I’ve deleted and restarted this post multiple times…and I am still at a lost on where to begin.
The title makes the surreal quality of this season stark, black and white, permanent. And don’t misunderstand, there is sweet anticipation coloring our thoughts of returning to the city where we found each other, where our love story began, where friends and family still reside, where a wonderful church and community remains.
But it truly is surreal.
When we moved to North Carolina a mere (almost) two years ago, we just knew it would be a three to five year commitment with the potential of forever. What do they say about the best laid plans?
Mmhmmm…
However, we have throughly enjoyed our time here, our sweet church family, and our “country” home (it’s country for city people, ok? 😉 ). We will miss so many things the first being, of course, the relationships we’ve formed but also…
The sunlight streaming through the screen porch
The rustle of the woods in our backyard as the wind rushes through
The stunning sunsets right outside our dining room window
The nature all around us, untainted by modern construction and urbanization
The small town feel of our favorite local restaurants
The mountains a mere hour away with the beach a half day drive the other way
The new perspectives from those all around us
The peace filled quiet
The list goes on and on, even though the list of things to look forward to has its place as well.
But overall, besides the surreal cloud that seems to surround me these days, there’s an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this past season. For this Carolina chapter in our lives. There’s been so much growth here in Camel City. So much to learn, to absorb, to discuss about the differences in culture and community here. It’s broadened our horizons, expanded our worldview, and we will never wish we made a different decision then we did in May 2015 about moving East.
And so here we are.
An opportunity calls us home again, to the Lone Star State. We return hopeful and excited for this next step in our story, in our lives. Graduate school will continue as planned, and my little family of three (I’m counting the dog — not an additional announcement! 🙂 ) will settle into this next chapter of this exciting, although very unpredictable, precious life story.
Thank you for reading and for following along with our story. Warm wishes for a wonderful weekend!
Yay! You’re coming home! I know there are a lot of excited people, but I can imagine the mixed emotions with this move. God’s plans are always best, but sometimes they don’t match what we have planned in our minds. Y’all are just too great and everyone wants you two! Love you!
🙂 Thanks Miss Val — we do miss everyone, but it is very bittersweet! Looking forward to catching up with y’all though!
Excited for you! I bet your parents are thrilled ?
Thanks Marie! They were excited 🙂
WOW!!!! I am so excited for you guys! What a huge transition – but I’m excited to read all about it! 🙂
Thanks, Bekah! 🙂 It is a huge transition…little overwhelming, but we are excited too! Thanks so much for reading along!