Before Hotch graduated from the University of Utah (BAs English & Spanish) we felt strongly that the Lord wanted us to move. We decided to make it a matter of prayer and felt that the Lord wanted us to move to North Carolina.
Why North Carolina? Neither of us had ever been to North Carolina. We did not know anyone who lived there. We had no family nearby. Hotch did not have a job there nor did he have any connections for employment. All we knew is that the Lord wanted us to move to there. We decided to exercise our faith in Heavenly Father's plan for our family. We packed up in May 2009 and moved more than 2,000 miles across the nation.
To be honest our time in North Carolina was incredibly difficult. We experienced some very painful trials due to gossips and bullies we had the unfortunate luck of being the targets of. It was both taxing and heart-breaking to live through. The four years we spent living in North Carolina were some of the loneliest in my life. In my heart there was a constant longing to move to a safe, healthy environment in another state. Our family made it through these painful trials because of angels sent into our lives.
It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge them and the pivotal roles they played in our lives. My heart aches to visit these dear friends again. It is clear that we were sent to North Carolina in order to meet these incredible people.
Maggie Stamps was the first person to befriend me in North Carolina. She came to my home one evening with some treats and ended up staying a while to chat. Her friendship anchored me at a time when I felt completely alone. We quickly became close confidants and loved getting our families together. Many a night was spent in deep conversation. Maggie is one of the most loving, warm people you will ever meet! She welcomes others into her life with enthusiasm and laughter. Maggie also has a wonderful eye for color and decorating. Thank you Mags for being a listening ear and a warm smile. Miss you so much! We still need to go dancing!
Rebecca Mallett is a true angel! We met at church and really got to know one another better when we delivered cookies to some families in our ward. Rebecca and I became even closer friends as we traveled to and attended the temple together. She is the most dedicated, faithful member missionary I have ever met! Her love of the gospel of Christ and her determination to always choose the right inspires me. Spending time with Rebecca always included good conversation about the Savior and the gospel. I feel privileged to call her my friend. Rebecca, I miss you so much! I always felt that we were kindred spirits. It would be lovely to attend the temple again with you.
Kathleen and Jay Sistrunk are such an incredible couple. She has a contagious zest for life and love of people while he is full of calm wisdom and intensity for hard work. They are both incredibly devoted to the Lord and take their callings seriously. Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Jay opened their beautiful, warm home and hearts to our children so Hotch and I could go on dates. They were even there for us when we went through some major times of need. For that I will be eternally grateful! Kathleen, know that I treasure the book, Something More: Excavating Your Authentic Self by Sarah Ban Breatnach, that you gave me for my birthday. I am still in the process of applying its wisdom to my life, but it has become a labor of love for me.
Mercedes Umpierrez is the most charitable woman I have ever met! We attended the Spanish branch in High Point for almost two years and it was a source of joy for our family. When Mercedes became my visiting teaching companion we became bilingual friends. She speaks a limited amount of English and I barely speak any Spanish, but we had the most wonderful spanglish conversations. Mercedes is such a wonderful friend and confidant. She opens her home and heart to anyone with a need while embodying the true meaning of charity. Her devotion to the Savior and building up His kingdom is awe-inspiring. Thank you for your loving kindness and sweet friendship. Hoping to see and serve along side you again someday! We must go to a temple session and then to dinner together.
Renalta Cassady is such a selfless, hard-working woman! We met her while she was caring for her lovely daughter along with her niece and two nephews. She was going to school full-time while raising these precious children. Those children were so well-loved and cared for! During the time we lived in NC she worked hard to earn her GED, Associates Degree and then started working on her Bachelor's Degree. These accomplishments are life changing! Renalta is a wonderful example of determination for those in her life. She handles trials and tragedy with grace and beauty. Thank you for being such a positive, sweet influence in our lives. We are so grateful for your friendship! Remember when you graduate we'll see you in Vegas.
Mario Ramos is such a generous, kind man. He worked with Hotch and became his close friend. We were touched by his incredible generosity when he used his frequent flyer miles to buy Hotch an airplane ticket to visit us in Utah for Christmas. Hotch and the kids loved going to baseball games with Mario. Braxton and Delaney still wish they could go watch the Grasshoppers play. I am grateful Hotch had someone who loves baseball and sports to go watch games with. Mario you were so kind to us and such a great friend to my husband. Thank you for that! Next time we see you we'll treat you to a Grasshopper baseball game and dinner!
Pam Freeze is such a unique, fun soul! She worked with my husband and kept him grounded. Pam loves many of the same things that our family loves. (Doctor Who is undoubtedly the best!) Hotch loved working with you! He had too much fun talking to you at work. I wish I had gotten to know you better. Hotch always said we had tons of things in common. One day we will have you out to visit us in Sequim, Washington.
Robert West was affectionately called Mr. Robert by my children. He lived across the street from us and was the sweetest neighbor. Mr. Robert would give the kids treats and bring over desserts for us. He also watched over our home and enjoyed watching the kids play as he smoked in his front yard. Mr. Robert is the kindest, sweetest man. He went out of his way to get to know us and to chat whenever we were outside. He came over to say good-bye the day before we moved. Love this photo of the kids with Mr. Robert! Thank you for being so kind to us while we were your neighbors!
Earnest and Betty Davis, our landlords, became surrogate grandparents for our children. They were the best landlords we could ever have had. We lived in their home for three years and they took such good care of us. They always brought us boxes full of cucumbers and tomatoes. Every time we paid rent Grandma Betty had treats ready for the kids and expected us to stay for an hour visit. She never minded when the kids explored her lovely home or played in their backyard. Grandma Betty is such a wonderful woman who is always full of hugs, warm smiles and encouragement. Grandpa Earnest took excellent care of the house, even climbing on the high steep roof to clean the gutters himself. He is a quiet man, but he loved to tell us stories about the honor guard that he serves on.
Every Labor Day weekend they would let us use their beach house for free. We would go down to Oak Island for a week at a time and created the most beautiful memories of our time there. No words can adequately describe how grateful we were to have them in our lives and for the love they freely gave to us. Grandma Betty even gave me one of her beautiful pie dishes as a good-bye present. We plan to write and keep in touch with you. You were the best surrogate grandparents our children could ever have!
Thank you to all of our North Carolina angels! You each touched our lives so completely that your names are written on our hearts.
God be with you until we meet again!
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