It’s late and I am weary. I have said my goodbyes and I have cried my tears. A few weeks ago, I thought that this final night in the town that has long been my home would be filled with emotion and anxiety, but right now I feel neither of those things. I think I am done. I don’t have any more goodbyes left and my eyes are, for the moment, dry. My throat isn’t burning and my stomach has finally settled. I’m ready to move forward.
It’s still hard. If I think too long about the people we are leaving behind, the emotion wells up again so I am choosing to not focus on that. What’s the point? It’s time to move forward and you know what?
I’m excited.
It took me a little while to feel comfortable admitting that. To do so somehow felt like a betrayal to the city and the people I love so dearly. But I also dearly love the state of Florida and I am thrilled to be able to call it my home. I’ve always wanted to be a true Floridian (I was born there so somehow I think it’s in my blood). I can’t wait to be close to my family. And the beach. In that order, of course. I’m excited to meet new people and make new friends but, of course, keep the old – I hear that one’s silver and the other gold.
I’m nervous, too.
I wish we had a house to go to. That’s been a bit of a struggle. God has been so faithful in this entire process and every single detail has worked out smoothly and easily and perfectly. Until we began house hunting and then suddenly the flow came to a screeching halt. But one thing I know – He hasn’t forgotten that tiny little detail. And the right house is out there waiting for us.
I’m trying to be patient as I wait for it.
So tomorrow we hit the road. And it’s going to be an adventure. We’ll go to Arkansas first to stay with family for a week. From there we’ll head to the Sunshine State. Just me, three kids and the dog. Alone. I can’t decide who will need to be sedated more – them or me.
I kid.
Maybe.
You’ll never know and I’ll never tell.
St. Louis will always be home. I have duel citizenship. I consider that a blessing. We have been blessed abundantly beyond anything I could have ever asked or imagined in this town. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would so enjoy coming back here after Lee and I had lived in Dallas for two years. We didn’t want to leave Texas either.
Funny how things work out, isn’t it?
Yes, I’m excited to see what comes next. We’re going to be alright. This process, more than any other, has shown me the value of clinging to one another. We have each other. It’s really all we need.
Friends are nice too, though.
I am saying see ya to most of my friends. I value friendship deeply and I am not one to move on and not look back. The people in my past have shaped who I am today. And I value loyalty. To me, friendships are not dispensable. I’ve never fully understood how they could be such to others. And so I look forward to continuing to grow and love the people God has placed in my life, both past and present. I cling to those relationships.
It makes me grateful for Facebook. The value of the internet is also very real to me now.
I do covet your prayers as we travel. Safety, Sanity and other such necessities. And we long to establish ourselves quickly into a new community. A new church family to serve and be blessed by. A new house to make our home and neighbors with whom to create memories. Will you pray for us? And every once in awhile shoot us an email if you’re so inclined. It would bless us greatly to hear from you.
And now I’m off to sleep. Tomorrow a new chapter begins.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We love you and will miss you dearly.
Thanks Paul. We’ll miss you too! Every time I wear my New Balance shoes I’ll think of you and smile. 🙂
And this new chapter of your life will be as interesting and exciting as the previous ones. You are perfectly writing your life story book relying on God. Wish you patience and peace, excitement and nice emotions. Hugs.
Thank you Sveta. 🙂
(sniff!) Don’t forget the sunscreen!
We’re researching a good dermatologist. Ha!
Excited for all your excitement and new beginnings. Have I mentioned that I live like 45 minutes from Florida? 😉
No you HAVEN’T mentioned that! Interesting…
Kelly, I have followed your blog for sometime and your spirit is truly an inspiration. Keep following God’s plan for your family and most of all….Enjoy The Journey. This is such a special time in your life and I love to read about it.
Holding you up in prayer in Ohio…..
Thank you so much, Nikki! That means a lot.
As a veteran mover (6 times in 5 years) I found great comfort in this verse…”Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it?” (Isaiah 43:19 NASB) God has special blessings for you wherever you are. And I know you will have the eyes to see them! Travel safe and Godspeed.
Thank you so much, Anne!
This made me all teary Kelli! Your new chapter will be great! Keep in touch1
Thanks Melissa!. I plan to. I’m glad I have your awesome blog to keep me updated! 🙂
Kelli, I was thinking of you this morning when Michaela, Hannah and I were walking into the YMCA. Since employees are asked to park in the back of the lot, we have lots of time to look at all the cars. Michaela was admiring a VW a Mini Cooper and some others when Hannah piped up and said “Well, I LOVE MINIVANS!” I prayed for you right then and there (and will continue to do so). Also, when you have time … listen to John Waller sing “Waiting”. It may help you get through the days until God leads you to the house you will make a home. Timing is such a key ingredient to His PERFECT Will. We will miss you and be loving you always!
Hey Kelli! You have been on my heart a lot yesterday and today. Lovely post – your candor about the joy and sadness of this path God is leading you on is refreshing and encouraging. It will be fun to see more unfold, and I’m praying that He shows you His faithfulness in the waiting/hoping as much as in the revealing.