The idea of making a very big move, from South Carolina and our friends and family there, to Ohio, where we knew no one, was at first a hard one for our kids to process. They had (have, still) some very good friends in SC, and everything they had ever known was there. I talked to them about how the move I made when I was in my older kids' age group was "the" move for me, the one that led me to my best friends and to the houses, the social groups, the church, and the life in general that is the one I associate with my growing-up years. I hoped that this might be that kind of move for them, although it was a leap of faith, certainly. We really didn't know what we would find here, or how things would work out, or how in the world - sorry, dear Ohians - Ohio could be anything like a land of promise. But we took the leap, believing that the doors were wide open for us to come here.
From the beginning, we truly were impressed with what this area has to offer, and there have always been confirmations along the way that this was the right thing to do. Filling in the void of friends and community created by our leaving familiar territory was a little bumpier at first, but that's been coming together in these last few months. Today Dave and Drew had a canoeing trip with the 5th and 6th grade group from church, so I thought I would take the other kids to the pool. Aimee asked if her good friend from church could go, and I said of course, and the friend and her family are flexible and spontaneous like that, so she came over in short order so that she could go with us. When we got to the pool, our youth pastor and his family arrived there as well, and when it was time for me to get Scarlett home, they asked if my boys could stay with them a little longer (they have a boy around the our boys' ages) and they would bring them home later. The boys readily agreed, so I headed home with just the girls. The older girls immediately campaigned for a sleepover, which was fine with me, because this friend, a fellow homeschooler and a kindred spirit in many ways, is someone who brings out all the best in Aimee, and I love that. Her parents consented, so Aimee has a whole day and night with good, wholesome company. The boys arrived home only just a little while ago, having enjoyed an afternoon with more good company. Dave and Drew had a good time on their trip, and they'll have many more to come (as Dave has signed on to help with that group). I enjoyed a cup of coffee and then cleaned up around the house a little while everyone was occupied, peacefully resting in the knowledge that everyone was safe, happy, and with good friends. I didn't have to arrange it or ask for it - it just happened naturally. This, I thought, is what community feels like. And so this really HAS been "the" move - at least so far, because one never knows what will happen. We love our church, we are excited about growing friendships, relationships, and opportunities, and there is more peace in our life in general than I think there ever has been before.
It is a good thing. And it happened in Ohio! Who would have guessed?
2 comments:
I am glad you are doing well in Ohio. I spent 21 years in that wonderful state! =) Miriam C.
OH I love that!! I really do... that is what SC feels like to me more or less.... i may be making a move too, now that i finished my program but not sure, God knows... trusting, waiting, doing what is front of me... Love reading your blog. May His peace reign in our hearts!
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