Before the school year ended, I made the very bittersweet decision to transfer schools. This decision was made after some serious tears, wise counsel, and prayers, but in the end was made with peace and excitement for the opportunity to go "back home" to teach at New Haven Elementary. Darin and I got new jobs within days of each other that neither of us would have believed had you asked a year or even six months before. God's faithfulness is so beautiful.
Pawleys Island...
We started the summer off with a SUPER relaxing trip to Pawleys Island in South Carolina. Sweet friends of ours generously blessed us with their condo for the week and IT. WAS. AMAZING. Oh my goodness, after a crazy school year, this trip set the tone for the summer and was so restorative to the soul...and body...and mind. It was such a gift. We got a LOT of reading done, which is a favorite of ours. I think I read four trips on that trip alone and it was really fantastic. (PSA: If you haven't read a Karen Kingsbury book, you should!)
This was SERIOUSLY my happy place. I sat and read my Karen Kingsbury book in the sweet sunshine while the ocean lapped against my feet. Yes, it was as magical as it sounds. Restoration.
He's my favorite Beach Buddy
Big Life Changes...
We had a SERIOUS life change back in May. After about 6 months of a LOT of prayers and some serious spiritual and emotional growth independently and as a couple, Darin took the position of Lead Pastor at our church. I hope to blog about this journey someday because it's worthy of sharing, but looooong story short, God is incredibly faithful, sovereign, and gracious. He moved in our hearts in a way only He could and has blessed us abundantly through the love and support of our families, friends, and church family. We believe that the best for First Church is yet to come and are humbled by the opportunity to be used by God in this way. I am INSANELY proud of my Sweet Love and have been so proud to stand by his side these last 2.5 months (and the 3 years before then too).
Bucket-List Vacation...
Since we've been married, we have created a travel bucket-list and close to the top of the list was to road trip through the Northeast states. At the end of June we had the opportunity to check this trip off the list and goodness, it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL. We traveled through Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island, and Connecticut during this dream vacation. Words hardly do this place justice, so maybe pictures will help capture the beauty of this trip.
Nubble Lighthouse--York, ME
Snug Harbor Farm--Hidden Gem
Portland Light Head
Acadia National Park
Sunset On Top of Cadillac Mountain
The Summit of White Mountain
Braving the 71 (!!) Mile Per Hour Wind
Lake Pickwick
For the last 6 years or so, we have traveled down to Lake Pickwick on the border of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama for a few days of laughter, sunshine, and jet-skiing with dear friends of ours. I always LOVE this time with family and our precious friends and relish in the simplicity of lake life.
The North American...
In July, we had the opportunity to travel to Anaheim, California to attend the North American Christian Convention. We had the BEST time and got to hear from two of my very favorite speakers, Christine Cain and Bob Goff. These two are being used in INCREDIBLE ways for the Kingdom and it was truly a gift to learn from them. During our time in California, we got to spend a day in Disneyland, which made this Disney lover really happy. We got there at 9am and left at 1am. To say we made the most of our day is an understatement. It was awesome. I LOVE Disney. Despite the crowds, it makes me super happy. We loved this time of learning, growing, and memory-making together and were super thankful for the opportunity to go.
Dave Stone did an AMAZING job as President!
Bob Goff- My Favorite Author and Speaker
"Dinneyland!"
We watched the first Electrical Parade from the Teacups and it was magical.
Speaking of Magical...the fireworks get me. Every. Single. Time.
To wrap up the summer, we put free plane tickets toward a trip to Fort Myers to visit family. They spoiled us rotten and blessed us with ridiculous hospitality and generosity!
Other Highlights...
Watching this Girl Become a Mrs.
Holy Donuts and Friendship Time
Holiday World with the Fab 6
Family Time
So that leads me to now. A half hour from my "Back to School Bedtime" and just three days from my second first day of school. Please be in prayer for my precious kiddos and me as we begin this school year together. This job is harder than I could have ever imagined, but God is so faithful and gives me the strength and patience I often lack. I am overwhelmed by the opportunity to be these babies teacher and do not take this role and responsibility lightly. I know in just a few days these kids will become "my kids," who I will love, cry for, laugh with, think about, dream of, pray for, and consider my own.
"...for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." -Philippians 2:3
" And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." -Colossians 3:17
