Hey all you encouraging people, you! :) I just wanted to post a quick update on our world-travels...and on our move (here within the states).
Funds have started rolling in for our move to NY, our first trip abroad is nearly paid for, and I'm now ahead on student loan payments. Thanks you all for seeding into this monster of a dream! Those of you who care so intimately for us that you have sent encouraging notes, made calls , or even met with us, be thanked and encouraged as well! You all are a part of revealing His goodness! In the process of said revealing, there are things to be learned, patience to be had...much to be burned, er refined. The process, while not always simple is beyond satisfying. So, I like to share it with you so that you too can perhaps find satisfaction in your process...
Transparency is key. Better yet, I find that it's not necissarily the transparency itself, but living a life that CAN be shared without temptation to hide. Sidenote: there's a certain conversational courtesy (I'm still pinning down) in respecting one's time and interest, to be an open-book without monopolizing conversation with mere verbal-diarrea.
Yarg. All that said. I plan to be transparent in this process. So, here's what's happening...
I am currently in Missouri visiting family for the holiday, will be back to Nashville area within a week. I have sold or given away the majority of my belongings, but what's left resides in storage in Nashville. Here's a short list of items still available for purchase, in support of our move to NY.
Antique Treasure Chest, nook, HD Projector, Bentwood Rocking Chair, a set of china for 8, a firm queen mattress and box spring, a Tempurpedic twin extra long mattress and frame, and a few baby-items...a portable high-chair, and bumbo.
I expected to be in NY by now, and I'm positive it is point B, but it seems there is a bit to be finished(or initiated so to bless point B) at point A, Nashville. As much as I feel that I am helping my parents spending time here in MO, I continue to have dreams that direct me elsewhere. Nashville is where I believe I'm to hover until the big move (north) east.
In my mind, I have a million-and-one reasons not to be there...
-I let my lease run out
-I am unsure of my time in TN, so I'm not signing a new binding lease
-I already got rid of my car
-I already told everyone I'm moving to NY and guess I've been hesitant to spend much more time there in fear of damaging my percieved integrity. As in, "you said you were going, so go!"
-...?
Funny, never before now had I written out those reasons. I'm surprised they ended after 4! That's all I've got. 4 reasons not to hang in Nashville 'til I feel peace about a specific NY address. If I'm honest with myself and you...I have to highlight the final reason...screw perceptions. I am going. I just haven't yet and this is part of me embracing my process. My being (still) in Nashville in no way negates the fact that I am hearing from my God. LOL. That REALLY must've been what I was fearing....hahahhaaa He nor His voice need no protection nor explanation. *sigh* All 4 reasons are bunk. More on a temporary Nashville home after this.
I had a seemingly perfect living situation in Brooklyn planned out, but when the time came to sign/pay/go...there was no peace. I released that option. In this season, I'm learning that not all options are opportunities. I said no to something/someone who was pretty much ideal and now wait for only-God-knows-what. My expectations are being challenged...not to lower expectations, but to turn them on their head. I have no idea what form this NY address comes in, but I'm thrilled for His surprises! I'm open to move as soon as Dec. 6, but don't know what the next door looks like nor when it will open. I refuse to make my own way. To Him be the glory! I will not impregnate Hagar. ;)
Now, Nashville. Get me to Nashville...like, now! I have placesI stay there and for all you who provide, thank you! However, it seems my temporary-stint has far outlasted the bag I packed in preparation for 2 weeks of couches. I need a room in Davidson or Wllaimson Co, preferably with access to a working kitchen. I cook, clean, and have money to pay rent...I just don't want a lease. I want to a) be ready to move anytime and b) ready to travel anytime...now, wout comprimising what's established with a and b, c) I want a place to unpack our few bags where our books and clothes have a designated area outside of said bags. If you know of a place, blessed space, or family with spare room...shoot me your ideas. Nothing is too far out there to consider. Jesus is King and I choose not to cap His gifts with my preconceived notions. :) I have a few ideas, but I will press nothing. :)
Progress on the fast: He continues to reveal His heart to me as well as highlight His intentions for me through it! He shows me how my attitude toward this fast is a metaphor for my obedience to Him in so many other aspects of my life. This fast is NOT about food, diet, weight-control, muscle-mass, my girlish-figure, money, time, or behaving. This fast is about the lasting impression He leaves on me and the one He intends me to leave on the world. In short, there are hard days...but all days are good days. I am sooo thankful for His increaingly clear ongoing calling!
Progress on sweet baby Israel: In a few short days she'll be 17 months old, so 1 and a half a couple days past this Christmas. She is healthy inside and out. She communicates beautifully with a vocabulary beyond many in her age range. Some of her first words were "happy," "noodle," and "tutu." She easily identifies, by name, herself, both parents, all 4 grandparents, my sister, her great-granny, and a handful of friends. She takes her own diapers to the trash can, wipes her own mouth, just learned how to turn a somersault, and has an outragously contageous laugh! She now has 10 teeth, 5 of which she's sprouted in the past 2 weeks. Dispite that discomfort, she's been a curteous travelor and in general, a pleasure to be around...even in the company of strangers where she was the guest of honor. She has stolen many hearts in our travels.
Updates on dreams/visions: There are many promises, in One direction with much encouragement and fine-tuning while I sleep. I've dreamt of safely leading others through and out of a battlefield, of being highly esteemed, of uncovering the devil's foolery, of blessing His people, and I am forever thankful for each syllable of each word He speaks. I pray eyes and ears open, mine and yours, today.
There are sooo many updates on life and beyond. I could go on, but I think I've covered more than the basics.
Bless you, who made it to the end of the never ending note...hahaha. You read this by choice. Thank you for caring more than the average bear. I pray increase and stunning favor over you, today. You're incredible. Please let me know if/when there is anything I can do for you, anyway I can serve or assist you. It's my pleasure to call you my friends!
Keep me posted. I'll keep you posted.
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