Moving

There has been quite a lot going on these last few weeks with us. For those who don't know, Ryan lost his job without any warning on 1/1 (the day he returned from holiday & Kayla's birth). I can't even begin to share how disgusted we were with the dishonest, unprofessional and heartless behavior from the company he helped get up and running in Indianapolis. I'll just say that their local business is not going well without Ryan and the customers that were once the source of his most difficult interactions had become his greatest advocates. Ryan was an outstanding employee and their loss is Marathon’s gain.

After searching Indianapolis, Chicagoland, and his hometown of Robinson for jobs, we received an amazing offer from Marathon Refinery in Robinson, IL to work as an engineer in the Maintenance department. Leaving Indianapolis weeks after having a baby would not have been our original plan, but we continue to be amazed by God's clear leading in that direction. Marathon offered us a great relocation package which includes buying our home here if it hasn't sold in 90 days. That was incredibly comforting to us given the current real estate market and the fact that our neighborhood currently has 43 houses for sale! They will also help with all sorts of other moving costs, including packing, loading & unpacking at our new home.

OUR NEW HOME! We looked & looked, but didn't find anything we were excited about in Robinson. We really were hoping for a 4 bdrm home so that we could have an office AND guest room (we're hoping you all will come visit). As we were getting ready to drive home from our house hunting weekend, we agreed to look at an unlisted home of a member of Ryan's parents' church. The house was perfect for us. Although it only had 3 bdrms, they are large enough that one can serve dual purpose as office/guest room. The gentleman who owns the home was getting prepared to put it on the market. In fact, other people had expressed interest in buying the house, but he insisted that he felt God was leading him to work with Ryan & I. Ryan is currently in Robinson closing on the house! He has been a blessing to work with and we hope this is the beginning of a new friendship.

Being from the suburbs of Chicago, I'm pretty used to (and enjoy) my anonymity, so I've been a little nervous about moving to a town of 7,500. Another great way God has given me a peace about the move is from a card that arrived in the mail a few days after the house search from the seller's girlfriend. She had been widowed too and sent a nice note suggesting that we might have a few things in common and extending a hand of friendship to me. Most of you know how special my friends are to me, so her kindness was very comforting. Apparently small towns have their upside: :) when people know you & your business, they can (and have) reach out in friendship and understanding. I don’t expect that EVERYONE I meet will want to become my friend, however it was another piece of my confidence that Robinson is where God is leading us (for now).

FOR NOW? Yes, Marathon is very open to employees relocating (aka cross-training) after putting in at least 2 years in one location. Although we are excited to share a season of life with Ryan's family & friends, we also do hope to return to city life sooner than later. With that said, we are open to the fact that we could LOVE small town living and put down permanent roots. We'll see. :)

Ryan’s new position will allow me to stay at home with Kayla. That had been our heart’s desire all along, SO we are so happy to see that become a reality. She was 3 months yesterday and we’re both so thankful that we have had 3 months together EVERY DAY as a family. Most dads don’t have that privilege. We adore our beautiful and spirited little girl, however parenting has been a challenge at times with Kayla’s inconsolable crying. I don’t know how to diagnose colic, BUT I suspect that’s part of the issue. The other part is acid reflux, for which she is now on medication that helps her a bunch. She has recently begun interacting with us and we crack up to see her toothless smile and her poignant giggles (mostly at Ryan’s dancing or the ponytail up high on my head).

Realizing that our move will leave me without outside work responsibilities, I began reconsidering graduate school. For many years I’ve wanted to get a counseling degree that would allow me to work in private practice, but the timing hasn’t been right. There is a junior college in Robinson, but not a school that offers graduate degrees. To get to a counseling program, I’d have to attend either Indiana State University or Eastern Illinois University (both an hour away). Their application deadline was about a week after we decided to move. I quickly focused on writing the essays, filling out forms, expediting transcripts & GRE scores and requesting letters of recommendation. They all arrived the day of the deadline! PHEW! I have an interview at EIU on Monday. They accept only 15-20 to their program and the director said there have been over 50 applications. :/ I really don’t know much about either program, so hopefully the interview times will give me a better feel if I want to pursue a degree at either school. (If you all know about either program, please let me know). We’re not 100% certain that I’ll attend school this fall, but I knew if I didn’t meet the March 1st deadline, it wouldn’t even be an option AND I like to have options! : )

With all this going on, I finished out 4.5 years of working for Church World Service. My boss was gracious to allow me to only return for 2.5 weeks on a part time basis. That was a relief with all the other things demanding our attention and a baby that relies on me for nourishment.
We’ve begun saying our goodbyes here, however we are only two hours from Indianapolis. Ryan has orthodontic work that he’ll have to finish out up here, so we’re certain to be in town at least every 6 weeks for a few days. It is incredibly difficult to close this chapter of life. Indianapolis was a fresh start for me after losing Jeff unexpectedly to an aneurysm on 4/6/02. I sensed God leading me here to begin a new journey with Him as my partner. I’ve made some amazing friends, worshiped at a loving and challenging church and enjoyed the good food, shopping and fun that Indianapolis offers for MUCH less than Chicago.

I think that should catch you all up for the most part. Below are some pictures of the house we’re buying. Our new address will be:

The Corn Family
11651 N 1050th St
Robinson, IL 62454

I am keeping my cell phone number, but Ryan has a new local one (let me know if you need it).

Ah-how could I forget...the kitties! :) They aren't gonna know what hit them! Oscar started on Prozac after Kayla was born and he's a much happier creature. His litter box issues are resolved, he isn't so anxious and noisy and we've even caught him snuggling with Emmy! We hope to keep them indoors once we move. Even though we'll be on an acre of land, there is a busier road in front of our house and I'm confident none of the cats are smart enough to dodge traffic. I'm hoping to trick them into thinking the sunroom IS outside!