Discovery...

It's so easy to be overwhelmed with the things we miss when we move on to something new. But thanks to a positive attitude, prayer and encouragement, I've really taken our moving experience as an opportunity to expand my idea of how big the world is and embrace it.

The adventure of being married to an active duty military member is really making yourself at home wherever you end up living. I think it would just be miserable otherwise... Today, we may have possibly discovered our new favorite spot here. It's an casual dining pizzeria/Italian restaurant that also happens to be next to a park on the water. Not only is the food AMAZING, but we get a waterfront view. After not living near the water for several years, this is a very welcome change! Can't wait to do some more exploring!!

Week 1...

The insanity of moving has settled down significantly and we are getting familiarized with our new home. I have to say, it's been a bit of a shock waking up in a smaller place in a neighborhood I don't know and several hours away from people I do know. However, it's so peaceful here compared to our old neighborhood. As I type this, I can hear birds and insects outside and maybe the occasional car. I'm still able to work from home and communicate with all my friends and family, so I have some sense of normalcy.Also a big plus, we moved here in the middle of some sort of awesome winter heat wave. I already expected warmer weather, but it's been like summertime for the past few days! With that said, I think we will be checking out the beach this weekend and maybe give you a glimpse of our new home.

Moving On...

It's been an emotional few days as we prepare to move. All of the packing up our home, going to some of our favorite places for the last time in a while and most of all, saying goodbye to all the people we won't get to see for a long time (or ever again...).On Sunday, our church had a mini-party for us and even a bit of sharing time when people could tell us any advice or message they had for us. Talk about emotional! I definitely did more crying than I expected.

An so it's been  all week long. Saying bye to friends here on base, sitting at my desk at work for the last time.... ugh.

Still, I am excited about being in a new place and experiencing new things. And as my pastor said, somewhere there is community of people waiting for us in a place God has prepared for us.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Seeing as I am not Chinese myself, I don't really participate in all the festivities. But having spent a few years in a Chinese community and now having close family, I know how much of a big deal lunar new year is. We went out to have dinner at one of the nicer restaurants in the area as our little homage. I hope this new year brings lots of joy and prosperity. And I can't wait to start sending red envelopes to my niece/nephew!