Change

Well change isn't for the faint hearted! I do love it here in Chicago but let me say that it was so different from the life that I lead for so long. Its loud! And all the time. There is always something going on and if its not the ice cream truck that parks outside my bedroom window at 10pm its a couple arguing about money. I'm so grateful to have my cousin Michael here for me...he has been such a lifesaver! Assuring me that this is the way things are out here when I question...everything! He has kept me motivated and focused on achieving all my goals and new ones that we both have come upon.

There have been moments that I really miss my friends and family. And that's when I believe that change is not for the faint hearted...because its hard. You have to straighten your back and say I must go forward!! God truly has been faithful in every area of this process. His peace continues to move me and I'm amazed how faithful He is to every small detail.

I love my new city.....but I still miss all of you!!

The road

We left last Friday and what I thought the trip would be like and what it actually is was very different. The drive has taken more energy from me that I was expecting. There have been some ups and downs on this trip. I believe that God has been showing me how He is always in control, guiding, protecting, comforting, and encouraging me along this journey. Funny how we always want to take the control back. Control of where we're going, how we get there, and what takes place along the way. But doing that makes the journey tough. How can you be obediant when we're constantly trying to regain control? Throughout this drive I have had to repeatedly surrender. I love doing that. I can lay at His feet all my cares, concerns, and thoughts that weigh heavy on me, knowing that he will take it from me and refresh my spirit. He has and continues to lead me to green pastures and still waters. And I am grateful for He is my Shepard.



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Leading

Ok I have not posted pictures the last two days because I have been either very busy or I am having technical difficulties. So pics are coming soon.

The first two days I really didn't enjoy. The third day was my breaking point. After talking with a friend and talking things out I realized I don't like to lead. I'm not a leader...I never have been. I have always been someone who will make my own decisions but will not make it for others. You may think "well you lead your children", but that is not all that true. When living in California we had a routine. We all knew what to do. We got up and either went to school or work. Saturdays were "movie days" and Sunday was church. We all knew what to do and what was expected of us. But now....

I struggled with the new role. I didn't want it and I told the Lord how uncomfortable it was. But God has showed me that He truly is leading me...I'm just the first one in line to follow on this journey.

Before getting back on the road my friend said for me to live in the moment. It was just what I needed to hear...what I needed to be reminded of. The remainder of the trip yesterday was...fun! I enjoyed the view and sang to the music, car danced and took pics along the way. We passed through Wyoming and into South Dakota...all I could think about as I was enjoying the beauty of these states was that it truly is God's country. What beauty before me!!

I was reading up on my Facebook acct this morning and Sister Maria had posted something that blessed me, this is what she posted:
When you say YES to God's call, you can't expect instant revelations of His plan. You enter a life of learning to listen, praying for guidance, trusting step by step, seeking His will and learning to rely on the Holy Spirit.

Chi-Town Day 2

Day two…three states! Sometimes the road can be boring. But I really wanted to push myself and I did. I guess what I did notice about Day 2 was that I felt an excitement in me. I knew I was going somewhere. I don’t know how the details of my new life are gonna look like but knowing that it’s a “new” life is exciting alone.

Day 1 was a day that looking back I felt numb. I said good-bye. I drove away from the ones who love me. I left the people who I know sometimes don’t understand or always “get” me but they try…I left them behind. I took my hand from theirs and placed it in the hand of the One who is now leading me towards the life that He created me for.

There were times on the road that I was so tired of the same scenery. Nevada was a lot of desert and Utah was the same but everything was white. And the blinding white really made it difficult at times. We stopped at Salt Lake City and I quickly realized I didn’t want to stay long. I bet we were a site to see. Serena with her shaved head and then myself and an arm of tattoo’s. So we ate and left…quickly! Idaho was a wonderful surprise. I’ve been to Boise before but this part of Idaho was different. We stopped for the night at Idaho Falls and the drive was beautiful! Farm land, beautiful mountains and the cool evening breeze has made Day 2 a wonderful ending.

Chi-town day 1

I didn't get much sleep and woke up too early, but I had to get some "road" under us. So off we went.

Saying good-bye was harder than I thought it would be. How do you say good-bye to those who were a constant in your life? How do you walk away from the ones who love you more than you know? It was hard...

Day one on the road was long, boring & not interesting. But I wad determined to at least drive over 350 miles...and I did. Here are just a few pic's of my view. I'm off to the hotel swimming pool. And for those of you who are germ phobics...I DON'T CARE what you think of it! I'm tired and need to relax. Hopefully I'll have pictures of Yellowstone for you tomorrow.

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