A really big change is coming in this new year of 2022, and we aren't just talking about the new baby. We have a really big update to give you, friends, about what God has next in store for our family.
The Gladden crew is moving. We are leaving the upstate - my home of 31 years since birth, and we are moving to the Midlands to the Aiken area.
Another shock, I'm guessing? At least for most of you. Of course our families and closest friends are aware as this has been a long prayer filled journey. Here's what's up.
The bottom line if you don't want the back story is Eric - my beloved chemical engineer husband, is transferring with his same company of 17 years to work as a process engineer - aka - his dream job, in Augusta, GA. I'm so happy for him, proud of him, and honored to be his wife. I have the joy of being his support system, help mate, and best friend. He more than deserves this job! He was made for it, and clearly God made that obvious for our family.
For those who want the full gory details, here is our story:
February 2021, Eric was preparing to graduate from Clemson with his degree in Chemical Engineering. As graduation approached we began discussing his opportunities, options, and what we desired for our family. What could he apply for at his current site? And what other positions might be available within his company at other sites? At that time I was heavy burdened more than ever to be nearer to my sister and Ellie to her cousins. You see, Kelsey, my sister is my best friend and biggest homeschool support system. But also, February 2021, I was still on the "no more babies for us" train and was really thinking Ellie's best life would be lived nearer her cousins. And of course I still wish this could be, but God really worked in our hearts with revelation as we prayed over that desire at that time. As we looked into it, God was just not making a way to transfer that direction for Eric or for myself. For me, the struggle was that I wanted to be near my sister more than anything but that was actually urealistic looking at the cost of living, home options, travel, etc. Basically, my zeal for that adventure died off with a lack of peace and a growth of stress and fear. God totally revealed to Eric and I both - Alpharetta area was not for us and I'm so thankful He did because I absolutely have no desire to be anywhere near there now that we felt that option out way back then. I'll always wish I could be near my sister though. However; on Eric's end, while God clearly revealed Alpharetta was not the location for his career, the wonderful gentleman he was coordinating with suggested Augusta....this was by July. And by July, as we all know now, I had changed my mind, wanted a second child, and was pregnant with Elias, though only a couple weeks along at the time.
I'll be honest. When Eric came home that day, I was taking a shower and he stood in the doorway and we discussed life. I don't know why, but the best conversations in our marriage happen in the bathroom while someone is showering. Haha! The shower is my best prayer spot, thinking spot, and calming spot. When he came home and started hashing things out with me about what he was thinking, he said something like, "No to Alpharetta...but...he mentioned Augusta..." Insert long pause here and a scrunched up look on my face. "Augusta?! I don't want to move to Augusta. That's not what we were intersted in. We wanted Georgia to be near Kelsey. Why on earth would I leave my home for Augusta? What's even there?!" My pure reaction as I sudded up my hair. Gentle, patient, kind, calm Eric gingerly explained what in fact was there career wise but that was it. He didn't reveal to me more than the facts. No emotions, no inner thoughts, just facts, so to me, I was still all scrunch nosed like..."why would he even bring that up?!"
A week or two later, I was at Campbell's Covered Bridge with friends and my parents doing cake and a playdate for Ellie's 4th birthday. While my friends and all the kids were down in the water and on the rocks playing, I sat in my parents' laps a moment ( yes, even at 31) and we were just sort of touching base about staying here and no longer pursuing Alpharetta. Then my parents asked me what Eric said to me about Augusta and what did I think? I told them as I've told you. Then my daddy said, "Well....he told us it was his dream job." That was all it took. I knew in that moment Eric didn't reveal that to me that night in the bathroom because he cared more for me than himself, and if he caught a whiff of me not being interested he would ignore it all - sacrificing for me - same as when he wanted a second child and only ever suggested it once and I clearly wasn't on board. But God always works in the family that puts Him first and He worked in this moment too. "He told you it was his dream job?" I asked. "He sure did." replied my daddy. It was as if my heart melted, or bloomed, or turned from stone to silk but in that moment, I felt that I needed to approach Eric again regarding Augusta, and this time I needed to listen, I needed to have an open heart, and I needed to put my husband first. That evening we had another one of our chats to check in with one another and it was then that I told him now knowing his feelings, that if he wantd to go after it, he had not to worry about me. I didn't know what would happen but I sincerely believed he should soar for his dreams and he deserved and will always deserve my full support and love and encouragement. So he responded to whom it concerned that he was interested. But he didn't hear back...at least for about 4/5 months....but God's timing is always perfect, you know!
Ok, so Alpharetta option was a no for us, then shortly after graduating, Eric landed his first engineering job within his company as a quality engineer, an opportunity we are grateful for! He still had not heard anymore from Augusta yet but in the back of the mind I knew that door wasn't closed. That team was busy hiring for Alpharetta at the time. The Greenville quality engineer job was a great start to the engineering career world with his company that we love so much. It also meant we were staying here at least for the time being and all seemed good, but Augusta was not finished yet - we just didn't know how long it would be until we knew if they were even interested in Eric and if and when they would reconnect with him.
Around November 1, Eric was contacted. He was encouraged by the same gentleman to apply for the process engineer position in Augusta once posted which would be soon, keep an eye out. I told Eric, that he needed to absolutely pursue it and I made sure he stayed on the ball so he wouldn't miss his opportunity. I love standing by his side, and having his back, in all circumstances of life. I also fervently believe if you put your best efforts in and give your all, win or lose, you can be proud. You can't expect to be successful being ho-hum bout anything. And he agrees. He saw the posting, applied, and from there a long, thorough, intense, almost 2 month long interview process began. I never knew it would or could be so intense and timely! It certainly kept me on my toes in angst and on my knees in prayer. Especially because here I was pregnant and with every passing week and month closer to my due date. If you know me intimately you know one great flaw of mine is being someone who needs to have a plan laid out. This characteristic serves me well. I am organized, thorough, reliable, accountable, and prepared for anything. But it also is the demise of me because should change arise, I'm not easily adaptable. The fact that I'm pregnant, I didn't know if we were coming or going, could I finish my nursery, would he get the job, would we move, when would we move, how soon, what's my timeline, where would we live, etc., etc., stressed me out. At first I was just so cool, calm, and collected, peaceful and patient - blowing the minds of Eric and my best friend. But by a month and a half of no answers and still interviewing, I began to break down and crumble bit by bit. I didn't want to burden Eric with my emotions becasue I wanted to be strong for him and supportive. It's not like he could make an answer come any sooner anyway. I cried, I prayed, I cried, I prayed. Knowing that all along, God had known forever since the beginning of time just exactly would come out of this and that all was going to be ok no matter what because we would be in His will. I also really truly wanted Augusta to see what I see in Eric: critical thinker, diligent, amazing probem solver, thorough, dependable, reliable, trustworthy, smart, creative, lover of research and answers, and excellent at pondering until a solution is found for any problem. In the home alone, he has the same qualities as a husband (and more). The refrigerator breaks? He researches how and fixes it. The washer breaks? He's got it covered. Ellie and I need help with a homeschool craft or project? He's on it doggone it. We can ALWAYS trust him to make things better and to come through for us. 100% of the time. And he carries this over at work too. I wanted them to see that in him the same. My prayer over him...(once again usually in the shower, haha) was that the Holy Spirit would be with him, speak through him, be his words, be his brain, help him to think and analyze clearly. I prayed for those who interviewed him that God would be their words as well, that God would reveal to them all these wonderful assets and characteristics of Eric, and that everyone would have peace in the process.
Just a week before Christmas, I cried harder than ever during this journey because while an Augusta answer was so close (the final interview completed) Greenville then lays a surprise on us that Eric's position will change in the next 3 months if he stays due to other changes in his department. Hearing this I became so unsettled it felt cruel at this point. I was on a very limited time clock now. At this point, I only had 11 more weeks of which I could travel with my pregnancy. If we went to Augusta, I couldn't follow until after I gave birth in the upstate. Would I be without Eric the remainder of my pregnancy with the exception of weekends? Would we have already had to sell the house? Would I have to live with my parents the last 5 weeks of pregnancy? Where was I going to bring Elias home to? So many questions and emotions struggling internally with myself. And if we stayed, could we?...if we did...would Eric be happy? I didn't want to be selfish. I didn't want the last two months of all my support and making sure his clothes were prepared for interviews, laying out a portfolio for him, praying over him, giving him my full 110% to be a waste. I didn't want to get caught up in me...but could we now possibly stay? My mind was a puddle. I'll always love home. Who doesn't love home? But, without comparison, I love my husband and his joy more. He sacrifices constantly for me. The man has barely seen a football game in 4 years now thanks to doing family things with his girls every weekend. He never complains, he always serves, gives, helps, and provides for us NEVER thinking of himself and what he may want. He does it all so lovingly too! He doesn't believe he is sacrificing because being with his family really is that valuable and important to him! I could never live happily knowing that he chose home for me and settled when his heart really wanted and could have an amazing God granted opportunity. I love him so much that my joy does not exist without his complete joy first! It is an honor to put this wonderful man first.
Eric, ever calm, rational, analytically thinking, processing, and steady was a solid rock of calm. One reason why I am so in love with him. He approached all the possibilities between the two opportunities (and what a blessing from God and testament to my man that he would have such great opportunities) with prayer and a sound mind. Meanwhile, I was so overcome, that I had to tell God, "I don't even know what to pray. Just please give us the answer." In 48 hours, we knew the answer. Between all that Eric had to process within his options, God gave us exactly what we needed and prayed for in order to be taken care of and feel comfortable and undoubtedly making the right choice in moving. He gave us all we asked for and that included, we can stay in our home and Eric can work remotely until after Elias is born and we are recovered. Then we will move. The same gentleman with whom Eric had been coordinating and interviewing with is deeply appreciated. I think he was definitely part of God's plan for us. This man made it evident that he values family first and appreciated that Eric's top priorities were God and family first also. He is the final piece of the great puzzle that God used to show us this is what God wanted. We felt peace that not only was the job desirable but that our family was being respected and cared for which is incredibly rare especially in corporate America. I told Eric that I felt cared for as a mother and a wife by this man and that it says a lot about the kind of man Eric would be around and working for. When Eric called me to discuss one last time before making his final choice - still putting me first and I him - I knew what he wanted, I knew what God had revealed to him, and while crying, I felt peace, while crying I trusted him and Him, while crying, I was still happy. You see, I can cry and be an emotional wreck but still have the peace of the Holy Spirit. God calls us to do hard things. Often His perfect will is not easy, or without ups and downs and challenges, but it always has the biggest rewards and all I want is to be in His will and glorify Him. With that being my desire, it always works out - even when its tough. I'm also beyond blessed to have a husband who values me and my feelings so deeply and above his own - a husband who would sacrifice his dream job for me if I told him to - a husband who is a trusted leader, a Godly leader, a strong force for our family, and a wise, critical thinking, ever devoted man. And he deserves to have the same love and support in his wife. I trust him becauase he puts God first and his wife second, his children third, and himself last. I hope he sees the same from me towards him. I'm honored, thankful, and blessed to be the one who gets to journey alongside him as he takes on his dreams in Augusta, while we all live in the Aiken area. I will as he knows, cry many more tears, face more challenges ahead as I work hard to find the right homeschool options and classes and community for my children. But I have peace in the Spirit He has big plans and above anything I can imagine. When I do cry, its ok. Its a blessing to love my home town, friends, and family this much. I am happy, even if I cry. Because there is no greater blessing on earth than being in the will of God, married to Eric Gladden, and the mama of our two precious babies. I couldn't have designed a better life for myself if I was given the tools to do so!
Having now had time to settle my heart, welcome the will of God, and dive into research for homeschool options, churches, pediatricians, and all the other things us mamas/wives do for our families to give them our best....I've found peace in my mission as the matriarch of this family in this new moment. You know, I always had peace even through my tears, but now I am relishing the plans God has for us - even when they are so foreign to me. I've made "Excel" spreadsheets to compare homeschool options, music courses, and other electives/ extra curriculars. I've written all over my white board options for churches, classes, etc. I've posted a million questions in several different groups seeking help, advice, information on the area as a stay at home Christian homeschooling mother. We aren't too common, you know, and finding my people is not easy. Finding other "weird moms." 😂 Especially when I have all the people I could ever want in the upstate. I'm also really introverted...bubbly, outgoing, and personable...but introverted and shy in new social situations. No one I've ever met believes this to be true - but it is. It takes me a while to let my walls down to deeply connect with others, but just as God has given me the girlfriends He has here at home, I know He will also add to my life there with more of the same wonderful, easy, like minded relationships - though it would be impossible to top my friends here at home, now, nor would I ever try! One of a kind, those gems. I'm so blessed with my friendships God gave me and how they love me so well unconditionally.
It was in this quiet alone time I value so much that God gave me His hand to hold reminding me there is never anything I could plan for myself that would ever be more beautiful or perfect than His will and plans. What He can create in my life is a beautiful life full of His glory. After all, He is the creator of all things and all life - how could one even doubt that His created plans for my life could be anything less than perfect? Even when it makes me scared, cry, unsettled, I want His will. Not my way, but His. And I've never been happier than when I am in His will. His will doesn't have to make sense to me, and it does not have to be easy. I don't even have to have an explanation from Him for me to desire, want, and accept His will. That's a scary prayer to pray if you really mean it...because He will rock your world...but you will be so glad He did. Anyway, I was driving, Ellie was asleep after a good hike, and Jeremy Camp's song came on "His Radio," "Out of My Hands." And it was such a time of worship and praise, and a hug from the Lord. He held my hands as I drove and He hugged me with an embrace of peace and confidence. I didn't even cry; I simply nodded my head acknowledging His voice.
My thoughts are these: I cannot sit here and tell you the reason apart from an amazing dream career opportunity for my greatest love and best friend, my husband, (which is enough for me!) as to why God would move us. But for some reason, in the year of 2021, God saw fit to change my heart to deeply desire a second child who God has blessed my womb with and I'll God willing meet in a few more weeks. He has willed in this year of 2021 that not only do we expand our family but we expand our horizons and uproot our lives and all I've ever known and move us to the one place in SC I've never really spent any time in. Do you know how truly amazing that is? God is doing big awesome things through our family. He has plans for my children and God needed me to have Elias also for the glory of His kingdom. God wanted Elias and God wants Ellie and He wants them in the midlands of SC. God will grow them, teach them, and equip them for His will and glory in the midlands. This will be their home and while the Upstate will always be my home, so now too will be the Midlands. And I welcome that with honor - that God would choose us and call us to go and fulfill His will for our lives and mainly for His glory. Think of it this way - God called Jonah to Ninevah and Jonah told God, "no." Why? Because he was scared. God called Jonah to do a big scary thing. Jonah said no to God's will because God does give us free will of course...but his consequence proved that we never want to tell God no nor do we ever want to be out of His will. And God had grace on Jonah and forgave him and Jonah went to where he was called. God was glorified and Jonah was protected. God loves His children and protects them. God is full of love, mercy, and grace. God is good. Always. And I'm humbly honored to be called to His great will. I will go where I am called.
People have and will continue to ask, what about your forever home, what about your trees, what about your parents and your friends? Yes. Yes, I love them all. I'm blessed to have them all. I'll never ever be without my parents or my truest friends because they have a huge piece of my heart...and obviously I'll be home to visit as often as possible. Y'all know I road trip all the time for an adventure! As for a house and trees....while lovely...those are just things. Things do not make your life special. The people do. We will build a new home, we will plant new trees, and it will all be part of our journey and adventure in life together. And I kid you not....the best advenutre, gift, possession, and blessing in my life....besides my relationship with Jesus Christ? My Eric Gladden. I'd follow him anywhere. 💓
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
