THE NEWS
A few years ago, Tammy and I began talking about the future, and started asking questions like:
- Where do we see ourselves in 5 years? 10 years?
- Do we want to stay in this climate or find a warmer place to live?
- Did we see ourselves doing the same thing for the next 10 years?
After talking, then going back to living life, then talking again several times, we finally determined that we were both on the same page.
We were both ready for a change.
So early this year we began the process of putting out feelers, asking around and keeping our ears to the ground. Applications were filled out and interviews had. But nothing seemed to be standing out as the summer set in.
Then an opportunity came up that seemed a little far fetched. A friend of a friend said there was a church in California looking for someone to lead the charge on their new digital strategy – including the impending launch of a brand new website.
So talks began. There were phone interviews, and then there was a trip to California to see what it was all about. Then more phone conversations. Then an official offer.
Which we accepted.
Truth be told, California wasn’t even on our radar. We were looking to move somewhere warm, but assumed it would be the Southeast: Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, etc
But it’s strange how things work when you open yourself up to change and are willing to let God guide you through the process, and guide He did. We’ve been in constant prayer through it all – asking God to close doors if this wasn’t where He wanted us. But the closed door never came. In fact, around every corner there seemed to be a reassurance that we were headed in the right direction and that this was the plan He had for our family!
THE DETAILS
In October, we told the team at Granger Community Church that we had accepted the position at Mariners Church in Irvine, CA.
This fall Daryl made a few trips to Mariners to help them prepare for, and launch their new website. He’s been home for the holidays and will be moving to California the first week of January.
Tammy and the kids will stay here so the kids can finish out the school year and then the whole family will make the move to Cali in June. There will be some trips home between now and then. Tammy and the kids will be making a trip out in January so the kids can see California before actually moving there.
THE EMOTIONS
This has been the hardest part, hands down!
Tammy and I began attending GCC back in 1997 – when it was just a little box that saw 6 services come and go each weekend. Attending the church led to strengthened spiritual lives, friendships, volunteer teams and eventually a full time job for Daryl. We fell in love with GCC and will always have a place in our hearts for the ministry that exists here. We wish the church much success and know that many lives will be impacted because of its ongoing presence in Michiana.
Daryl would tell you he found his dream job when he was hired at the church. And for nearly 10 years he got up and looked forward to going to work. His team changed over the years, but the relationships formed were for a lifetime. We understand that the staff culture and level of excellence at GCC is nothing short of amazing.
We also knew when we made this decision that it would mean leaving behind family and friends. Both of our parents live close by and Tammy’s brother and his family are within a couple of hours. One of the great things about being so close to family is that you can spend holidays, birthdays and any other time in-between with them. They can come to the kids sporting events, plays, choir concerts, etc. Those are things we don’t take for granted! We know how important that stuff is to our kids.
Do you have friends in your life that are like family? You know, those people that if you could choose your family you would choose them? We do! These are people that we have raised our babies with. We have experienced mountain top highs and heart breaking lows together. We have spent holidays and vacations together. We have traditions. We came up with a group name that we can yell and the kids know we are calling all of them. We have done life with these people for 15+ years! These people aren’t just our friends, they are our family.
We also have many other friends in our lives that mean a great deal to us. People that you absolutely love hanging out with, people that you trust your kids with, people that you have spent countless hours with on the soccer field, baseball field or ice rink. People that you know will help you out when you’re in a bind. And you would do the same for them. We don’t take any of these friendships for granted, we know how special they each are and we feel very blessed to call them friends!
It’s for every reason listed above that made our decision to pick our family up and move to CA one the hardest, most emotional decisions we’ve had to make. Many tears have been shed, and we know there will be more to come! Is there joy and excitement? Absolutely! But there is also a deep sadness for us and our kids!
We are trusting God and leaning into His will now more than ever. We are allowing our faith to be bigger than our fear! This is a HUGE step for our whole family, and the one thing we would ask of you is to pray for us. Pray that we all survive our family being in 2 places for the next 6 months without too many scars. Pray for the kids, that there friendships here will remain and that there will be new friends in CA waiting just for them. Pray for all the logistics here and there as we prepare to sell our house, and find one there. Pray that we will finish strong and love well here.
We are excited for what God has in store for us. We are looking forward to the warm weather, sunny skies and the abundance of things to do in CA. We are on an adventure of a lifetime and as long as the 5 of us are together with God by our side we know it will all be good in the end.
Our prayer for each and every one of you as you enter 2016 is that you let your faith be bigger than your fear! Step out and take some risks. Do that one thing that you have always dreamed of. Now is the time, today is your day! Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Live without regrets and trust in God with all you have!
Love,
Tammy & Daryl
Well hello there! Welcome to tammymcmullen.com, because I couldn’t come up with anything more clever…no really it’s the truth! For those of you that may not know me, I am just a little ole midwestern girl who’s lived all of her life in Indiana and is moving her family across the country to California. Yes, you read that right! I did say California!