Time flies by

3 years ago today (September 19, 2005) we put the last few things into the moving truck and hit the road, headed for humid Missouri. Ryan drove the moving truck while I followed him in the minivan with all the kids. I don't think my tears stopped falling for the whole drive. And then there's the whole story about the hotel where we got EXTREMELY sick with the flu. Those of you who know that story are laughing hysterically right now, but it's not exactly blog-appropriate! It doesn't seem like it's been that long since I lived in Utah, but at the same time it feels like I've lived in Kearney for much longer than 3 years. I've been remembering lately what a tough time that was. There's a new family in our ward that just moved here from Utah, and have 4 kids. The mom, Shelley, and I have gotten to be good friends really quickly. So I guess that's why it's been on my mind. I've watched her go through some of the same emotions and "culture shock" that I went through. Wow. 3 years. I remember having conversations with Ryan where I was crying and he would say, "Let's just give it a year, and if you still hate it, we can move back." Oh my gosh, I feel so pathetic when I think about that. I just want to go back and slap myself in the face and yell, "get over it, girl!" For many years previous to the move I had prayed and pleaded for certain things, and I just didn't realize that Heavenly Father's plan included me moving to Missouri to accomplish them. I've told the Big Man often that I'm sorry I spent much of the time on my knees complaining. I can just picture him smiling and reassuring me that everything was going to be fine. There's a large picture of Christ standing on a mountain outside Jerusalem that hangs on our family room wall. On the bottom, it has the caption "Wherever He Leads Me." I had to repeat those words in my mind for quite a while before I started to see the whole "plan" roll out. Now I wouldn't change the experiences I've had for anything in the world.

Wow, am I rambling tonight! I just wanted to say how much I love my life here in Missouri. I miss some things about Utah, but I know without a doubt that this is where we are supposed to be and I have no desire to leave. I have developed closer friendships than I have ever had outside my family, and the relationships with our families have been strengthened. I hope I always remember to put my life in Heavenly Father's hands. He is the only one who can see the big picture of my life.

By the way, Brevan did not win the Student Council election, but I'm still so proud of him for trying. He was pretty disappointed tonight.