one year later

It was one year ago today that we said good-bye to the only home we'd ever really known and climbed aboard a plane headed to New York's JFK airport to start a new adventure in our lives. I was so nervous I left my wedding ring on the dresser and had to go back and get it. Honestly, I was terrified, thinking to myself that it had all seemed like such a good idea a few months previously when we had decided to take this plunge. All of a sudden this road seemed so much harder than the alternative of staying in Salt Lake, buying a house, and living happily ever after. There were even a few times when I thought I couldn't possibly do it. The first few weeks were hard, and I was often homesick. Things settled down, and living far away from friends and family got easier. We were making new friends and relying on our little family more. We were experiencing things that we likely would not have had the opportunity to do otherwise. We have done many fun, unique things. Now, a year out from M-Day, I can honestly say that I'm glad we took the plunge. At times it has been hard, but it has been a good kind of hard--a growing kind of hard. I've learned a lot about myself. I've learned that I can do things I wouldn't have expected. In the past I have relied significantly on others; that is not always possible here. I've learned to buck up and do it myself whether it be carrying the stroller down the stairs into the subway or carting the groceries home. I've learned that I am strong in many ways. I've come to appreciate visiting teaching. I've experienced the church family that so many talk about. I've also discovered that I have much to learn and lots of growing still to do. I'm excited for what is ahead. I don't know how long we will be here or where the future will take us, but I'm ready.