Moving out is over!!!! (Stay tuned for the moving IN next week) Anyways, what a job! I will admit it wasn't as much torture as I had envisioned, but it was enough. The guys did a great job chipping in to get the house ship shape for us to move out. I think Eric was a little surprised at how much stuff we really had packed into our room. It's a nice ending to that chapter in our lives. I think all of us living there would agree the house was a bit crowded and didn't offer anyone much privacy.
Everyone always says that the first year is really difficult. I have to say, it really wasn't so bad...as long as you have a good sense of humor. Obviously it would have been nice to have our own place without an audience, but it all worked out. God was faithful to sustain us and protect us through it all. I really think he used the situation several times for good, even when it wasn't always easy to see.
Saturday morning Eric was up at the crack of dawn doing some last minute cleaning of the room and getting ready for the big trip to Colorado for the Athletes in Action Ultimate Training Camp. Six campers, including Eric, went this year. Two girls, God bless them, and four guys. Four of the six had never gone before! :) It took a little while but after they finally got everything packed they headed out at about 9:15. The plan was to drive to Mormon Lake in Nebraska and camp. However, it was so windy they ended up staying in a hotel. As for me, once the send-off was complete, I headed back to the house to finish the cleaning and head to my parents for the weekend. It only took me about another hour or so before I hit the open road.
I've really grown to love going home. It's interesting how the relationship changes between you and your parents as you get older. Unlike my high school days, my parents and I are much more on a friend level. We share ideas, ask advice, and just hang out. Let's be honest, it's cool. We may not always see eye to eye, but I wouldn't trade my parents for anything. I am who I am because of them. Another thing I really love about going home is heading out in the country. In high school you couldn't have paid me to live out in the country much longer, but now, I LOVE getting home to well...nothing. It's peaceful and has the clearest night skies you can find not to mention the view, which is pretty amazing. My mom and I tried to stay busy Saturday planting some flowers, tomatoes, and green beans. Later we headed to the basement to address the dreaded pile of dishes, cookware, decorations, and kid's toys to decide what would head to Fort Hood in the next few months. It's so hard to know what to do with childhood belongings. Is it heartless to just get rid of it? Is it unhealthy to keep everything like a packrat? I'm trying to find a happy medium by donating some of it to the thrift store or goodwill in hopes that someone else could get use out of it. I still have a little more time to get that all sorted out.
Sunday night I headed back to La Crosse to stay with Eric's aunt and uncle, Bruce and Cheryl for a few days between leases. Considering how close we live to them, it really is a shame we aren't able to see them more often. They have been so gracious to me by opening their home. I've really enjoyed the time I've spent with them.
All I can really say is that I am truly blessed. God has placed all the right people in my life and I am so grateful. I couldn't ask for anything more.