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This week we celebrate a full year of calling Georgia home. Looking back, I can still remember our first month. I still cannot believe we made such a drastic jump as a family. To say so much has changed would be an understatement ha! It was already enough to relocate, but to add a baby, a pandemic, and homeschooling has been a whole new level. What a difference a year has made when we said yes to our big faith move to Georgia. I’d love to share and reflect on how things have been for us.
So if you didn’t know, we used to live in Virginia and planted quite a lot of roots there. My favorite piece of Virginia art is this print from Mapiful. Mike and I have both lived in Northern VA for most of our adolescence into adulthood – and much of our married/family story is there.
At the time or our transition we both served and worked in ministry (I also taught art). We really felt God was shifting us into a new season. Mike and I didn’t know what it was, but knew change was coming. Well it came – and a door opened in Georgia. Mike serves as a pastor in a local church and I’m currently home with our four kids.
Georgia life is different.
Most days I wake up knowing we made the best decision, but I would be lying if I didn’t say I deeply miss home. It’s not easy to find a community that you’re able to grow in your faith, be vulnerable, and watch your kids enjoy as well. It’s also crazy to think how did I wear so many hats and try to stay engaged with my kids/family?
We ran hard in our previous season. I’m still processing that and know I’ll un package all this entails more in the new year. I frequenly have to remind myself that this was a faith move to Georgia, and there is fruit in faith moves.
We’ve grown in this faith move.
Our move was the catalyst to growing in areas I know needed our attention and intentional strengthening. I am forever grateful that Mike and I were given the gift of time to invest back into our kids, our marriage, and our own dreams.
One of the most significant areas of growth for us has been the discipleship of our kids. I didn’t realize how little part I was taking in helping our kids develop in their potential faith walks like true discussions about scripture, finding scripture, and just overall how faith and life intertwine.
I’ve loved how the boys and even myself have taken to scripture memorization and living out being Christ like.
Even in that it’s helped us be more consistent and hone in on the things we want for our family. Enjoying quality time, engaging fully in schooling – yep homeschool, and this urgency that we can’t assume we will always have time on our side.
The growth has been hard, but this all couldn’t have come at a better season.
There’s lots of dreaming…and working
At the beginning of the year I actually wrote down my goals. Even before we moved here we sat for days, hours, and prayed about what we really want to do…
And we’re doing it.
We’ve always had big goals and dreams so those that know us this part won’t surprise you ha! It’s been fun to dream and see how God is using passions and areas we love to come along and enhance what we see.
If you haven’t noticed I’ve been writing more and even had a few opportunities to speak this year. Mike has taken on some brand new things and it’s been fun to watch him thrive. The boys are currently in a sport which they’ve picked up naturally!
Everyone is imagining daily and learning to put the work to see those daydreams come true.
This move has been faith growing
Self discovery is a journey and a gift I needed to give myself right now. I felt lost after moving, not working, and not having the tangible relationships that I love. Though this year has been sweet, it’s been tough. This faith move to Georgia has certianly stretched us.
However, I really knew God was reminding me to trust in Him and see this as an opportunity to work, enjoy, and love the beauty of solitude. Not hoping to be more or be what I think others want – instead get quiet and engage who I am in Him…alone.
I’ve been trying to be a much better friend to the great and amazing friends I already have. Working at setting boundaries along with realistic goals. I’ve been doing the inside work with less focus on how others may perceive me.
The benefits have been endless.
Even though this is only a snapshot I can’t wait to share more. We are well and this year has been unexpectedly good to us.
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