How in the World Did We End Up in Indiana?

Indiana wasn't even on our radar. 

But that's the beautiful, surprising thing about following God- His ways are always better. 

---

When God Changes Your Plans

While visiting New Jersey, we decided to tour Scott's school on our back to California in our fifth wheel.

It was just a detour—or so we thought.

During the tour, both of our kids asked us if we could move there. 

Unprompted. 

And when kids speak with that kind of clarity, I listen—because I’ve learned that God often speaks through our children.

We’re a family that moves as a team- and half the team was in. 

So even though the housing market was high and the interest rates were terrible...

We said yes!

---

Sight Unseen

We had a limited and very specific budget. But God had already gone before us.

Our realtor mentioned a 1914 Craftsman home that had just hit the market. Naturally, we did what any normal family would do: stalked it 😅

We drove by. 

Multiple times.

Then walked by.

As we walked, I quietly asked God:

“Lord, if You want us here, have the owners come out to talk to us.”

And guess what? They did! The entire family came out and had a long, warm conversation with us. 

It felt personal, intentional. 

I honestly don't know why I prayed this because I typically don't like talking to strangers (that's Scott's gig), but I did know that it was an obvious and direct answer to prayer.

I told Scott what I had prayed, and he said, “We need to make an offer.”

So we did—without even seeing the inside!

Even our hesitant realtor eventually said, “I can’t argue with God.”

The next day, the sellers received multiple strong offers—but by God's grace,  ours was accepted.

God provided a home that had been waiting 111 years for us.

---

But...Indiana? Really?

I’ll be honest. I was nervous. 

Would there be culture? Would it feel too small or closed off? What about the weather? There is no ocean. 

Within six months of moving, we found ourselves on a mission trip to Africa—a door opened by a new friend we’d just met. Our small town is:

• A major missionary hub making it a global community (I thought I was well traveled, but nope!)

• The orthopedic capital of the world (weird, right?!)

• A vibrant farming community (this one is obvious)

• Is committed to supporting those with special needs (I love how intentional this is!)

• Surprisingly diverse (which is great when I want spicy Indian or Mexican food)

• The largest music store in the US, Sweetwater,  is an easy drive from our house! (our son's favorite place)

• There are so many lakes, 3 within walking distance from our house, and Lake Michigan looks like an ocean. 

And most of all, it’s a place where people love Jesus boldly and publicly, which naturally turns into people loving their neighbors well.

⸻

What We’ve Learned in Our First Year

This year brought so many surprises. Here are just a few things we’ve discovered about ourselves in Indiana:

🌸 I fell in love with spring. Watching pink, purple, and yellow flowers sprout from nothing stirred something deep in me. I also learned… I have allergies 😅.

🧰 Brody discovered he loves working with his hands and really took to welding. He also went ice fishing for the first time. 

🏀 Summer is fearless. She’s tried everything from being a hostess, to cooking, basketball, public speaking, and debate — and she jumped right in with confidence.

📚 Scott thrives on learning and connecting people. Give him a conversation and a mission, and he’s all in.

🌍 As a family, we all discovered how deeply we love Malawi, Africa — the people, the faith, the joy. It changed us in the best way.

---

Love Thy Neigbor- Lived Out Loud

We experienced Christian hospitality right away. Not just smiles at church—but people who became family fast.

Here are just a few examples of how our Indiana neighbors showed us the love of Christ:

• A new friend drove 100 miles to rescue us (and our trailer) when we broke down

• Another friend loaned us their car for two months while our truck was in the shop, they had it dropped off before we arrived home

• A couple decorated our home with Christmas lights while we were away for Thanksgiving

• A family lent us their boat while my family was visiting

• We’ve been so blessed by friends who have welcomed us with open arms—inviting us for meals, boat rides, camping trips, helping with rides for our kids, and taking time out of their busy lives to mentor them with love and intention.

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
— John 13:35 (NLT)

This is what Christian community is supposed to look like.

---

It Hasn’t Been All Easy

We’re still human's that live in a broken world. After a season of simplicity on the road, we did the two things we swore we wouldn't:

• We slipped back into busyness and overcommitment 
• Our eating and exercise habits went off track during our first winter.

Midwesterners can cook... and it's cold!

---

Time to Reset

This Summer is our chance to slow down. 

We’re focusing on:

• Simplicity over materialism

• Intentional living over chaotic schedules

• Faith over hustle 

• Spending time outside over inside

Because we didn't come here to get caught up in the same chaos. 

We came here to live differently. 

 

“We must slow down to be with Jesus. Otherwise, we will be busy, reactive, and shallow, even if we’re doing ‘good things.’”
— Emotionally Healthy Spirituality

Why I’m Proud to Be a Hoosier

In my experience Hoosiers are:

• Grounded

• Generous

• God-honoring

• People-loving

• Real

They love their families, love their neighbors, and love Jesus—unapologetically.

People constantly ask,

“How did you end up in Indiana?”

Well...

Now you know.

---

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for preparing the way before us.

Thank You for homes built long before we arrive and for people who reflect Your heart.

Teach us to live simply, love generously, and walk closely with You.

Help us slow down, create space for what matters, and never forget that Your ways are higher than ours.

In Jesus name, Amen.

• I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below. 

• Enjoyed this post? Subscribe now for more insightful content.