moving to west virginia, august 2017

Almost heaven, West Virginia
Blue ridge mountains, Shenandoah river
Life is old there, older than the trees
Younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze

Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia
Mountain mamma, take me home
Country roads

It has been six months since we moved to West Virginia. I figured it was time I said something about it. We technically, haven't even been in our house six months since once we got here we were basically homeless. It was probably one of the most vulnerable times of my life so far. To uproot four babies and not have a place to solidly land was so scary. We came on a wing and prayer hoping we'd find a house in the school zone we wanted, and before school started, not knowing really anybody or where anything was.

While the first few weeks were rough, we were very lucky that so many things worked out. We found a house quickly, were able to get one within our budget, in the neighborhood we wanted to, and get paperwork to enroll kids in the school we wanted before the year started. We were able to convince the seller to let us rent it before we closed, and he let us move our stuff off the truck and into his porch, garage, and basement before he was moved out. We were blessed by many people giving us shelter, food, support, and physical help moving and cleaning.

I wouldn't say we're glad to have moved from what we've known for so long, but we are and have been happy. Chris pointed out that we had been in over a dozen people's homes after we got here. Life is a slower pace and we needed it badly. We were all feeling the effects of the life we were living in OKC, and I'm afraid of what would have happened had we kept going. Stepping out of that has given us a new perspective. We've had more time to just be with each other. It doesn't take any time to commute anywhere. It's a safe place. The helicopter mode has been lifted some. The kids are able to play outside by themselves and we don't worry as much. Everyone has been so helpful and nice.

This really has been a leap of faith for us. Chris wasn't happy in the environment he was working in. One of the components of our marriage is to be doing things to glorify and build God's kingdom. Where he was at just didn't seem to be doing that. So he went on a hunt for some place that he would find good work to do. While we were sad that meant ultimately leaving OKC for a while, we knew we had to jump on this opportunity. And I can say with 100% certainty this has been a good thing. Chris has flourished in his new job. It's been wonderful to hear him speak in chapel, see him not be so stressed, and excited about his classes and projects he's able to work on now. We're very proud of him!

I'm mostly momma and trying to organize all our belongings in the new house. A task that is overwhelming at times. With such short notice to pack and sell the house we didn't get to go through much, and this house is so different from our other house. That's another post though! I'm also teaching at OVU in the education department, so you know keeping up a little of the old pace. It's been really special to spend more time with the kids.

We've tried to explore some of our new environment,  but with life having to start immediately once we got here, and with a new baby it's been slow. WV has some really great things about it though, and we can't wait to discover more.