Pioneers, Pilgrims, and perspective

A few days ago we went to Plimouth plantation, a re-creation of the first settlement that came on the Mayflower.  Now I am not a history buff, so times and dates somewhat escape me, but the big rock says 1620.  I've grown up with stories about the pioneers, how they gave up so much to make their way out west, their struggles, and their strengths.  While I appreciated the legacy they left for their posterity I often struggled to feel a real connection, or to fully comprehend that strength they must have possessed to continue faithfully in their trials.

As we stood in Plimouth plantation, overlooking the vastness of the ocean I had such a deep sense of wonder over this colony - they gave up family or any comfort's they had in Europe for what?  Largely for the freedom to worship God according to the dictates of their own hearts.

Maybe we can't fully comprehend something until we need to, or until we are faced with something that ties us to another individual, present or past.  As I was thinking of the pilgrims, it led me back to the stories of the pioneers.  In some small sense I feel a kinship with them at this time.  I have embarked to take my family to an area we don't know, with little assistance from friends or family, to make (if you will) a new life.  As Lot's wife, I have been looking back quite a bit in the last few days, wishing for the house I used to have, the friends I used to have etc... As I stood looking out over a small colony overlooking the ocean,


contemplating what these brave men, women and children did for their God, I gained a greater perspective for my own life.  I was humbled to think, that while yes I am embarking into new territory, I am doing so with the comforts of life all around me.  I do not have a cow in my backyard during the heat of summer, muck in the streets or lack of any kind of coolant to keep my food.  I have a beautiful home, loving family and friends that are just an electronic wire away, and most important the love and assurance of the Lord.

I was grateful for the trip to Plimouth to remind me, that I am not alone, others have embarked on pioneering adventures before me and if I continue on in Faith, I need not look back as Lot's wife, but look forward with a steadfast fast in Christ, and all will be well.

The big move

So I had planned on posting every sunday, but unfortunately just got internet back yesterday - so updates:

And they made it

With no Keith around 4-wheel
moving becomes all muscle, no
trailer.  6 men later - oh yeah
They got this thing!!

I've decided moving... is like having a baby.  The initial idea is exciting but a little scary.  You start planning and the anticipation builds.  Over several months you start picking out new things for the house and getting ever more invested in the idea.  Then there are some bumps or scares along the road.  The actual move takes work and effort, you're exhausted after all the boxes are actually in the house.  After several nights with few hours of sleep due to the lack of a mattress, staying up unloading boxes. trying to find the smallest things that normally have their place but are now who knows where.  You vow never to move again.  Then slowly you settle in to a new routine, the house becomes familiar.  You can turn a light switch on without searching for it, you recognize the little squeaks the hardwood makes, picking them out from the other sounds around.  As time continues on maybe someday, when the partial amnesia kicks in, you forget about the pain, the hard work, the plans not going quite according to plan, and eventually there may come a time that you decide - oh just one more move, we're ready for the adventure and challenge - and then starts the next addition to your family scrapbook -a new home

After the work of the move, the frustration of a new computer system at work, and not knowing where to even go for groceries.  The Lord sent me this tender mercy.  I took a few minutes to marvel at the Lord's creations as I watched the sunset through the "forest" of my backyard.  Thank you heavenly father for reminding me, that with thee I am more than my small self and can do great things with thee by my side.  

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Service = home sweet home

Before we left I felt somewhat displaced, living out of boxes in someone else's basement; but it was quite an adventure and we had great friends to share it with.  MA: first 2 weeks, still living out of boxes in someone else's home, but this time no best friends to share it with.  Needless to say my fake camera smile is wilting.  So... when having a bad day make someone else's day better.
While we haven't had the joy of moving into our own home, and I could be caught up with all the things on my to do list  We decided to go help another church member move. By the end of the night we were laughing, made some new friends (HUGE since we've been feeling a little lonely and displaced).  Overall a super fun chance to give service!!

The big move

So we made it to Massachusetts.  Adderly and I flew in, the rest of the family will be driving out.  I have now promised several people that in addition to my normal introspections (actually probably just talking to myself), I will also keep people up to date with the goings on of our family (which probably means pictures as well.)  Who knew that to get a blog following you just need to move across the country.  I guess my life just wasn't that interesting before.

So I am far from a big city girl; okay actually a country girl.  So nothing like getting wet by diving right in.  We decided not only to fly to Boston, but to use the local transit system to get home.  Navigating the bus, the subway and the commuter rail was a little unnerving, but we survived - and smiled along the way.  Normally I pack quite light, but in order to get all of our belongings here we had to pack a little heavy.  Addie wasn't loving the 2 bag luggage idea as she had to carry them both, but she was a trooper and kept up well.
                                                         
 
                                             
             I am so excited to have a week                With just Addie.  We are going
             to head shopping, and then just                hang for a bit.  I haven't had
            down time in a while so I am                   looking forward to some
                                                             quiet time.

 So again, small town girl - I thought the train station was cool.  Actual tracks with different trains on each one.  Everyone standing around waiting for their train to come in.  Even the conductors were dressed well - like conductors.  I felt like I was in a movie or something.  It was actually really fun.

Once we had some time to settle into our house sitting, I was able to reflect on how much I love my family.  It sounds awesome to have some quiet time but it gets really quiet really fast.  Sometimes family life can get a bit crazy - but those are the times we remember.  At the end of the day, or in these quiet moment it's the memories that count.

I also had some time to laugh at myself.  I'm not sure how my husband or my MA's put up with me.  I've found myself to be quite a slob.  I woke up this morning to dishes in the sink, cupboards open, and dirty floors.  Who made such a mess I thought, then I had to giggle, because I'm the only one here.  Can't very well blame someone else for this one.  I never realized just how much Stuart did until he wasn't here.  And Heidi/Lindsey sorry about all the open cupboards, I'm sure you went behind me all day closing everything I left open in absentmindedness.