Well, we did it! We drove away from all that is home. It feels like we have taken a giant leap of faith off a cliff.

This last week was spent in goodbyes. I tried to take moments to appreciate it amidst the hectic leaving process. 

In homage to my home, here are some pics. This has been my home since I was four, and in our family for generations. It is also the home I have spent my married life in and brought all of my children home to. We recently painted it pink, it makes me happy. I stood in the street at 10pm and watched the moon rise over the hill, walked downtown, enjoyed one of my favorite views as I drive home, and teared up as we drove away and all my neighbors came out to wave us off. I have only left this home one other time, when I was 16. Leaving intentionally (and with years more living behind me) is a very different experience. I will miss this place that is so much a part of who I am.

   
 
And, of course, saying goodbye to our friends. Visiting with people I may never see again. Goodbye speaches choking to get through. One last bonfire on the beach. We are blessed to have so many amazing people in our lives. So many tears. In some ways a year won’t change much, but in others it will be huge.

And we will be different, too. We will grow and change and have new perspectives. We have the opportunity to redefine ourselves. To take some time for introspection, and to make clearer decisions about how we spend our precious time. What kind of person do I want to be? What kind of parent? What do I most want to teach my children? What kind of good can I do in the world.

I’ll keep you posted. Much love to you all. See you on the other side…