty to keep them busy during these first few weeks of unpacking.

and we timed it....25 minutes to get home from their house! Believe me.... I will not miss driving to Dwight with a toddler :)

Welcome home Grandma and Grandpa Leppin!