Growing up in Alabama and Louisiana, my parents rented houses for our family of six. Whenever the owner wanted to put the house up for sale, we would move. I got used to (kinda) moving from one neighborhood and a different school during my childhood and teen years. We made friends easily, but adjusting to a new school had its drawbacks. Most often the school was within walking distance from our home, but in high school, my sister and I rode a public bus to and from school. Often after school let out, I would take a bus to the downtown library. Before going to study or look for books, I visited a small nearby restaurant and ordered French fries and a cold soda, not spoiling my appetite for supper. If it was dark when I got off the bus, I would sing as I walked a few blocks home. I thought that would keep me safe.
I married Bill, who already had an appointment at a small church in North Biloxi, Mississippi. We stayed there for two years, and he also taught English in the high school. Many of those students kept in touch over the years. We then moved to a four-point circuit in the country, and Bill arranged a schedule to preach at each church every Sunday. Some of those members kept in touch after we left. The reason for our move at that time was Bill needing to start seminary in Kentucky. To provide for our family, he took an appointment at a church. I marveled at how he kept up with studies while preaching each week. Twice we moved, due to new assignments––and churches adapted to our growing family.
After graduating with a master’s degree, we moved to Indiana, to be close to Cincinnati, Ohio, where Bill started his pursuit of a PhD at a Jewish university. He traveled on Saturdays, between school and church. Our time also involved two different church appointments. By then we had four children. Before he completed his dissertation, Asbury Seminary contacted Bill with a proposal to teach while a professor was on sabbatical. Bill secured a church, but we lived in a duplex owned by the seminary. After two years, Bill moved from the seminary to the college across the street, and we moved into college housing.
After many years as a professor, we ended back in a pastorate, again in Indiana. Bill pastored World Gospel Church for 19 years, and we had a house built. After retirement, Bill contracted Legionnaires’ disease, followed by dementia. When that progressed to needing help, we moved to Indianapolis to live with our daughter, Becky, and her husband, Paul. Our oldest son pastored a church in Ohio, and our two other sons lived and worked in Kentucky.
That brings us to the present: another move. Becky and Paul have closed on a different house in Indianapolis, and we will move by the end of July.
Here is a photo of the house in a wooded area. This will be a good move.
Ann Coker 