A Little Inside Out Action

A little Inside OUT Action.    7-7-15

Whelp, its official. We have pulled away from our home and began our adventure back east. We've barley made it to Riverdale and I'm making myself ponder this big chapter closing in our lives (otherwise I'd be an even bigger wreck).

We've lived in Bountiful for 3 years and 2 months now. When we moved in, our life had taken some unfortunate turn of events. We were a little off our game, just trying to figure out our next move. Luckily for us we were surrounded by a loving, encouraging, generous, supportive and patient family. With this environment of safety, we were able to begin to deeply ponder what it was that we were suppose to be doing, how we were suppose to be serving.  Its interesting how struggles and trials guide us to the decisions that define who we are. Those choices require action.

Here we are now, acting on the choices we've made. We've packed a trailer, hooked it up and are headed to Virginia, anxious to begin medical school. It was a long 3 years, planning and preparing for this. Martin worked so hard to get to this point. We all did, he worked a full time job, finished a basement for us to live in, went to school full time and was scout master.  I helped support him in all he did while we prepared to have another little spirit join our family.  Through that time we were shown what true friends look like, and what it means to have a loving family. We have been blessed with so many who know how to serve, love share and laugh with us. Many who have lead the way, who have been true examples of Christlike love and service. Friends and family who are forgiving, wise and kind.  Which made pulling away today that much harder.

Today was a sad day. I held it together as much as possible. Even if that meant ignoring everything that had to do with thikingabout moving.  I could work like a horse, but I couldn't think about moving away.

A week before we left we took the kids to the new Pixar movie, Inside Out. Brilliant. I enjoyed it far more than anyone in my family. I'm not a crier, but I cried. I know that there is beauty in opposites. It is a necessary part of this earthly mission we are on. In Genesis 3:6-7 we learn about how Lucifer tempted Eve and how she reacted to the master manipulator.  

Because of the fall of man, we have good and evil, and many other opposites, like Joy and Sadness! To have one you MUST have the other! Today was a day where Sadness ran my headquarters. Joy has been so busily running the show lately as I witness the love and service of so many around me. I've been humbled as I've had friends and family stop by to jump in to serve where I needed help. I have been lifted up numerous times through the service of others. Dinners brought in, DI runs, yard sale pricing, nights out, breakfasts out, house cleaning (my sis in law showed up one day and totally earned out my kitchen for me!)  yard working, early surprise birthday parties for my Audrie who was devastated that she wasn't going to be here for her birthday, my kids friends excitedly waking them up in the morning to have a goodbye breakfast, my mom who took one kid at a time to Bear Lake so they felt special and loved during this transition time, car ride care packages...the list could go on and on. My life is full of people helping lift and encourage and support us.

These selfless acts boost my joy beyond measure. Sadness hits because I understand that, for a time, I have to say good bye. How awesome is it though that I know that there is a future full of joy! This is not the end of friendship! Or the end of family love! Trials will come. Sadness will hit as it often does and demand control on my headquarters for a time. I know however, that my Father in Heaven loves me. I know that because of the feelings I  have felt and even more so because of the people has put into my life to share his love with me and my children. We feel their love. We hold their memories sacred. There isn't anything more important in my life than that. Its time for us to let it go, learn from this chapter, take the growth and run with it!

Luckily for us, we now have an even bigger circle of wonderful people around us! Even if 2000 miles are put between us, it doesn't change the fact that these are our people, our friends, our family. I'm not sure how I can ever serve them the way they've served us, but I know I can try, and I will! We are so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ.  For our understanding of the atonement and that it is best fulfilled through the hands of others. When we do what Christ has asked us we are participating in the comforting spirit of Christ. We have felt comfort. We have felt peace. We have had the reassurance that this is the right path for us, crazy as it may seem! We are thankful to everyone in our life who have served the Lord through serving us. We love you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts