We're in Arizona!

Well, we did it. We moved to Arizona. That is something I never thought I'd say (or type, in this case). We are thankful for what we've experienced in the past month. God is good, always. He is our helper, provider, our friend, and so much more. We know we could not have done this without his leading, nor without the support of our friends and family. This is a genuine, heart-felt THANK YOU to everyone who prayed, gave financially, sent treats, and bid us farewell. Your generosity is a reflection of God's goodness and provision in our lives. THANK YOU!

The Move
It took us about a week to get from Kalamazoo to Phoenix. There were a few hiccups along the way, but nothing bad, thankfully! The kids travelled very well (mostly) and Matt drove the WHOLE trip! I had my important role of navigator and child-entertainer-discipliner. ;)
We stopped in Wichita to see extended Walker family. We stopped in Amarillo to stretch our legs at an RV park. It was so exciting to drive into Arizona, coming down from Flagstaff. We didn't know where we'd stay. We had been looking for several months, but found nothing suitable (or in some cases, even available). We spent our 1st night in Cracker Barrel in Phoenix. The next morning we drove to an RV park that we had already called & declined admission. However, because GOD goes before us and works ALL things for the good of those who love him, he made a way, and they let us come... but only for a week. Thank you all for praying. A week became 3 weeks. Then 3 weeks opened up to "as long as we need." PRAISE GOD! We're not in a house. We don't have our clothes (other than what we packed to travel in) or toys (stuff is in a local storage unit for now). We are still figuring things out. But we HAVE A PLACE TO STAY! God is just that good. We are trusting in His perfect timing for the rest as we continue to seek out, plan, and work toward the next step.

The Church
We have now had two Arise Church services! Our 3rd service is coming up this week. What an amazingly welcoming community we have walked into. Pastor Joe and Joy and their kindness, leadership, and friendship have meant a lot to us. Ethan, Jennifer, Jordyn, Tyler, Vivian, Megan, and Tiegan, and others have already become a bit like family to us. We are excited that these are the people we will be serving this community with. We had a women's luncheon last month and are anticipating a kids sports camp coming up in a couple weeks. Good opportunities to meet people and share the love of Jesus with them.

RV Living & Friends
It has been nice to learn to live with less. Some of the (older) people at the park aren't too friendly with the kids, but MOST of the people we've met have been super friendly. We met a family who had 5 kids around our kids ages, and the kids clicked so well. It was so nice to become friends with them! They loved biking and swimming in the park pool with them. They just left the RV park to head north (as they are doing this full time). I also reconnected with a high school friend staying in the same place (CRAZY, right?!?!). I think these are all God's way of helping us feel at home and making sure we have friends here. We have also met up with at least 3 families from Michigan who are here on vacation (Sanfords, Bosmas, & Joan VanderWoulde). So... anyone else want to come visit?!? We are looking forward to our family coming down here to visit in the very near future!

How to Pray
Matt is going to orientation tomorrow for a new job. Praise God for that! He may still have to pick up another job outside of that, but we're both willing to do whatever we need to do. Please pray that he gets paid well with this new job. Please pray for the things we are still figuring out, such as health insurance, making schooling official, family health and strength, wisdom & Holy Spirit vision as we plan & lead at Arise Church. We bought a mini van (similar to our previous one in MI). Pray that it makes it and keeps us safe! Funding... it's hard working part to full time for a church. It's mentally/spiritually and sometimes physically exhausting. Don't get me wrong... it's worth it. We love it. But it is hard work. Doing that AND working an outside job can be taxing. Please pray that we (and our team) don't get burnt out. Please pray for financial wisdom, stewardship, and blessing.

Giving
If you would like to give a monthly gift of any amount, or if you can make a one-time contribution, we would greatly appreciate it! Know that your support of us is supporting our ministry as well. It enables us to serve this community to the best of our ability. And of course, the less financial stress, the better. We thank you for whatever way you're able to give. Please go to arisechurchaz.org/give to make an online payment. Be sure to choose "Matt & Tori Walker Fund."

Thanks for keeping up with us. Thanks for the continued prayers. Thanks for your friendship and partnership. We pray for our friends and family as well and hope & pray you are a light and blessing wherever you are!

Love, The Walkers <3