When Ben and I began our travel journey two years ago, I vaguely remember thinking that throughout this process it would be easy to determine where we wanted to “settle”. Wow. I was so wrong. If anything, living in multiple cities and multiple states has made us love everywhere. We truly want seven houses in seven cities and we want to float between them whenever our hearts desire. Our country is incredibly diverse and beautiful. I feel so fortunate to live here. New England was a dream that became a reality for us. Spending the fall of 2016 there was unlike anything I had ever experienced. All the post cards in the world could not prepare me for the scenic beauty there. I honestly believe that Heaven looks like New England in the fall. With all its’ beauty though, I knew that it could not be a permanent place for us.
Those are pretty much the only reasons that I could not live there. Other than those two things, I’m smitten! Moving back to Arkansas for a time was bittersweet for me during our travels. I have so many memories there, but I also don’t fit into the same space that I did when I left in 2014. If Arkansas is a square, I’m a circle. Nothing wrong with either shape. They are just different. Arkansas will always be the home of my childhood and young adult years, but for many reasons too numerous to name (and to complicated to explain) I don’t foresee an address there again. Never say never; so, I won’t. Washington state, specifically Seattle, was another place that blew my mind. I had honestly never been to the Pacific Northwest or given it much thought. I never knew I loved the outdoors, specifically mountains and hiking, until I lived in Washington. Living here was a game changer for me. I was blown away by the trees that towered taller than I had ever seen; By the lakes and coast lines, and mountains at every turn. The thing that is so desirable about Seattle is that it is an amazing city that offers every amenity expected, yet it is also possible to drive half an hour outside of the city and experience some of God’s most beautiful creations. While I love Washington, during our time there I knew I couldn’t live there permanently.
This leads us to Texas. I have a deep love for Texas. It has been the catalyst for so much growth in my adult life. It has been a springboard for new ideas, dreams, and friendships. Texas is so dear to me. Houston was (and still is) the biggest city on the planet to me. I can confidently navigate traffic anywhere else in the country now thanks to all of those driving lessons from less than happy campers on 290. It really is true. Everything is bigger in Texas. Dallas has also been a good place of respite for us after a busy year of travel. It has been so convenient to be close to family and friends, and it feels so similar to Houston. But, if I’m honest, it no longer feels like home. Similar to Arkansas, I am no longer the same shape as Texas. I have discovered things about myself on this journey, and values that I want to incorporate into my life, that Texas doesn’t hold. I’m sorry Texas. It’s not you, it’s me.
So, where are we headed next? If you have ever heard the song “Wagon Wheel” you may have an idea. …”Heading down south to the land of the pines I'm thumbing my way into North Carolina…” Specifically, Charlotte. The Queen City, as it is nicknamed, has been on our radar since our Southern Charm road trip last fall. Ben and I visited Charlotte and fell in love. It holds the charm of New England, along with some history too, but it also holds some southern values that I appreciate. It is the perfect blend of New England meets the South. Ahhhhh. Originally Ben and I were considering a move there later this year and planned to spend the summer in Texas. However, many of you know that Ben’s brother is battling leukemia right now, so we thought it would be best to get out to North Carolina a bit sooner to offer help to his family if they need it during this season. I’m very grateful that before this season began, Charlotte was put into our hearts. In a crazy turn of events (which I will call “I’m type A and this is just how I do life”) we already had an apartment picked out in Charlotte from our visit back in February. When we decided to pull the trigger on this move, I called the complex and they had the exact townhome available we were hoping for with the exact move in date we need. So, once Memorial Day rolls around this year, we will trade our Texas plates for North Carolina. Here are a few things that I am excited about experiencing in this part of the country:
While I am so excited about this journey, I am also nervous because no matter how many times I move it is always hard to trade something familiar for something unfamiliar. It is hard for me to leave family and friends behind and know that I will be farther from them than I already am now. However, it has been a while (years for some) since we have shared the same cities with our closest friends and those friendships are still going strong. We communicate with friends and family regularly, vacation together, and prioritize those relationships. So, I am confident that those in our inner circle will remain right there. Some things that I have begun to pray over during this season include:
As I mentioned earlier we will be living in a two-bedroom townhome. Meaning, please come visit. We love hosting others and we are so grateful to the friends and family who have visited us throughout our travels. We seriously welcome any of you to stay with us, ski with us, hike with us, beach with us, eat all the food with us. North Carolina makes for a great get away, and it will be even cheaper if your room is “free ninety free”. I am convinced that life is lived better in community. I am continuously grateful for the community that Ben and I share around us, and I look forward to creating community in our new city.
I am excited and hopeful about this new season. I am gearing up for a fun summer full of travel and new experiences. I am also looking forward to experiencing a beautiful fall on the East Coast and being close enough to Tuscaloosa, AL to sneak in some weekend getaways to watch the Crimson Tide cream the rest of the SEC this football season. And we all know that for me, the ski slopes cannot open soon enough. I remain grateful to God for these seasons of life and I hope to live them well. As always, thank you for reading about our journey.
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