Snapple and chocolate

Today I did an embarrassing thing...I left the lights on in the van when I went to work this morning. Needless to say when I came out this afternoon the van wouldn't start. I called Jim and begged him to come help as I was beyond exhausted (I had worked later than usual and been in meetings ALL day) and just wanted to get out of there. And Jim came and rescued me...but he didn't stop there. In the midst of leaving the house very quickly (since it was very obvious I was frazzled) he managed to get Amalea together (and all her needed gear) and to bring me an ice cold Snapple and chocolate. It was exactly what I needed after a long day and he thought about me. Sometimes the simple things mean so much and today the Snapple and chocolate meant the world. I sure do love my husband.

Our leap

When I stop for a moment and think about all that has changed in the last few weeks I am reminded just how big of a leap our family has taken. And yet at the same time I am reminded that some things will always stay constant no matter what major life changes take place...and that brings comfort. In the midst of this giant leap my friends have stood by me and given support, encouragement, and love. Some friends have traveled to say goodbye, others have helped us move in, some have shed tears of excitement and sorrow with us, they have called from other time zones to check in, my friends have been constant and proven that distance doesn't mean friendships have to be lost. In the mist of this giant leap my family has showed up to play and love on each of us. My mom (and a friend) spent the weekend with us and allowed Jim and I to have two evenings out in Portland which was necessary for us and we are so thankful for the time we had. In the midst of this giant leap God has remained faithful. I am always amazed at how God shows up and I wonder why I ever doubt. My goal on this new adventure in Portland is to find more time with God - I want to listen more, study more, ask more, discuss more, and find out more about the amazing God whom I have dedicated my life to.
So, while flying through mid-air I am comforted. Though everything around me has changed some things have not and for those things (friends, family, and God) I am forever thankful.

Leaving

On our last Sunday before our move (we left Tuesday) Lindsay and Andy (pictured above) threw us the most incredible going away party. So many people showed up to say goodbye to us and they put together a unique, fun, personal, meaningful party for us. I felt so honored by the people who came to wish us well (including one friend about to go into labor at any moment). I don't know how we would have ever been able to say goodbye to everyone if this day hadn't happened. So, family and friends - thank you for coming. I don't know how to say thank you to these two amazing friends for all of their hard work because thank you just feels so insignificant - I am truly grateful for the love and friendship they both showed me and am honored to be friends with them.

We are now getting pretty settled into our new place. I haven't had a chance to upload pictures yet, but will post some soon. It still doesn't feel totally real to me that this is our home and this is the town we live in. We are learning our way around which has been fun and confusing. We had dinner tonight with the couple that lives next door and I have gotten to know a few people at my work that I could definitely see myself being friends with. It definitely helps to have friendly neighbors who invite us over - they are really great. At times I do feel sad about having left behind such wonderful friends, but thankfully many have already purchased tickets to come visit (if you haven't yet, you need to!).

Leaving comes with very mixed emotions. Saying goodbye to certain friends was emotional and it was hard to let go, but I remain confident that distance cannot break up friendships. I trust that this is the place where God has brought us and I am excited to see where the adventure takes us.

Together in Austin

One friend is missing in this picture, but it's the best I have. I had some other great pictures from the weekend on my computer, but my hard drive decided to crash so I lost them all. This one was from my cell phone.
Austin was great (not the place, but being there with friends) and we had a great weekend together. Since I've been home it's been non-stop packing, but moving day is coming quick.

Relaxation

I am currently in Austin, Texas with six of my girlfriends spending the weekend together catching up and hanging out. When I left to come to Austin my hope was that everything would be finalized with renting out our house and finding a home in Portland. Wednesday night we signed the lease for our house in Moorpark and Friday afternoon (after I got here) we found out that we got the townhouse we wanted in Portland. Relaxation - finally! I feel like a huge load has been lifted off my shoulders. We leave in 11 days and it is great to know that those things are finally taken care of. I feel like I can enjoy my weekend here in Austin now because I am not worrying anymore about the logistics of moving. Thank God!