Six months. Such a short period of time when I consider the average length of a human lifetime. These six months, however, have encompassed some of the most difficult moments of my life. And for that, I am supremely joyful, for out of those moments came growth that I have longed for to take place. On this journey, I have met some of the most interesting, eccentric, and gracious people I've ever had the privilege to know. The Lord truly prepared the way, because at each stop, I came away with something new and different. I don't want to speak for Scott, Britton, Emerson, or Rachel- they have their own stories, which I believe they would love to sit down and tell you. I do want to speak to them, though:
Britton- You are my brother, through and through. Your constant willingness to give and not keep tabs on what others owed you in return was humbling, inspiring, and alleviated alot of stress. I love your ability to make everyone laugh, coupled with being able to be serious and listen when others needed it. Thank you for investing so much in Emerson- you were honestly like a third parent, and this journey was where I most needed that help. You didn't only help with Em, but I could see in you a genuine love for him- you have no idea how much that means to a parent to see others adore your child. Since I married Scott, I've hoped for the opportunity to get to know you- I got that opportunity and I can't wait for more adventures together!
Rachel- You truly made the most of this journey. You didn't waste the time given you, and that is an amazing quality to have so early in life. You have many stories to tell and knowlege to share! I didn't get to know you how I wanted to. I wasn't always sure how to break through to you, but I believe the Lord will open up doors for us in the future. Many people don't get to experience the things that we have experienced together, therefore what we have and what we could have is irreplaceable. I love you , sister.
Emerson- You were the star of this show! You put up with more than any child should have to, and my respect and love for you is mature beyond both our years. You are my delight, my cross to bear, and many days, the very breath that keeps me going.
Scott- You know. I don't need to write much to you, but to say thank you. You have stayed with me for five and a half years, and in the last six months we have grown more together than in those five years combined. I adore you with a love grown out of undying loyalty, painful adversity, and peaceful healing- an unconditional, eternal love. To say more would be a disservice- Love is where we start and end.
I am very excited and anxious for the next season of Life. I started this journey believing that Scott and I would find a new place for our family to settle, somewhere natural and beautiful. And we found many places that fit this description, many places where we could have dug down our roots and stayed. In the end, however, I realize that those beautiful places lacked a certain luster without the people that I love. Towards the end of the journey, I felt much like Christopher McCandless (Into the Wild) at the close of his life. Unlike Chris, though, I am given a second chance. I have the opportunity to invest in relationships like I haven't done in many years. Therefore, Scott and I have decided to spend some more time in Toledo, Ohio, where our journey first began. We are not sure how long we will live there, but we will not leave until the Lord releases us, secure in the knowledge that we have poured as much Love into the Body in Toledo as they have already poured into us.
I will continue the blog! So please keep following. The adventure has just begun! And I extend a huge thank you to all of you who are reading my words and looking at my pictures- it means alot to me to have your interest and loyalty. Feel free to continue to leave feedback as well, I thoroughly enjoy reading what you have to say.
Let the Journey continue!
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