Ohio is for lovers, indeed!
February 11th will mark one month that Craig and I have spent in Ohio; seriously?! I can hardly believe that we’ve been here almost a full month already! It has amazed me over the past few weeks just how time flies when we find ourselves entering into a new – and exciting – season!
And so, almost one month ago to the date, we loaded up our moving truck, and began the 1,200 mile trek to the other side of the country – completely blind to the adventure ahead of us.
Craig and I on the eve of our move to Ohio!
For those of you unaware, Craig and I, after much prayer and counsel, felt that God was leading us to Ohio. In the months leading up to our wedding, Craig received a job offer from NewPointe Community Church. With both of us having a sense of distinct calling and peace, we made the decision to start the first chapter of our marriage in beautiful Ohio!
And so, here we are! Craig and I are absolutely in love with our new home and community. NewPointe and the people there have welcomed us so graciously, and with such open arms; we are thankful, and so blessed by all of you!
In the midst of fostering friendships and getting involved in our new church community, I have also begun the process of making our house into a home. As a new – and young – wife, and homemaker in the process (I mean, common, I’m still in college!), it’s been fun, but a challenge, nonetheless. As we settle into our nest, we are realizing more and more just how blessed we are – and how cool our house is! And free random fact? We recently found out that our house was built in the 1870s – how cool is that?!
Our beautiful new home – on one of the rare days that it didn’t snow!
One of the things people warned us about (over and over and over…) was the frigid weather this time of the year. But I must say, for two people from Florida, we have been handling it quite well! Sort of…I mean as best as anyone else would ;) Despite the freezing cold temperatures (Like 3 degrees – is that even possible?!), I have come to fall in love with the beautiful scenery. Being able to look outside and see everything covered in a blanket of white has been wonderful. It’s definitely one of the perks to living out in the middle of the country!
Just pure Ohio beauty,
And a home just wouldn’t be complete without a sweetheart, rambunctious, fluffy pet! With that being said – meet Bella “Bojangles” Birchfield! We rescued her within the first few days of moving up here, and I’ll admit it – she’s stolen my heart.
Bella has been a princess from day one, and certainly lives up to her title! Complete with a pink, jewel studded collar (courtesy of her grandmothers ;) ), she is absolutely spoiled! And don’t tell Craig I said this, but she is a little Daddy’s girl, just as Craig would have it :)
Meet Bella “Bojangles” Birchfield!
On a more serious note, I have been overwhelmed with God’s faithfulness over these past few weeks. Over and over again, He has made it so clear, even through the doubts, and the homesickness, and the uncertainties, that He has us just where He wants us to be.
Difficult times and change can either be an opportunity to sulk in self-pity, or to be stretched and grow in the midst of it. I would be lying if I said it was easy. Moving away from all I’ve ever known and diving head first into marriage is terrifying. And there have been many times that I’ve been overwhelmed by the reality of it all. Yet, God continues to whisper that He has so much more in store than I could ever fathom. That He has me exactly where He wants me. That His truths will hold true, that He won’t leave me.
This verse has been stuck in my head and heart, and I’m grateful for the humbling truth that it contains:
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work. // Ephesians 3:20
It’s all about God. Only He can work miracles, only He can make good out of all things, only He can satisfy us. I pray that whatever difficulties that you find yourself in, you would remember that God is doing more than anything you can ever ask or imagine. He’s in control! (End soapbox :))
I plan on updating again soon as Craig and I continue to settle into our new life! Until then…
Love you all TONS!
xoxo,
A.