“In 2013, Jim's medical retirement from dentistry and subsequent sale of his practice brought about a profound transformation for our family. Beyond a career change, it meant uprooting our lives from Maryland and relocating to California in 2014 to be closer to family. This decision triggered a series of adjustments, from selling our house to navigating new job opportunities, all while introducing our children to a completely different environment. 

The challenges we faced left us grappling with a sense of being out of control, fostering feelings of loss and hopelessness. Yet, in the midst of uncertainty, we chose to take a leap of faith. Throughout this journey, we felt a reassuring presence—God was with us every step of the way. 

Despite not realizing Ellen's dream of practicing dentistry together, we discovered gratitude in the fact that Jim found a job which allowed him to care for the children. The process of rebuilding our lives in California became a profound testament to our growing faith. Each hurdle, each moment of uncertainty, became an opportunity for our faith to strengthen. 

Looking back, we are immensely grateful for the individuals God has shaped us into through the hardships we encountered. The unknown future, marked by selling our home and practice, turned out to be a transformative journey. Today, our family stands resilient, shaped by the challenges and uncertainties we faced, and we are thankful for the unwavering presence of God throughout this new chapter of our lives.”