Without a vision for our lives we lack purpose. The Lyerly family has always had a strong vision for their lives - a dream of the kind of lifestyle they desired for their children, and for themselves.

Michelle and Christopher met and fell in love in the Appalachian Mountains while attending school at Lees-McRae College. The land held a special place in their hearts for many reasons, but in order to fulfill their dream of starting a family a move to the city was the best decision for them. They moved to the city Michelle grew up in and both found jobs that they loved, Christopher as a firefighter and Michelle as a wedding photographer. Over the years they were blessed with two sets of tiny feet running around their home. They built a wonderful life together in the city, but all the while their hearts were calling them back to the mountains. They dreamed of a simpler life.

Read the entire story written by Ally Willix and photographed by Perry Vaile in The Pioneer Issue, now on news stands.