~4 months~

(the view from inside our condo)

It's been 4 months since I've arrived in this glorious city.  I used to dream of living here.  I'd wonder if living here would become monotonous, or not be the same as when we were here on vacation- because how could you possibly replicate that feeling of a good vacation?!  Well, I have to say that so far the experience has FAR exceeded my expectations.  


I've always known I've been cut from a different cloth.  I used to think I was born in the wrong era.  Now I think maybe I was just born in the wrong place.  Well, not "wrong" because God doesn't make mistakes.  Maybe it's that I'm finally home?  Home here on earth, anyway.   

There are so many things here in this city that connect with me... 

on a level that's kind of hard to explain.        

I've never eaten so well in my life.  I've never breathed in such an abundance of fresh air or walked so much on a daily basis (I still haven't driven a car since I've been here).  I've hardly watched any TV (we only get 3 or 4 channels, so I've given up on even putting the TV on... we only use it to watch DVD's.).  And I feel great.  I feel SO ALIVE- the most alive I've ever felt in my entire life.  I actually find myself commenting these thoughts to myself almost every day (yes- I talk to myself... a lot).  Maybe it's just the "honeymoon" phase of living here.  Whatever it is, I'll take it.  I'll enjoy it.  I'll relish in the happiness.  Why wouldn't I? 

(I do a lot of my thinking during our afternoon walks when Grace takes her nap.)

I love living in a city that embraces diversity, that loves art & music, that loves good food, and that is proud to be "weird".  I love walking so much.  I love looking at all the buildings, trees, & people.  I love having time to think and clear my head of all the nonsense of the world.  I love not being bombarded with advertisements on TV.  I love learning to eat & live a healthy lifestyle.  I love feeling good about myself- for myself, not because I might run into someone that I'd want to "impress"...I actually like not knowing anyone here (I know, I'm strange!).  I've never felt so comfortable in my own skin.


I am so grateful for the modern technologies that keep me connected to my family on a daily basis.  I know that makes it so much easier to be away from them.  I'm sure that they are not thrilled that we are here , but I hope that they are happy that we are happy.  And I hope they know how much we love them!


Each moment, each day, I will continue to embrace the life that I am living.  I will enjoy the highs & roll with the lows (Just to be clear: I'm not trying to pretend that every day is perfect or that I am perfect.).  I will continue to pray to remain humbled to the blessing bestowed upon us, to be ever grateful for all that God grants us, and to continue to ask for His guidance to remain faithful to Him & remain on our God-determined path.   

This is Home 

(by Switchfoot)

I've got my memories
They're always
Inside of me
But I can't go back
Back to how it was
I believe it now
I've come too far
But I can't go back
Back to how it was
Created for a place
I've never known

[Chorus:]
This is home
Now I'm finally
Where I belong
Where I belong
Yeah, this is home
I've been searching
For a place of my own
Now I've found it
Maybe this is home
Yeah, this is home

Belief over misery
I've seen the enemy
And I won't go back
Back to how it was
And I've got my heart set
On what happens next
I've got my eyes wide
And it's not over yet
We are miracles
And we're not alone

(Chorus)

And now after all
My searching
After all my questions
I'm gonna call it home
I've got
A brand new mindset
I can finally see
The sunset
I'm gonna call it home

(Chorus)

Now I know
Yeah, this is home
I've come too far
And I won't go back
Yeah, this is home