Being a California girl born and raised means my life has been filled with sun, busyness, traffic, countless brown dry fields, more sun, tons of places to shop, a diverse community, oh and lots of sun!!! Every part of my life is rooted in California...my family, my friends, the place I said "I Do" to my husband, the hospitals where my precious children took their first breaths...everything.
On September 22, we packed up all our belonging and headed on a Five day cross-country adventure to our new home in New Bern, North Carolina...my heart was torn. Saying goodbye to everyone and everything I've known my entire life was beyond difficult, but in the tears and heartbreak, God reminded me of His promises!!
When we began this adventure we bathed it in prayer...from the hospital and doctors that would treat Emma, to the company Matthew would work for, to the city we would live in, to the schools and church we would attend, to the beach we would play at...and the list goes on. As a family, we sought God's direction for every step we would take. We are confident in the Lord's leading and are excited to see what the future holds for us.
After living in North Carolina for close to a month...we have learned some important lessons...
1. North Carolina is filled with the most friendly, loving, kind people I have ever met!!! It has taken me by surprise to meet truly genuine people in the most unique places. One thing is definitely true, New Bern was voted North Carolina's most charming city...and it is very deserved!! However, with that being said...the "friendliness" of people in unnatural to me and can be very intrusive and uncomfortable.
2. Y'all is a staple in everyone's language...even the Asian man doing Abby's nails!! The southern twang we hear everywhere we go is extremely catchy and strangely comforting.
3. It rains here!!! We have received over 12 inches of rain in the 3 weeks we have been here...and more is due to arrive. We even had to prepare for our first potential hurricane, which was an interesting experience!! But through it...we have learned the value of the storm and the joy of dancing in the rain...literally!!
4. We live on the border of New Bern and Havelock...both are small towns, under 30,500 people. Havelock, NC is the home of the Marine Corp Air Station. Our town is very patriotic...we actually live between. Two Marines and the woman across the street is retired from the Navy. We constantly have jet fly by's which have come to actually be a loud yet beautiful reminder of the sound of Freedom!!!
5. North Carolina loves festivals!!! Since we have been there has been a Seafood Festival, MumFest, Mullet Fest (which is a fish festival, not a hair style festival...I was a little bummed to find out I wouldn't be able to see some "Joe Dirt business in front, party in the back" hair.) This past weekend was the Chili Festival. I believe the Eastern Coastal County Fair begins this week...it's a lot of fun and always provides weekend entertainment.
6. Most people attend church...since being here, every person I meet invites me to their church. Also...we have A LOT of churches in this area...literally...my google yellow pages search yielded over 200 churches in the area!!
7. Life is better with a big glass of sweet tea...and you will be happy to know that any restaurant you go to serves it!! Just ask for tea and it's coming to you sweet!!! If you want unsweetened tea, you actually have to ask and be specific...or you will be enjoying the sweeter things in life!! Haha
8. North Carolina is one of the most beautiful places I have been to. The sky is bluer, the grass and trees are greener...now this may be because I have lived in dirty, dusty, brown Bakersfield, California where we were in a drought most of my life...but I am like a kid in a candy store as I find new roads to explore and stop to take in God's amazing and beautiful creation.
9. One word...mosquitoes!!!!! I think these little blood suckers have scarred me for life!!! Haha. The other day, on one of my explorations of the National Forrest I live in...I came across a place where I am convinced Heaven meets the Earth...it was the most beautiful sight. When I jumped out of my car to run over and look a forrest ranger pulled up behind me. After a little conversation with him about moving to NC, he warned me about these little pest and told me to stay in the sun if I didn't want to be eaten alive...I left with a few bites and plan to return covered in my favorite perfume...OFF bug spray!!!
10. Since arriving, I have been reminded of the joy of being a mother. My sole focus has been my family since arriving in NC. I have put my business on hold, in order to turn our house into a home and to reconnect with my kids. Life passes us by so quickly...my girls have grown and matured so much and I have missed a lot due to my own busyness. I have committed my time to them and in return God has blessed our relationships and have opened the door a new closeness and love. My heart is full and I am so thankful for each of my daughters and their unique personality.
Moving across the USA is difficult...it challenges eveything about who you are and what you want to be. It is lonely and isolating at times. There are days when the silence is deafening. I miss my family and friends dearly and struggle at times with the distance between us. My girls have committed to praying every night that our family would relocate to North Carolina!! haha However, through the challenges...an amazing adventure awaits us...one that has brought us closer together as a family, that has reminded us of true love, that has shown us God's grace, mercy and loving kindness and an adventure that I am thrilled to be part of and look forward to the next turn in the road.
A few nights ago we finally found a Chinese restaurant...my fortune said...
Remember at the end of the road, there's always a new path.
We were at the end of our road in Bakersfield, CA...today we are finding our way down our new path in New Bern, NC...here's to finding JOY in our JOurneY!!!
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