One Heck of a MOVE!

A couple months ago, deep in my Winter season blues, I told Dallas that I felt like I was in a funk of sorts.  I felt like I needed a change.  To use my exact words, I said, "Honey, I feel like we should just pack everything up and move to Florida!"

Do I really have some love affair with Florida?  No.  But at the time I was trying to get the point across that we needed some kind of change in our lives and Florida seemed like the most dramatic place to say.  Did I want to leave the Bay area?  Of course not.  I absolutely love it here!  But I was thinking more on the lines of moving apartments, finding a house somewhere with grass for Daxton to play in.  

We both laughed at my idea and went to sleep.

The next day, an email was sent out from Corporate headquarters informing managers that there were job transfer opportunities in the Private Audit branch of the PWC firm in Florida.  Dallas called me immediately, laughing at how ironic the situation was turning out to be.  He replied asking for more information out of pure curiosity.

Fast forward a few weeks, while on our long drive to Utah...

Dallas knows me well.

He knows that change scares me to death, although I realize it is very good for you.  He knows that I get attached to people and places quickly and deeply.  So he was very smart to bring up the actual idea of moving in an environment I couldn't escape.  There was no way out of that car and hours of forced listening to be had.

By the time we reached Utah, Dallas had stated all the different pros and cons of accepting the job transfer.  While listening to everything, I couldn't help but hear an excitement in his voice.  While I was focused on the negative of moving away from family and friends, he was focused on the incredible adventures we'd be able to have as a family and the opportunity to stretch himself professionally in a totally new way.

I have to admit, that I questioned who I had become over the past few years.  I was the one that jumped at the opportunity to live in Uganda and New Zealand for several months.  I was the one that had no fear of traveling and adventure seeking.  Why was I so scared now?

There are several different reasons I think I reacted this way, but I won't go into them now.  What I will say, is that I'm so grateful that I have an amazing supportive husband.  I love that he wanted to make this life changing decision together.  That he honestly would have passed this opportunity willingly if I had told him to.  He reemphasized that we are partners in life and that we could only move if it felt right to both of us.

So the prayer process began...

It is such a humbling experience to know that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and knows us individually.  He hears when we pray and comforts us when we are in need of comfort.  He also can give us an overwhelming sense of peace when caught in difficult decisions.

I love the Bay area.

I have loved living a few minutes from five of my nephews and nieces, brother, and sister-in-law.

I have loved the many dear friends we have made whether it be through church or our employment.

I love the diversity and absolute beauty of California.

I love that it is close enough for people to make it a frequent travel spot.

I will always have a deep love for San Francisco and the memories we've created here.

Having said that,

I am excited about this upcoming change, although very nervous.

I'm excited to be able to live within minutes of our Aunt, Uncle, and cousins.

I'm excited to be able to swim in a warmer ocean.

I'm excited we will only be a few hours from Disneyworld and the Bahamas.

I'm excited to start a brand new adventure with our little family.

So at the end of the summer we will be "packing up and moving to Florida!"  There is nowhere further from my home state, Washington, but we are excited for our upcoming adventures and FULLY expect LOTS of visitors!

In other words...COME VISIT!