Big big news!

It’s been quiet, huh? Things have been so busy that I have not had time to blog. I miss those days of early morning dates with myself and the computer. But alas....things have been busy busy busy. 

I wanted to post some big news. No, there’s no pregnancy to report. I know several of you have made special requests for us to make a baby. Some of you are curious to see how cute it would be, being mixed and all, with such beautiful parents. But remember, you can’t put those things back where they came from after you get a good look at the cuteness. Sorry, I'm curious too....but that has to wait.

We are moving!

We are moving to St. Louis next month. I can’t even believe it.

Why? I’m from Mississippi and have been far from family for quite some time. None of my immediate family is “over here.” I realized how quickly things can change in October 2013 when I was informed that my presumed swollen lymph node wasn’t a swollen lymph node. My mom was able to come out for the surgery and the week after, but it was too brief. As we all get older and appreciate time more and more, it was hard to see her go, and I could feel a lot of future thoughts solidify into the present. I’ve witnessed deaths of friends’ family members, some expected and others tragic. I’ve watched friends grieve from babies passing before they even took a breath of this life. If I can help it, I never want to experience these kinds of things alone, isolated from family, should they happen to me or to my family. Luba is far from his family so I want him to have the community he is accustomed to here as much as possible. I also don’t want to experience more “highs” from a distance. I want my nieces and nephews to know me as more than a “visiting aunt.” Things change so quickly – we are thrust from elation to grief and everything in between at any given time. I refuse to live with regrets. I do not want to look back and wish I had been closer.

My sister lives in St. Louis so it will be the best place to start a new adventure. It has great prospects for Luba, and I have options for current work and future endeavors. It will also be a day’s worth of driving to my parents and brother and his kids. We can also meet in the middle at any time for a mini-reunion. Here are a few other “things” that excite us about moving to St. Louis specifically:

 Look at this sweet smile. He loves so well. He's sensitive. He reminds me of my tender spots and he is so conscientious. I

 My sister. OH, my sister! I lived beside her before and loved it. There's nothing worse than the departing flight leaving the city in which she lives. Even if I get a few more "sister dates," then it is worth it. 

 Brady is getting too old. She's growing up and I'm missing it. I missed a lot of my niece and nephews in MS but am thankful I had many years with them before I moved to CA. Moving to STL puts me closer to THIS girl and them in MS. How quickly they grow. Hang on, Brady, we have a lot of catching up to do. I hope you'll  post on the blog again after this debut of yours! We were last together here in one city:

Sigh, we were both so much smaller...

Niko, this little free spirit. He's carefree and enjoys life. It's both maddening and enlightening. Teach me the ways, little "baller." 

Soccer games with these studs. Niece dates with this beauty. I can't even wait....

One of the aspects of my career that drew me to it was the flexibility and ability to relocate, if needbe. Some ask, “What if your sister moves?” My answer is “What if she does?” We are aware that it could happen, although we hope it doesn’t any time soon! What if WE move? I think this will be a great place to start, but who is to say we won’t be called to move elsewhere? It’s activation of obedience to what is important and what we feel needs to happen next for us. It’s the first step.

My last day at work will be April 23. I’ve been there since August 2004. It has been my home away from home. Coworkers have become family. I’ve grown as a person and a professional there. My boss has been my “mom away from my mom” and has been so many things to me: mother, boss, spiritual advisor, friend, teacher, you name it. That is hard to find. I have taught many children, but I know that those children have taught me way more than I’ve taught them.

I know God has a place for us and we will bring something unique to community there. I feel like I’ve had practice runs here for His plans for my future although I have no idea what is to come there. Over the past few years, it is undeniable that I have a purpose and I have favor. I've learned so much through my church community, NewSong, and I know that I've added to a toolbox that will prove useful and divine in a new place.. Although I don’t have a lot of foresight right now, hindsight reminds me to sit tight, have peace, and enjoy the ride. Something really good is coming, I know it. 

I’m reminded of Isaiah 54:2:

Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.

We are (stressfully) searching for housing from afar (no easy task) and excitedly deciding what stops will make up our road trip out to our new home. We are making a bucket list for CA and checking off items just as fast as they are written.

bucket list item: a last meal at one of my faves, Miceli's in Hollywood, writing on a bottle to hang after polishing off a chianti with good company (also my fave: DAY drinking, especially in my old stomping ground, Hollywood)

While we are excited, I am already mourning leaving the friendships and (work, church, social) communities that I have been gifted with here. 

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we wrap up life here and begin to plan for a new adventure.

Love,

Danielle