Life in Lowcountry!

   On Sunday, March 10th of 2013 I left home to start the new chapter in mine and Steven's life here in Charleston, South Carolina. With all of the excitement with our long awaited honeymoon, going away parties and get togethers I really never had a moment to let it all sink in...that was until the Saturday night before we headed out. We said our "goodbyes", shared hugs and kisses with family then came the stillness. I was in bed and out came the flood. Every time I closed my eyes I saw baby Rhett, my Cole Man, my Addy Bug, and my LuLu. I cried (more like sobbed) for what seemed like hours while Steven just held me. It was all he could do. I do not know if you have to be an aunt to truly understand, but I like to think of those precious babies as my own. I would give them the entire world if I could. They hold my heart in their hands. I thank God everyday for technology. If it weren't for FaceTime and Skype I don't know if I would make it without coming home every single weekend just to see their faces.

   Many people have asked me, "How are you going to be able to leave your family and move away?" It's simple. It is BECAUSE of my family that I am able to take this journey away from home for the first time in my life. My family has taught me that they will remain my family no matter the distance between us. They have shown me that there is no amount of miles that could come between the love of a family. There are no words to express my unconditional love for each and every one of them. For the longest time I considered myself the "black sheep" out of us four siblings, but it has taken me a while to finally realize that I am just the opposite. I am a combination of all three of my siblings, and I could not be happier having a little bit of all of them in me. They have all shaped me and made me into the person I am today. Their love for me has only made me stronger- it is one of the many things that has allowed me to make this huge change in my life. My parents have been solid rocks. They have encouraged me throughout, and I will forever be grateful. I love calling home mid-day listening as my Daddy picks up the phone and picturing the exact scene as if I were at home... him sitting in his recliner (the one that's so beat up it looks like it could fall apart at any second) and of course he's watching an old western. And of course when my Mom calls... it's your typical scene from Sweet Home Alabama where she and my Dad are talking to each other but not to me. It makes me laugh every time. It's moments like that I will cherish forever. It's also moments like that that make miss them all the more.

   There's just something about the place I have called home for the past 26 years of my life. It's a small town, and it's a place that I will never be ashamed to call home. I guess it's only the people who have been born and raised there that will understand. It's a place where everyone knows your name, and if they don't they will be sure to ask you or someone else for that matter. It's the place I developed lifelong friendships. It's the place where my family still remains, and I will cherish it forever. It will also always be home to me. Leaving out early that Sunday morning was one of the hardest moments of my life. It was a while before the knot in my throat fated away, and the tears subsided.

So fortunate for this friend. We were able to have a little dinner before I left, and I am so grateful for moments such as this. Love you Becky!

The Shelton crew threw us a little "going away" party!! It was SO perfect and much needed. These girls & guys are so dear to my heart.

LIFE IN LOWCOUNTRY

   We've been living in Ladson (a small suburb outside of Charleston) for a little over a week now. Boxes are beginning to finally empty, and items are starting to find a place in this house. It is hard... getting used to calling this my "home." I am not sure it will ever be the "home" I left behind. However, it is the new "home" that I am becoming familiar with- my husband is here and sometimes that is just all you need. While my pilot is at work learning the odds and ends of C-17 life and preparing for deployment I have been getting things situated here at the house- officially becoming a bit stir-crazy after a week in a half. We plan to visit a nearby church this coming up Sunday, and we are very hopeful to see what God has in store for us. I believe it would have been a bit easier making the move during summertime as it would be closer to the school year starting. I have a while to wait-- that is if I am fortunate enough to get a teaching job at one of the many schools in our area. 

   Steven and I ask that you continue to pray for us. Pray that this transition becomes easier. Pray that God calls us to a church family that we can start getting involved in. Pray that the upcoming job search for myself brings new and great opportunities. Pray for Steven as he prepares for a possible deployment for July and August. 

   We miss home, but we are so excited to start this new chapter in our lives. Change is never easy, but we are keeping our hearts open to new adventures. Our first Friday night here we took the 25 minute drive to downtown, and we walked the streets of Charleston! It was so beautiful... I cannot believe this is my new home! It's hard to believe that "date night" will now be going downtown and picking one of the many famous restaurants in Charleston! We are so fortunate and very blessed.