We are headed to a sunnier part of the country. A winterless, soulless place where sweaters and snowy Christmases don't exist. For those who don't already know,we are moving to Florida. I have to admit that I am terrified. I have lived in the comfortable Midwest my entire life. I love it here. I love Chicago football, falling leaves and pumpkin bread, and I love my family and friends. If I tried to pretend that I'm not having a hard time with this, it would be futile. I know me, and my family knows me, and I'm just not that person that can fake it. I am frightened that I won't make friends, or find a place to fit in. I'm scared that I'm going to hate it. I don't like sand or the ocean. I don't really like Disney. So now what? Keep on the sunny side. Let's list the positive things about moving to the Orlando area.
1. Its warm all year. (Both a positive and a negative). However, this means not lugging around heavy coats, boots, car seats and what have you. I don't have to trek three smallish kids in and out and on errands in snowy weather. YAY!
2. We will be living in a place TONS of people visit at least once a year, which means, I hope, that we will have lots of visitors stopping in for dinner and conversation and helping us stay connected back home.
3. Full day kindergarten. Need I say more.
4. I won't be working for a bit. Which is also both good and bad. I need to get the kids settled once we go, and the cost of living is slightly lower where we'll be. So I may have the opportunity to stay home with the kids instead of working. I am both excited and terrified by that prospect. No offense to SAHM's but won't I get bored? How will I make friends if I"m not working?
5. A fresh start. Its a little exciting. Moving away and starting completely over. I can be whoever I want to be. Maybe I'll pretend to be British. I can't talk in an English accent and act as though a sweatshirt really is a jumper, not that we'll be wearing them all that often.
Right now that's the best I can do. But pray for me, and for my family, including all the extended family we are leaving here in Illinois to go on this adventure. This is a hard move for everyone, but a necessary one. I am trying hard to rely on God and not worry about all the things I could be worrying about. But that is also difficult for me.
"Beloved listen to me. Don't believe all that you see. Don't you ever let anyone tell you that there's anything that you need, but me." - Derek Webb
