We moved. One week ago, we moved, and I mostly kept it under wraps not because it was a secret. It wasn’t. I was just in denial and preferred not to talk about it. I was in denial, because I was happy – we were happy. And, that may be an understatement.
We were happier than we had been – ever. And, it had been that way since we moved to that little slice of Sandhills heaven three years ago. We loved the house. I loved my yard and the nice stand of raspberries I had going. I had the perfect little garden spot and the best views. We had community and friends who had become family – you know, the ones you call when you need help with your kids and you’re too far away to call grandma and grandpa. They were are our “framily”, and, we were home.
Change is hard… It’s harder when you’re happy.
Two months ago, we were presented with an opportunity for Tom, well actually – a promotion. The promotion would allow him to do more of what he loves – teaching and helping others. In addition, he would have more opportunities for learning and honing his skills with the cattle, range, and the ins-and-outs of ranching. We interviewed, and the next day, received an offer.
Accepting the offer would mean really great things for Tom and our family, but it also meant leaving behind the house, the yard, my garden, the gorgeous views (my ever-changing painting), the community, and the framily that we love. The time that we took to make the decision was excruciating to say the least. I cried – like really ugly cried. We consulted with friends and family. We prayed, asking God for a spoiler alert just this one time. And we prayed some more, seeking His guidance in making the very best decision we could for our family. And after an agonizing few days of consideration, the decision was made – we were accepting the offer and slated to move.
Now this is not to say that either one of us were excited about our decision because, well – moving. Moving comes in a very close second on the list of my least favorite things to do, right behind cleaning the hair out of the shower drain (insert triggering of gag reflex and near vomiting situation). We just were not excited about leaving. Our friends, neighbors, and framily were just as unenthusiastic about the move as we were, making the time leading up to our move all the more gut-wrenching.
Seeing the potential and knowing that this was the right move for us professionally, I began focusing on the good. I focused on those little seemingly insignificant positives about the move – the unlimited internet, taking a shower with the peace of mind that you are not going to be scalded without warning and for no apparent reason, the big kitchen, a basement that doesn’t flood every May, and having a million well-placed closets. All of those things, more prayer, and the wise words of a couple of framily members (you know who you are), gave me peace – not excitement, but peace.
Change is hard… it’s harder when you’re happy. But, here we are; one week of packing, three days of moving, seven trailer loads of stuff, one lost (and found) blankie, and several ounces of breastmilk scattered down six miles of road (don’t ask, or do it’s a pretty good story) later, and we have survived. We’re unpacked… mostly. And, we are settling in.
While I don’t love the multitude of sandburs in the yard, or our tiny refrigerator, I am finding more little seemingly insignificant positive things to focus on, and fall in love with, in our new little slice of Sandhills heaven. And with each new day, I am inching closer to something similar to excitement.
Hello! I’m Terryn – the wife, mother, food safety enthusiast, Stormy Kromer fanatic who has slightly (okay, a lot) random tendencies, dabbles in photography, and shares (maybe a little too much) here at FFB.
Best of luck in your new adventure!!I look forward to reading about your new life and pictures.
Thanks, Katie! There is definitely potential for some really stellar photography to happen here! 😉
You will make that house a home in no time and have so many adventures. Keep your chin up and chest out!
Thanks, Buzzard!
Good luck adjusting to your new home … I hope you continue to inch closer to excitement! 🙂 I can so relate to your feelings with the decision. A few years ago, my husband was offered a job out of state and we spent an agonizing week making our decision. It’s hard to be an adult and have to make the decisions, isn’t it!?
Oh my goodness, yes – adulting is so hard sometimes! I know that this was the best decision we could have made, but I may or may not still be praying for that spoiler alert… hehe!
Oh man. I know the feeling! Still trying to settle in to our new place. Mixed emotions!
Thanks, Kay! Maybe we can exchange some prayers that each of us settles and transitions into our new homes/roles smoothly. 😉
Best of luck in this new opportunity! You all will do great things, I know it!
Thank you for reading and for the well-wishes, Laurie! It is greatly appreciated! 🙂
You will make this house your new home. You can get a new fridg and you will all make new friends. Main thing is your family and they are all there for you. God Bless all of you.
Thanks, Deb! 🙂
I totally related with this! We just moved a week ago also…. To North Dakota. Moving is never easy but this time it was super tough.. Love your posts! Best of luck to you guys!!
Thanks, Shianna! I do feel pretty blessed that we didn’t move out of state, or even across the state. I will say a prayer for you and a smooth transition into your new place. 🙂
Terryn my thoughts and prayers are with you as you settle into your new home, new routines and yes, new family and friends. Can a person ever have enough family and friends? If home is where the heart is then I have no doubt that all will be well with your soul very soon!! Hugs to you!!
You make a couple of valid points, Joan! Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers!
Oh such a surprise but just pray that you settle in nicely and the future is bright for you? Let us know where you moved to!! Best wishes!
Thanks for you kind words and prayers, Jan! 🙂
Congratulations!? I know you’ll do fine! It was tough when we moved from Norfolk here. All our friends/family are there. You are right where you are supposed to be, even if you don’t see it right now. Sometimes the opportunity whispers instead of knocks. I love our place and am so glad we took the plunge to move. I would have never met you or your great family if we hadn’t. 😉
There is so much truth in what you said, Carolyn! I am not sad that you guys moved – you’re awesome and I’m glad to know you! 🙂
Thanks for the encouragement!