The Big Move to a Place Prepared for Us - Part 3

We had already prayed and knew that if they offered him a job, it would be the right next step for our family. So we relocated from West Elmira, NY (the hometown of Tommy Hilfiger) in February 2004. We lived in temporary housing for 3 months in Elkton, MD while we looked for a house. Noah was about 21 month and Jeremy barely 7 months. God had shown us in many ways that this move was completely of Him. New houses were going up in certain places do to the housing boom and that didn't those who wanted to sell the perfectly good houses they owned. Yet, our house sold in 5 days and the buyer who was relocating back to the area from California paid cash! This was the absolute opposite of what other couples were experiencing. At that time in the Corning housing market, scores of families left their houses or one spouse stayed behind as the other left in search other job opportunities. There was only one major employer in the area and it had recently gone through a series of layoffs. We had made some great friendships in Western NY and new that we would miss them. On the other hand, we were thankful to be opening a new chapter in our lives. The realtor assigned by the relocation team helped us get acquainted with the area. We were able to find and purchase another home within a few months. We chose an area filled with lots of young families, parks, wide side walks and close to public transportation. These were all important since I was at home with the boys. The latter was important to me since I grew up in NYC and enjoyed taking the boys for rides on the bus. We quickly settled into a routine. As a young toddler Jeremy was at times even more social than Noah. We both remember, in the Fall of 2004, Lloyd's boss invited us to a casual dinner party at his house. Jeremy was running around playing and smiling with everyone. Noah on the other hand wouldn't leave our side. The ever social and lively Noah was experiencing a rare shy moment. Jeremy had started forming simple words and had no problem babbling to everyone. Then one day...