We have almost completed our 3rd month of living in Charleston and boy has it been an experience. We continue to be grateful for such an amazing city...the history, the beauty, & the friendly community. We do love this place. We both have always wanted to live in the south, experiencing the culture and taking in all of the differences that the north does not have to offer but I have to admit that this move has been harder on me(us) than we expected. Don't get me wrong, it has been an experience of a lifetime and I am glad that we took this chance. It has been exciting, fun, and sometimes a bit scary and lonely. I believe we are being challenged to trust in the Lord's plan for our lives because there is obviously a reason for our hearts to have been aligned to have the desire to move here. Our friend Lindsey from Seattle kept telling us "it's going to be so good for your marriage" and she is right. Matt and I are being forced to simply rely on prayer and one another...we have learned a lot about each other just in the last three months. Our first year of marriage was always so busy with Matt's job, my student teaching and wrapping up grad school, and our constant adventure. We had an amazing first year of marriage but when we landed in Charleston on Day 1 of Year 2, I felt like we were able to finally breathe and just enjoy one another.
Our times of loneliness are hard but a challenge that we will continue to grow through. It causes us to be even more grateful for the people that we love in Seattle and back home in Montana. I don't know what the next season in our lives will look like or how long we will live in South Carolina but I am content in knowing that His plan for us is perfect in every way.
Last night, we had the privilege of skyping with a couple that is being obedient to God's plan for their lives and they wanted to share with us what they are doing...if you are interested, read here. They are turning their lives upside down for what they are being called to and it was such a reassurance of God's grace and peace for us. Thank you Megan & Chris (and sweet baby Siena) for being an incredible witness and a great reminder that this life is not about us.
I know it has been forever since I have written about my days of thankfulness (I really need to finish) but today, I am thankful for loneliness. I know that sounds strange but it is in these times that I grow the most and am reminded of what's important in life...not material items, money, a house, the perfect life, etc. but the people that we love the most and following a calling that is not of ourselves.
I love the part about being grateful for loneliness..... Mainly b/c when I think of being lonely (especially when things seem to be going right.... Great husband, good job, wonderful friends....) there's still that tinge of loneliness.... I think this may be God's way of reminding us we are not meant for earth.... we are meant for Heaven... Like we can feel content and blessed with everyone we have on earth, yet we can still be lonely... It's almost like until we are in Heaven and in His presence there will always be a sense of longing or loneliness making us crave something more... something better... Jesus. I love you Steph!! You guys are in our thoughts and prayers often!! I hope we can get out to see you sometime!! (We are saving for it ;))
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