So, its been a long time since I have posted anything blog related. A really long time. Like 4 years long. Well, life happened and something had to go...and blogging was it. But I have been thinking about this blog lately and decided to find it on internet land. So, here I am. Thinking about how to pour out my last four years in a few short paragraphs. But I may just write about the BIG we had in our lives in the last 19 months.
Geneseo, Illinois being my home since 2007, was my home for about ten years. Geneseo will always have a huge part of my heart, and I miss it a lot. It is a place that I cant explain. It's a smaller town, full of many amazing people. Corn fields all around, farmers, beautiful sunsets, people who show the love of Jesus in every direction (well almost, ha ha) and just a strong-knit community. I gave birth to two children in my old home and just made tons of precious memories there. I hold them tight to my heart.
The Midwest is special and has a feel that you take for granted when you live there ....and I didn't realize it until we moved in 2017 to Clayton, North Carolina. This was a turning point for our family. This was our BIG in the last 19 months. We had an opportunity to move with my husband's job, try a new state, start fresh and experience and trust Gods leading. We prayed and things kept falling into place. So, we gave it to God, sold our house, left amazing friends who were like family, left our actual family, and started a different life 948 miles away. Crazy, right?
So, moving sounds fun and exciting until you actually do it. A new house, new people, new church, new doctors, new gym, new vet, new grocery store, new mailman, new roads....its all new and new means learning. You have to learn where to go, when then best time it is to go, blah blah blah. You don't know the new people living around you and you don't know if they are willing to get to know you. Its a lot. So, what do you do?
Well, this is what I did, I put my crazy self out there. I am not a shy person as you all know (if ya know me). I like people. Actually, I love people. I really love to meet them all. I was on fire to get to know all the neighbors, and to make as many friends as I could. I started a bible study and loved doing it. That was a great way to meet some great friends in the hood. But making deep friendships just doesn't happen over night unfortunately. It takes lots of time, and lots of get togethers, which can be a lot of planning. Busy people all over, busy busy busy. This makes these "get togethers" a challenge, but my advice is to stay determined. Get it on that calendar! I try to never miss a girls get together. I will rearrange my schedule because I believe in them that much. And you know what? It's working.
Having a tribe. Have you heard of that? I had my best girls back home, and still have them. But, moving changes things. It makes it harder, and distance grows because there are no get togethers! They are very important- ha ha. But you will learn that those who truly care send you messages and you stay in touch. I mean, I get we are ALL busy. But, moving is exhausting and you need some support. Trying to make new friends and adjusting takes so much effort its nice when you get your friends back home asking how things are going and care about your new life and new adventures. Its scary, and its not easy moving. I think the older you are its even harder. Just my opinion, but older kids calls for busier schedules.
It seems sad that I feel I "need" a tribe. Im almost 40. Is that pathetic? I don't think so. We all need a tribe or that crew of friends who don't judge you because they love you. I'm a people person. I give my heart. I like having friends who get me. The crazy, wild, intense, funny, goofy, sincere, and loving side of me.
I put it all in the basket. When I am your friend, I want to be that for life. Even if there is a distance. Friendships are essential. So, if you are like me on this journey, keep going. Keep it real. be yourself. You will find your tribe.
Okay, so fast forward a year and half...I have some amazing people in my life here and I am learning how to navigate this very populated state. Can I say I love it here? No. I can't. But could I have said I loved it in Illinois? Nope. Didn't there either. But, I am settling in (much slower than I planned) but I'm getting there.
Sometimes I think God brings us places not just for our benefit. Maybe the move was not for us, but for others. I can see God in many ways as I wonder some days why we are here in North Carolina. He gives me glimpses and I see so much personal growth and my surroundings and who we may have impacted from moving here. Maybe we came for one family, or even one person. That is such a cool thought. God calls us to be the light to others. If just one person is changed for Gods glory, that the move is totally worth it. But to think more than one...that is just exciting!
I would like to see the big picture or the "why" being answered. Unfortunately, God doesn't always reveal that or give us the opportunity to understand until He is ready. So, as this new year has started, I will keep trusting we are here for a big purpose, whether for that one person (or many more) and one day I will happily call this place home.
I think being happy somewhere is all based on your inside happy. You have to find joy that only comes from God. Some days I feel it more than others. Being human does that, right? But knowing that your happiness isn't something you can buy, or get from friends, or from having a perfect family, or from looking good, or from moving to a new state...but, only when realizing happiness is an inner peace. Its contentment. Its trusting Gods plan for your life. Its gratitude for all you have. Its your faith. Happiness is that inner joy. I'm learning so much about that and maybe that was a big reason for moving.
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So, if you are new to an area, pray. Pray for friendships and a church family. It may not be easy, and you probably have to put yourself out there. But you will learn so much about yourself in the process. And you will pick up some new adventures and lessons on the way. May you be filled with love, peace, and joy in this crazy world so you can shine bright for others.
Matthew 5:14-16
...In the same way, let your light shine for others, so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.
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