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| #SelfieEvidenceOfExcitement |
For many of you, this isn't new news... for some, my apologies for finding out via a measly blog post:
This summer, Robbie and I are moving to Arizona!
If this surprises you, know a move has been coming for a while...
Robbie and I have always been the "fly the coop" type. But, the Lord had been making us wait... through (of no coincidence I'm sure) the two most grueling winters in Wisconsin's recent history. A real thrill for my Southern California husband (sarcasm intended).
But, before you make any assumptions, that is not the reason for the move. Although there is a level of excitement solely contributed toward the weather we will soon be experiencing (well, when it dips below 100 degrees, that is), the real excitement for our move is positioned on the fact that Robbie and I will both be able to work in full-time ministry.
These past two years, I have had the pleasure of working with some beautiful souls teaching English and History at a public high school. It seemed as though teaching was it for me. Growing up, I had always wanted to be a teacher, and the public school was where I decided (early on) I was going to work.
So, when my dear friend Amanda sent me a text about an open position at Life Teen, Inc., the idea, at first, of this position becoming a reality in my life seemed so far-fetched. You see, I’m a teacher. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, and (I thought) I would always be a teacher. It seems silly to me now, but whenever I would meet a former teacher who left the profession after less than a lifetime, immediate judgment would pass. “Not I! I would never do such a thing… I am in it for the long-haul.” (Think debonair British accent, and a hint of snob)
So you can imagine my surprise when the Lord started to grow my heart for this position. And it has been a whirlwind of life-giving Grace (...future blog post topic). God the Father is such a loving Papa. And the gift He has given me is the opportunity to work in full-time ministry. A gift I never thought I needed.
But, this is not what this blog post is for. That is just the prologue.
As time moves forward and the reality of this move settles, my heart is reminded of what I love about home. It is easy to get pent up on what you dislike (ahem -50 degree winters) about a place and forget what kept you grounded to begin with. I am, and always will be, a Wisconsin girl at heart. So, for the sake of transition, it seems appropriate to Praise the Lord for the gifts of home. So here it is: My Top 10 List of What I Love About Home (In no particular order):
#1: Northern Beauty
In nature is where I met the Lord for the first time. Beginning with moments on my back porch and at my Grandparent's cabin in the summer sun and wind. The Lord has always been so present with me within creation, and I have been able to travel and see the Lord's created beauty around the world. But what settles at my heart is where it all began--In my North Woods.
#2 The Fall
#3 Wisconsin Beer & Cheese
#5 My River-Run (+farmer's market)
#6 The Beauty of the Winter
One of the best things I did for myself this year was to run through the winter. Most people hang up their running shoes after the first snowfall, but I was determined not to be one of those people, and boy am I so grateful. There are two reasons for this: 1) It was so good for "keeping up my fitness" and not feeling the winter blues. 2) It taught me to appreciate the beauty of the winter. Something I really admire about the people who live in northern climates is their willingness to gear up and enjoy the outdoors, even when it is below zero. Whether it be snowshoeing, skiing, skating, snowmobiling, ice fishing, (or in my case) running, Wisconsinites are not afraid of the cold. I will not miss the persistence of frigid temperatures and finicky snow, but I will miss the stillness of a winter night and the perfection of a white Christmas.
It is not uncommon to drive 10 minutes outside of town to become one with nature or to be the only person on the road. There is something about being surrounded by fields and trees when driving, or visiting a friend's house only to realize they have three acres of land as a backyard. It helps me to remember that I live on a beautiful earth, and not just in a concrete city.
I pray that wherever the Lord may call you, you are always willing to say "yes". For a life of always responding "yes" to the Lord is the most beautiful life we have yet to live.
Robbie and I have always been the "fly the coop" type. But, the Lord had been making us wait... through (of no coincidence I'm sure) the two most grueling winters in Wisconsin's recent history. A real thrill for my Southern California husband (sarcasm intended).
But, before you make any assumptions, that is not the reason for the move. Although there is a level of excitement solely contributed toward the weather we will soon be experiencing (well, when it dips below 100 degrees, that is), the real excitement for our move is positioned on the fact that Robbie and I will both be able to work in full-time ministry.
These past two years, I have had the pleasure of working with some beautiful souls teaching English and History at a public high school. It seemed as though teaching was it for me. Growing up, I had always wanted to be a teacher, and the public school was where I decided (early on) I was going to work.
So, when my dear friend Amanda sent me a text about an open position at Life Teen, Inc., the idea, at first, of this position becoming a reality in my life seemed so far-fetched. You see, I’m a teacher. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, and (I thought) I would always be a teacher. It seems silly to me now, but whenever I would meet a former teacher who left the profession after less than a lifetime, immediate judgment would pass. “Not I! I would never do such a thing… I am in it for the long-haul.” (Think debonair British accent, and a hint of snob)
So you can imagine my surprise when the Lord started to grow my heart for this position. And it has been a whirlwind of life-giving Grace (...future blog post topic). God the Father is such a loving Papa. And the gift He has given me is the opportunity to work in full-time ministry. A gift I never thought I needed.
But, this is not what this blog post is for. That is just the prologue.
As time moves forward and the reality of this move settles, my heart is reminded of what I love about home. It is easy to get pent up on what you dislike (ahem -50 degree winters) about a place and forget what kept you grounded to begin with. I am, and always will be, a Wisconsin girl at heart. So, for the sake of transition, it seems appropriate to Praise the Lord for the gifts of home. So here it is: My Top 10 List of What I Love About Home (In no particular order):
#1: Northern Beauty
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| This is a sunset from a trip to the Boundary Waters |
#2 The Fall
It is very possible that I love the fall just because I associate it with my birthday: September, 26th (hah-now you can't forget it!!) But, whatever the reason may be that I love Fall, there is just something about the season that tickles my nose (sometimes literally).
These are the aspects that I love the most about this glorious season:
- The turning of the leaves
- The cool, crisp air (when the humidity stops being so rude)
- Apple picking
- All things pumpkin: carving, eating, baking, smelling
- My birthday
- Our wedding anniversary (November 3rd)
#3 Wisconsin Beer & Cheese
I may blame it on my German heritage, but I sure do love a good beer. I (along with my husband) will miss the work that Wisconsinites put into crafting a bold and delicious brew. We will also miss delicious cheese. I never fully appreciated how good Wisconsin makes their cheese until I moved back home. But maybe this is a good thing, my cholesterol levels with thank me.
#4 Lakes, Rivers, and More Lakes
I'm not going to lie, I'm a little bit terrified about shriveling up into a cactus in Arizona. I've been so accustomed to natural lakes and rivers for so long, that desert-land is going to be a bit of an environmental shock (not to mention the haboob). I know, I know, Arizona has lakes and rivers too... but, it will not be the same.
I'm not going to lie, I'm a little bit terrified about shriveling up into a cactus in Arizona. I've been so accustomed to natural lakes and rivers for so long, that desert-land is going to be a bit of an environmental shock (not to mention the haboob). I know, I know, Arizona has lakes and rivers too... but, it will not be the same.
#5 My River-Run (+farmer's market)
This past year, we've had the pleasure of living near a river-trail that has blessed my half-marathon training abundantly. There have been so many moments of gratitude for such a perfect trail so close to our house. Growing up, I've always had to run through neighborhoods, so this trail has been my little wooden paradise in the middle of downtown Eau Claire. I have also been very grateful to have a farmer's market close by. I'll miss the convenience of small town walking distances.
One of the best things I did for myself this year was to run through the winter. Most people hang up their running shoes after the first snowfall, but I was determined not to be one of those people, and boy am I so grateful. There are two reasons for this: 1) It was so good for "keeping up my fitness" and not feeling the winter blues. 2) It taught me to appreciate the beauty of the winter. Something I really admire about the people who live in northern climates is their willingness to gear up and enjoy the outdoors, even when it is below zero. Whether it be snowshoeing, skiing, skating, snowmobiling, ice fishing, (or in my case) running, Wisconsinites are not afraid of the cold. I will not miss the persistence of frigid temperatures and finicky snow, but I will miss the stillness of a winter night and the perfection of a white Christmas.
#7 Small Town Values
There is something to be said about midwesterners and the kind hearts that they have. I've never encountered more consistently nice people than in Wisconsin.
#8 The Accent
I will miss hearing the following words, and having them considered as acceptable uses of the English Language:
"Uff-da" "Ya Betcha" "Oh Ya" Bag as "bay-g"
#9 Wide Open Spaces
It is not uncommon to drive 10 minutes outside of town to become one with nature or to be the only person on the road. There is something about being surrounded by fields and trees when driving, or visiting a friend's house only to realize they have three acres of land as a backyard. It helps me to remember that I live on a beautiful earth, and not just in a concrete city.
#10 Being Close To Family
This is the most bittersweet mention on this list. My family is incredibly supportive of our move, but it doesn't make a move much easier. There is just something so wonderful about driving two minutes down the street when I want a hug from my mom, or driving two minutes to a restaurant to meet my cousin for dinner. Having family so close, in person, just cannot be replaced.
But, ultimately, the reality is this: When the Lord calls, he delivers. All throughout salvation history, we have seen people called away from their homes to a distant place. His purpose is ALWAYS to build up his people. It is going to be hard to move, to leave this place I know and love so well, but the adventure of life is this: If we never say "yes" to the journey, we will never experience the journey.
So, now the question will be: What will the Top Ten List of What I Love About Arizona be? I can bet you it will start with this... #1 The Lord Called Us There.
