One Week Away
Two months of being back in the States comes to a swift close.
It’s now officially one week away from my flight out to Honduras, and I’ve been preparing a lot of things, but also passing the word around that I would be reviving my basically dead email newsletter. In the hope of keeping that promise before I actually leave the States and my phone number here is disconnected, I’m writing a few things at 9:30 am in the Airbnb. I spent the night here with most of my siblings as one final trip before we inevitably part ways. Growing up so close with my family has been an incredible blessing, but when you meet and marry your husband 2,000 miles away from them, it is also tough.
This week I’ve been going through all of my clothes, books, art supplies, and everything else that I’ve accumulated over the past twenty years. (I found this drawing from when I was seven in a box of old papers, and honestly, same, seven-year-old me.) Luckily, my mom was very vigilant in not raising a hoarder, so I didn’t have a literal ton of stuff to go through, but I wonder if she’s regretting her offer to take all of my things to Goodwill for me since I’ve brought an average of five boxes to her every single day.
It is strange condensing the most important things from your life and what you want and need practically to live in a new place into two suitcases and two small carry-ons. I’ve spent a lot of time buying and reading books that I’ve had to give away. Anyone who enjoys art knows that the collection of art supplies can also be its own monster. Ok, maybe I am a little bit of a hoarder, just for certain things.
In any case, I’m nearly done with the work of decisions. Last weekend was my bridal shower, and it was so beautiful. I’m so grateful for all of the ladies in my life who came together to pull it off and make it such a special day. I’m also thankful for all of the generosity of the attendants, many were monetary gifts, which will be incredibly helpful, and I’m also thankful for the suitcases from my aunts, the Kindle from my grandma (since I can’t take all my books along), and the beautiful essential oils and carrying kit from my mom! Honorable mention to one of the girls who used to come to my youth group - she gave me this “lovely” duck statue.
The artist in me is also excited to finally have a house that is mine and his to decorate, so I’ve been working on a few different paintings as a way to procrastinate doing the rest of my packing. As a way to take part of my church with me, I’ve been working on a replica of the stained glass window in the front. This Sunday will be my last Sunday there. I’ve also done some fruit, and I’m going to wait to show you the final one until I have it hanging up in my new home!
My husband, Darwin, and I have also been preparing for what the transition looks like for us. Previously, our relationship has been almost entirely digital. It has been us going about our “separate” lives and connecting throughout the day through texting and Snapchat, and then FaceTime in the evening. In person, including the week we met, we have spent a total of four weeks with each other, which is really not a lot. We’ve been discussing what the first days and weeks will look like when I move there, and by this time next week, I’ll be there!
He will have a team coming from the United States to build a few days after I arrive. This will be his first time leading a build, and I’m excited to be there for that! I’m sure we will spend time at his church, which meets three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday in the evening. I know we’ll both be working with the team and building the house, and we might even spend some time with his family.
I guess you’ll have to keep reading to find out! Since we will still be discovering our rhythm of marriage and life when I get there, I’m not sure when the next update will be, possibly a short one next week when I arrive, or a few days after. Hopefully, it will become weekly or every other week. When I decide that, I’ll need all of you as my accountability partners! My old phone number will be disconnected, so I’ll have my family help pass around the new one. WhatsApp is the best way to connect! Thanks for making it this far, and I thank all of you for being my village as I grew up and supporting my move to find and create a new village with my husband, two thousand miles away.
Until next time,
The Lord bless you and keep you
Make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you
The Lord turn His face toward you
And give you peace. Amen.