Something New

When I was a sophomore in high school, my aunt, whom I looked up to and adored, mentioned that one day she took a long lunch and went to the movies - alone; and had a great time. It struck me as strange at the time that someone would want to do a traditionally social event alone - by choice.
As time has passed, I have thought of her getting fried rice and watching a movie from time to time. It dawned on me that it really was a sign of being comfortable in your own skin to enjoy spending time by yourself. This realization hit me during a season in my life when I didn't want to go to the grocery store with out a friend. I was definitely not there - but I wanted to be.
Things have changed. I have lived a lot of life since those days. Today, after I dropped the girls off at friends' houses to spend the night I decided I'd go grab a bite to eat - alone! I didn't even think about what I was doing until I was asking for a table for one. I expected to feel awkward, and it just never happened. I actually enjoyed myself. I also got a lot of work done.

Don't get me wrong, I look forward to dinner with family and friends. I just realized today that I have come to a new place, and that I am glad. Being who I am all by myself is okay with me. That is refreshing. You should try it! 

Long Over Due

I know that this post is long over due. I have been formulating what I should say about Jason's new job for quite some time and just haven't settled on how to describe the whole thing. Probably because it is so wonderful and stinks so bad all at the same time. Let me start from the beginning...
Jason has been hired by the State Department to work in US Embassies abroad! It is THE. PERFECT. JOB. Not just for him. This job suits our entire family. Most parents want to give their children the world - we actually will get that opportunity!!!!! International schools, new languages, new cultures...... We are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. I couldn't be more excited.
Their is just one minor detail: training. Jason is moving tomorrow to Washington DC for 9 months of in-depth training. He isn't going to a war zone, there are roads between here and there, technology is amazing. I still just can't fathom the remainder of this year living as a separated family. The longest we have ever been apart was the week Jason went to Costa Rica. I am REALLY used to having him around. I am worried about how the girls will handle this transition. It just plain stinks.

Here is what I know:
* This is God's will for our family. We will be stretched beyond what we thought we could handle. We will grow. We will be grateful when we look back for what God taught us through this time.
* This is a season. It will pass. The next phase will be the greatest payoff and it will be worth the wait.
* Aside from the strong possibility of some laundry emergencies - we will be okay. I am pretty tough. I am raising some tough little princesses. We got this!
* I am about to gain a HUGE new appreciation for: my husband, single mothers, and army wives.

Do me a favor: don't ask me how I am. I am living in a tough season. That is how I am. I will probably cry if you ask and I really hate crying. I never mastered a pretty cry. But don't worry, I am okay. I have a father that supplies everything I need for the day - EVERYDAY.
I promise not to complain or whine. This is a challenge we will walk through finding great joy. I will be teaching my girls to be thankful, to find joy in trials, and to trust in God when things are tough. I have nothing to complain about. I have an amazing husband with an amazing career opportunity that will lead our family into amazing adventures.
So I say: bring it on! It will be the most impossible thing and it will lead to more impossible things. But God promises more than we can ever ask or imagine. For me and my family - He has delivered BIG. We can only be grateful and trust that He holds us close.
I appreciate your prayers and love. I'm certain I am going to need them all.