New Beginnings

I have self-professed, on a number of occasions, how refreshing change can be. How, if you embrace it, it changes you in ways that you never expected, and always positively. I believed that sermon based on my own singular experiences. I am hoping to find it is true still.

That said, I knew starting over wouldn't be easy. I knew it when my husband came up and interviewed for his job. I knew it when he was excited about the possibilities. I knew it when we anxioiusly waited for an offer. I knew it when the offer came. And when we discussed it. And when he accepted. The thing is, I never had started over with children. It had always been a solo venture, or just he and I. So though I knew it would be tough, I didn't grasp that in its entirety.

Moving halfway across the country with four children has been challenging. The things I thought would be tough- the drive, five days on the road with dogs in a minivan, - that was pretty easy. The things I thought would be easy - living in temporary housing, school- those have been hard. Largely because of the thirty minute drive each way to school. And having no real separation when we are at home, it's like one hugely small and crowded living area. But the toughest thing is friends. The kids are doing alright. They are finding their way. I miss my friends. I need my girls nights. I have learned how important friendships are for me, to me. I am grateful for the lesson, but sad for the loss of proximity. That, in my opinion, is the most difficult part of this journey.