August 4, 2013 was a Sunday. We went to church at Calvary Chapel Olympia, a place we called home for 13 years. We said some tearful goodbyes and some 'See ya laters' because goodbye was too painful! One friend and I even have an agreement that we will just pretend we keep missing one another on Sundays for the entire time, cause we are both too wimpy.
After church, we drove home, ate lunch and loaded up. We had to say goodbye to our neighbors and Grandma came by. We all tried to pretend we were brave but there were more than a few tears shed. The next thing you know, we were pulling out of our driveway, saying goodbye to our house (of 8 years) and hitting the road.
I am so thankful to my Aunt Cheryl for venturing 3,000 miles in 10 days with us. I know I couldn't have done it without her. She helped keep kids in line and me sane! I am also thankful to the kids who behaved very well. Driving all that way is hard enough as an adult. As usual, my kids blew me away with their awesomeness!!
To say I didn't want to come here would be an understatement. I came here kicking and screaming (in my passive/aggressive introverted way) and began counting down the days of our return. There were many days when I sat heartbroken, missing my kids, missing my friends, missing my life. I was less than cooperative and a huge pain to my husband, although he won't say that. I was certain that I would never recover.
But God has a way of working things out. He brought people and situations into my life and I began to loosen the grip on what was and look towards what was to be. I took some risks and tried things I never thought I would try and met some fabulous people!
Just a few things this past year has taught me:
- God will often take you where you don't want to go, to produce in you what you can't produce on your own.
- I can drive clear across the U.S. with 5 children, in a monster (12 passenger) van, and have fun!
- My kids are awesome (I knew this already)! Every day they show me how flexible and resilient they are.
- It's ok to take some time and adjust, to throw a little fit every once in awhile; as long as you focus back on what is important.
- Following God, supporting my husband, and loving him and my children is the most important thing.
- I might actually miss this place, just a little!
There are still 4 pieces of my heart missing; Zach in Nevada and Nathan, Cortnie and Nevaeh-Jade in Washington. We aren't able to see them near as much as we would like.
I know God is working in me and in my family. He is stretching and growing us. He is bringing us closer together and showing us a little more what He has planned for us. He is shaping our children into amazing young men and women. And He is still working in all things.
I am excited to see what this next year will bring as He continues to direct our steps.
