Norwalk
When Paul and I started dating fifteen years ago, we spent hours talking about everything—our families, our schools, our friends, our faith, our dreams. I remember Paul telling me about growing up in Norwalk, California. I also remember him telling me, multiple times over the years, that he had no intention of moving back to California. Being from Oklahoma, I never objected. We were content to visit California occasionally, but never talked about plans to move back to Paul’s hometown.
Fast forward to Summer 2025, when Paul tells me he thinks we are moving to California.
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.”
- Proverbs 16:9.
Our tiny home is just over 400 square feet. Our children sleep in lofts, and our master bedroom is also our dining room, school room, living room, and dental office. Nearly every piece of furniture and equipment we own can fold up and stow away to allow a different item to take over its space.
We are learning to be grateful for what we have, and to use what we have to be obedient.
I recently read a passage in Corrie ten Boom’s I Stand at the Door and Knock: Meditations by the Author of The Hiding Place:
Eternity is there to be gained or to be lost by each one of us. And if we know Jesus, we know the
way and we need to tell others. He is the way, the truth, the life. Tell many others. Let’s work as
long as it is day, you and me in our own ways. Has the Lord called you to go far away? Then do
so! Does he want you to stay? Then be obedient. God can only use us where He calls us. Isn’t it
wonderful to work for a King who has never lost a battle! And he wants to turn you and me into
more than conquerors.
We saw our first patient here one month after moving in. With what we have right now, we are seeing approximately one patient a week. Our appointments last between two and four hours, depending on how much time our patients have, and how long they are able to tolerate treatment. At this pace, we plan to keep four active patients at a time. We currently have two, and are about to schedule a third. Once we hit our fifth, we’ll start a waiting list.
My two favorite parts of each appointment are 1.) when we get to pray with our patients, and 2.) when we explain that there is absolutely no cost, no need of insurance, and no strings attached. We feel incredibly blessed to be used by the Lord to bring Him glory. Please pray for us to continue to have opportunities to tell many others about the way, the truth, and the life.
“The most important [commandment],” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” - Mark 12:29-31
As far as dental practices go, this may be the slowest starting practice in history! But we are grateful. And we are using what we have. And, for now, we are enjoying the experiences in Paul’s hometown.
