Tuesday, October 23, 2012

we don't do normal.

(our family mantra)

I've mentioned a few times about this season of transition, anxiety, and waiting that our little family has been experiencing. It's been hard to put my roller coaster of emotions into words and to be quite honest, I've been in the infamous blogging funk. I've been reading truly inspired posts by other bloggers and my first reaction has been "I should just stop blogging." 

We have been experiencing emotional chaos.

Life lately has been filled with so many moments that I wanted to blog about. I have wanted so badly to spill my guts on this blog but I just haven't been able to. I have been waiting for the right time and for the right words.

God has been pulling at our hearts for months. We know where we are isn't where we're supposed to be anymore but it wasn't clear where we were supposed to go. My hubs has been applying for jobs all over the country yet nothing has seemed to be "it." There have been offers but nothing we've had a peace about.

We made a decision.

Instead of living life in a holding pattern and after so many prayers and a lot of guidance, we've decided to move. I spent yesterday morning on the phone, setting up a moving truck, a storage unit, booking flights, and various other things. I texted, called, and emailed my mom more times than I can count. N watched a lot of cartoons.

(our new hometown)

We are moving to Chicago.

Well, N and I are, along with most of our stuff, and we'll be moving in with my family in two weeks. Yep, you read that right. We're insane. *smile* The hubs will be moving out to join us at the end of the year or sooner, if he gets a job offer. We will Skype, spend the holidays together, and while the separation will be difficult, we know this is the right thing for us.

Some people think we're crazy for doing it this way. I've already had to explain our decision process which has been disheartening but on the flip side, we've been encouraged, supported, and high fived. We are excited and so thankful. Most importantly, we feel God's peace and a sense of freedom.

(our new view)

We don't do normal.

And we're okay with that. *smile* Will you keep praying for us? Will you pray for safe travels, the continued job hunt, and for our next steps? Thank you, friends.

29 comments:

Kristen said...

Congratulations to you! The best thing is if you feel at peace with your decision, then you know you are doing the right thing. A big upheaval is tough but if it puts you in a better place- a place you'd rather be- then it is the right choice. Best wishes for you, and for a safe, smooth move!

Emily said...

Oh my dear friend... I'm so glad your mind is finally at rest and your heart at peace. I can't imagine the stress and anxiety you've felt for the last few months... but it's great to finally have a plan, a goal and a landing place. Good luck on your move! I wish you safe travels and will pray that Chris finds the perfect job in Chicagoland soon! <3

Ernestine Edna said...

You KNOW we know about PEACE in decision making...and that it only happens when God is involved in the decision making...And God isn't really in the business of making sense...He's all about makinfpg disciples who are seeking after HIM!

So extend to give you a hug in person, friend, and we continue to pray with you for the perfect place for ministry!

Julie S. said...

So excited! I pray God leads you through this season of change and that you will feel continued peace.

Blog looks great, too!!

Peggy said...

OH how exciting! And yes we will most definitely keep in you all in prayer.... because sometimes doing the right thing is not doing the easy thing. But what peace it brings! Take care now!

Kendall said...

Wow, this is so exciting! I am so glad that you're at peace with your decision and I'm sure it is going to create so many new (and exciting) adventures for your family! Chicago is amazing (and close to me!). Can't wait to go on this journey with you!! :)

Sarah Halstead said...

How exciting!! Sad I wont get to meet you before you go. You will be much further now!! Maybe when I go to Blogher next year??

ElleBee said...

Woo-hoo! You'll be up in my neck of the woods. :) I'll be praying for your family!

Lena B, Actually {Mom2MemphisAndRuby} said...

Excited & happy for you, mama! Good luck with everything! <3

Sarah Fontenot said...

How exciting for you!! I will definitely keep on praying for you especially during the transition. Chicago's a great place! Blessings to you and your family on this new adventure!!

Kristine Foley said...

Yay on a decision you are at peace on. So awesome for your little family. Will be praying and def sending a virtual high five, but since I'm a hugger sending lots of those too!!

Kristine from The Foley Fam {unedited} Blog

Leilani @ Soleil Selene said...

How exciting! Maybe we can get together next year when I'm in town for BlogHer13. Safe travels, mama!

Erika @ rouge + whimsy said...

hey! life is crazy so this doesn't sound crazy at all.

also, i was secretly hoping you were moving to seattle. (ha)

there's lots of jobs here! (no, but really, it's true.)

AbsoluteMommy said...

As always you are in my thoughts. Sounds crazy since we have never met, but I don't do normal either. I'm so happy an excited for you as you are doing what many of us can't. You are taking a chance, moving forward and no longer waiting. Life is too short, why wait? There will always be naysayers, but really they wish they had this kind of courage to up and move. Life is worth living, even when it seems hard. You go girl! Xoxo

Kassi Mortensen said...

Making the decisions is usually the hardest part, right!? Now that it's made and you feel good about it, full speed ahead!!! Sending thoughts and prayers your way!

Maegan said...

Excited for you, but know a lot is on your plate right now. Praying for you all ... this is good stuff!!

xxoo

ilene @ muchloveilly said...

very excited for you and will def keep you in my prayers! love you, friend!

TicoTina said...

Wow, this is soooo awesome! I know so well that feeling of not doing normal, not even really WANTing to do normal, but yet not really wanting to have to explain that to everyone else... it can definitely be so disheartening! even though I'm sure it will have its moments, it will be great!

Debra Kapellakis said...

Having peace and that view will surely help with this difficult time in your lives. God is good.

monique said...

so happy for you and your family during this adventurous time...i'm so excited for you!!!

LLF said...

Chicago is a wonderful city and being near family is invaluable. Wishing you much happiness there!

Sarah Mc. said...

ABSOLUTELY praying, girl! I totally understand every bit of the funk you've been going through, but I am so excited for the place it has brought you to! It may seem scary and crazy, but God is going to do amazing things in this time and I'm on the edge of seat. You'll make it through! Praying for direction and vision for your husband and your family.

Christine said...

We know all about moving after going with kids from Chicago, to England, to Grenada west Indies, and then in 2 months to NY, Chicago is the place we pray we will end up when Jason is done with residencies. WE LOVE CHICAGO and its people! Nice slow pace, friendly people (at least if you were raised in ny) Have a great time : ) Maybe we will bump into shopping over Christmas when we visit friends there. What neighborhood are you going to live, I have done Little Italy, Near West (by united center), and Avonale, my dream house is in south loop...lol

Not a Perfect Mom said...

don't you worry about what people say...no one can possibly know what's best for your family other than you and God...and if you feel peace for the first time in a long time about your decision then it must be the best one...
Does that mean the easiest one? No, but that's an entirely different story...

Carly said...

I'm sure that there is a huge sense of relief to finally have a plan! We are sort of where you were right now. Congratulations in your exciting transition!

Manda said...

It seems to me with in posts that you and your husband have a strong marriage and a good friendship. The end of the year is not that far away and although it will seem like forever. You two will make it! I hope he finds a job and things work out. Jobs right now are hard to find for everyone. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Have a safe trip.

Kristen @ KV Confessions said...

WOW - you are so brave girl!!! Sounds like such a huge change, but I think a year from now you're going to look back and know it was the right decision. I feel SO indecisive about everything because I'm terrified of making a mistake, but then I realize there really aren't any mistakes - everything is happening for a reason and no matter what, I will learn something and grow from it. I give you serious props girl. Wishing you and your little fam the best outcome imaginable!!!

Heather said...

Im so excited for you guys. Moving is hard but oh so good sometimes for the soul. It has done wonders for me. Love ya lady. Praying for a smooth transition!! Xo

Kate @ A Creative Cookie said...

How exciting! I'm so glad that everything is turning out. Praying <3