Where are we?
Georgia has been our home for many years! I have seen my entire 20s, married in Tucker, and gave birth to two Georgia Peaches. But all good things must come to an end and last July was the end of our GA story, for now. I have moved many times in my life but this is the first time as a family and with elementary school kids. Was it easy to say goodbye?
No! Especially selling and buying a home, registering kiddos at a new school, downsizing so we didn’t have to pay a ridiculous amount in relocation costs, finding a new church, selling vehicles, buying vehicles and boxes so many boxes! Most of all we are on our own out here with no family or friends, an unfamiliar setup yet sharing a similar experience with many families who relocate here.
With temperatures getting as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit and snow for most of the year. It is quite the contrast to Georgia, even from my Caribbean homeland. I could have never imagined being here, that is why we decided as a family to give it a try. The truth is we will be among the few to say we lived here and I think that makes this experience even more interesting.
The struggle to get my kids adjusted has been the most stressful situation, all they know is Georgia and to take them away from all their friends and family, I don’t know. Then came the culture shock, which took me by surprise, with expressions such as, “Everyone is nice but I don’t see anyone who looks like me,” to, "Why is there no Chick-fil-A here?” I did not expect, and had to learn quickly how to appease an upset seven and ten-year-old.
Out of this relocation, I found courage in this, the path to move and relocate was designed as one aspect of my life even before I even knew about it. This would make my third official move over many miles and because of this I also saw the opportunity to meet new faces and find the reason that my life path has led me to this place. I remember Abraham( in the bible) was told to leave all he knew and to go to a foreign land. Some place he may have only heard stories about and not even laid eyes on. Was he afraid? I would like to think so especially being the leader in the group and moving as a result of a command or instructions. Nevertheless, he did it and the rest of the story goes with him being the Father to a huge nation that grew not only in size but wealth.
I wonder what would have happened if he had stood at home and said, I am good where I am?
Genesis chapter 12 verse 1-5, NLT: “ The Lord had said to Abram, “ Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was 75 years old when he left Haran. He took his wife, Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all his wealth- his livestock and all the people he had taken into his household at Haran- and headed for the land of Canaan.”
And that’s what the bible says, not TJ