Settling In

Sigh. So we moved to Kansas City. We drove in about two and a half weeks ago. Right now we are living in Liberty, just north-east of the city. Liberty is good ole' small town America, and John's parents live out in the country. After our long drive from Gainesville, we rounded those familiar country roads in the orange light of a summer evening, and the long leaning prairie grasses greeted us with a cheerful wave. There was family to welcome us, and fireflies to adorn the dewy darkness of the cool summer night. We have been getting unpacked and settled in to our little bedroom and bathroom suite downstairs. We have very much made it our own space, thanks to the graciousness of John's parents (will share pictures in another post). Right away, John went to work applying at ad agencies and design firms, and devising the most creative "cover letter" I've ever seen (which we will be putting together by hand, once the pieces are printed). I followed up on my paperwork to enroll as a "Special Instructor/Developmental Specialist" for Missouri's early intervention agency, First Steps (google it if you want to know more). I had a slight heart attack when they changed their credentialing requirements for my provider type. For a few days I thought I may not be able to do this job right away, and then with the help of the enrollment supervisor, I figured out that I will be able to meet the new requirements. Inhale. Exhale. Relax. The sunset skies, the rolling seas of golden grass, the stately trees, the singing birds, and the floating fireflies are really a balm for my soul. The most magnificent rainbow appeared two nights ago after an early evening downpour, and I felt a promise flutter in my heart. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He refreshes my soul. My cup overflows. 

A Note on Goodbyes

Beginning a few days ago, my husband and I, along with the help of the most wonderful friends and family, packed up the contents of our first home, held a rousing farewell fete, made many tearful goodbyes, and drove across seven states to our new home in Kansas City, Missouri. Saying goodbye to our loving, giving, creative, and inspiring friends, as well as my beloved family was difficult. To me, life is relationships. Life is people. My life in Gainesville was beautiful because of the people in it. I realized that saying goodbye to my friends and family is like forgiveness, in that it has to be worked out over time, even after you have said "goodbye." You have to work it out and live it out in your heart and in the things you do each day. To me, saying goodbye is not a finite thing, but a shifting and molding of relationships. This goodbye did not signal the end of these friendships and relationships. I do acknowledge that they will change in form, appearance, and frequency. I have no doubts, however, that I will be able to commune with my kindred spirits whether we talk and see each other regularly or rarely. Each relationship becomes part of your being, and I am a different, and a better person because of the people I lived my life with in Florida. My heart is aching in the background. But it is because I love and am loved so well. I believe, as Anne Shirley does, that there are ever so many kindred spirits in this world, even individuals who you wouldn't think so just by looking at them, and I am ready to find them in this new place I now call home.