I'm Back!

It has been a while since I last posted. Those of you who have been faithful to continue following me, thank you! "Every journey begins with a single step".

We have been on quite a journey these past 3 years. My husband found a good job in MN and he moved away from me and our four children in MA to begin work. We put our home on the market in MA and waited. A year later, we finally got an offer and said, "Goodbye" to our home with 2 acres, our friends and neighbors and we packed up the last of our things in two cars, our four kids, our dog and two old cats, and headed West to MN. I will tell you about traveling across half of a country with two cats and four kids next time!

 We will never say "goodbye" to the memories that were created in those 10 years. 

We are now reunited as a family in MN.
We found a foreclosed home in a charming town North of the  "Twin Cities". It needs some work, but I think in time we will make it feel like ours. 
Our four children are adjusting very well to the changes we have been through. I think children have a better way of coping with change than we adults do. 

They have made school and neighbor friends easily. They have each other as well; and I have them. They have become my closest friends through this journey.
I grieve "home". Home had become the East Coast for me. Even though I was born in Southern California and lived most of my life there. There is something magical (I don't think that is the right word) about New England.

I feel like I grew more in New England than I ever did in So. Cal. (I definitely weigh more)!
Of course, I experienced some monumental things in our 10 years in Massachusetts. This may play a role in my love for this area of our country.
We are now in the Mid-West. I wonder what kind of transforming experiences we will have here?
Seeking the blessings in the journey, Rebecca 

bittersweet goodbyes

My Beloved is on his way to Minnesota (he is actually there now). He begins work at his new job tomorrow. I am so proud of him. It's been 20 months since he lost his job of 10 years. He has landed a good job after many searches and interviews with other companies. 

Many people are sad to see him go. He has been a teacher of junior high school students in a Bible study class once a week. His students made him a strawberry cake and gave him a photo of themselves so, he will not forget them. How could he? They are each unique and amazing young people who have really enjoyed having his as their teacher. He's the type of teacher that uses current events and movies (like Kung Fu Panda) as examples of faith and Bible lessons. 

 He had planned on leaving early Friday morning for the 27 hour drive from our home to MN. As the day progressed, it was closer to the time our four children come home from school. Even though he had said "good-bye" to them that morning, he needed one more "good-bye". 

 Here he is in a tender moment with our Max. 

 Charlotte adores her Daddy and had to give him a  "smooch kiss".

Grant and Benjamin chased after him to say one last "good-bye". 

I wiped the tears from my cheeks and put on my strong Mommy face. He leaves with my heart. He plans on returning for Grant's birthday at the beginning of April. Until then, Carry On!