Dear Foothills Church Family,
Nine years ago, the Baddeley’s rode into town, in August of 2015. It was with a heart full of faith and a love for God’s church, with excitement for what God was doing at Foothills. With faith but also a sober sense of sadness, we find ourselves making another move – with those same things in my heart. What has changed is what God is doing with me and my family, and how I am to best be serving.
Over the last couple years, my father-in-law’s health has been in serious decline, suffering from increasing dementia. His ability to live independently has come to a head, to the place where we as a family need to step in and provide more care on his behalf. Rockelle and I have been praying and really searching our hearts as to our part in this, and have come to the conviction that we are to move up and live with him at this time, to provide that care. We don’t honestly know how long this season will be – part of our care will involve that evaluation and help the family answer the question of how long can we realistically provide what is needed outside of institutional assisted care. We want to provide care for as long as we can, within realistic boundaries.
What this means for us vocationally is our chapter here at Foothills has come to an end of sorts. God continues to write the stories of both Foothills Church and the Baddeley family – and we will trust Him as that works itself out. We know God provided for us with this loving church, and while will miss the daily relational family Foothills has been for us this past 9 years, we trust Him to provide for us, as well as for you all as you seek another shepherd.
I cannot adequately thank Tyler, the Elder Board and the church family for the privilege of serving you and serving among you – you will never know how much fun it’s been, doing what I love to do, with a bunch of the greatest people I know. More than fun, it’s been a joy –to see God work in your life through change, trial, and hardship as well as in so much blessing. I am not the same man I was – nor is this church. God remains at work. We will be here through July, at which point we will be moving to Birch Bay, in very NW Washington. We don’t know what is next for us in ministry – please be praying for us as we come to mind. We will be looking for opportunities in due time – I don’t think we are ‘done’, we want to be faithful and trusting in all these things.
I take heart knowing that the friendships forged here are part of the bond we share in Christ, so it’s not goodbye but see you later. We hope and plan on coming back and visiting as much as able – as I have said before and will again - Foothills will always feel like a second home for us. It always has. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Rob & Rockelle