Another Chapter Closing

“Look at the nations and watch—
    and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
    that you would not believe,
    even if you were told."

I love this passage from Habakkuk 1:5. It has been a favorite of mine for years but this year it keeps showing up over and over again. When that happens, I know that the Lord is trying to tell me something.

I'm in the midst of another season of transition. My apartment is filled with boxes, the walls are blank, and it's beginning to feel less like home. In early December, after a lot of prayer, I accepted a job at an adoption agency in the Washington D.C. area. Since my lease wasn't up until the beginning of February, they have graciously allowed me to work remotely for them so that I could finish up things here in Tulsa, pack up, and finish out my lease. I am so excited for this opportunity at an agency I have always wanted to work for and in a city I have always loved. But with any new chapter beginning, another chapter has to close.

Reaching the decision to pack up my life here and move, was not an easy one. It was a week of wrestling back and forth with the Lord and a lot of tears. But once I made my decision to take the job, a peace that can only come from Him washed over me and even though I knew the upcoming months would not be easy, I knew it was the right decision.

For the past 6 months or so, I have had this strong pull to move closer to my family. As I get older, as I think about hopefully someday meeting that special someone, settle down, and raise a family, I want my parents and family near. I will still be 300 miles away from them, but it is a doable drive. Much more manageable than flying back and forth between Tulsa and Buffalo two or three times a year. I have missed out on so much because I've been so far away -- bridal showers, baby showers, graduations, retirement party's, weddings, and just seeing my siblings and watching my nephews and niece grow up. Family is important to me and I realized, I have one life to live and I want to live it closer to my family and be able to see them more often than I do now. I have lived 1,000 + miles from my family for almost 5 years now and quite honestly, I'm just ready to be closer.

The absolute hardest thing about leaving Tulsa this week, is leaving my friends. I was so blessed to meet some of the most incredible people in the first two months I lived here. I have loved doing life with them. They inspire me to be a better person and a better friend. We have laughed and cried together and they have been more then just friends here these past two years, they have been my family. I know that we will keep in touch, I know that I will come back to visit, but I also know that it is going to look different since I won't see them each week. As scary as that is to walk away from "your people," I also know that that the Lord has placed amazing people into my life no matter where I have lived -- whether it's Jamestown, China, or Tulsa, and I know it won't be any different in Virginia. The Lord has already opened the doors for a wonderful living situation for me in Virginia and I already have friends there waiting for me.

I spent 3 weeks in Jamestown for Christmas and New Year's to process, recharge, and re-focus, and flew back to Tulsa on January 7th to start packing and finish up some things here. I knew that it was going to be a challenging few weeks, but it became even more challenging when a week and a half ago, I was in a car accident on the highway and totaled my car. Not exactly what I had planned when I was moving across the country in less than 2 weeks!

But God is faithful. I have seen His hand at work so much this past week and a half there is no doubt in my mind that He is at work. From walking away from the accident without a scratch or bruise on my body, to the amazing rescue crew He sent, to my insurance claim going through in just over a week, and my parents possible already finding me another car -- God has been at work. There is no other explanation.

As I sit here in my bedroom for the last lazy morning in my apartment, I can't help but feel the tears of sadness coming on as well as the bubble of excitement for all that lies ahead. Is it going to be hard? Absolutely. Are there are going to be moments where I will question if I am making a terrible mistake? Of course. But I know when I am following my heart and the direction I feel that the Lord is leading me in, I know that it is never, ever a mistake. I know without a doubt that He called me to Tulsa, it was just for a shorter amount of time than I thought. He showed up big time here and I know He'll show up big time in Virginia. 

I am finishing up packing today and my Dad will hit the road this afternoon to start the 1,100 mile trek from Jamestown to Tulsa. He'll arrive tomorrow, we'll pack up the uhaul, and start driving back to Jamestown Tuesday morning for a few days before heading to D.C. 

• Please pray for my Dad as he travels these next few days by himself. Being in a car is making me nervous these days anyways, but especially the thought of him driving that far by himself. 
• Please pray for me as I pack up my cute little apartment and begin saying "see you later's" to some of my favorite people.
• Please pray for my Dad and I as we drive across the country Tuesday and Wednesday. 
• Please pray for my transition to my new home and new job in Virginia next week.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

Friendversary

Facebook informed today that it was one year ago that I met these three lovely ladies. This past year has been a blast and it's thanks to these girls. They welcomed me with open arms and always made me feel included and loved from that first night we met.

I had just moved to Tulsa just over a month earlier and was stepping out of my comfort zone to check out a ladies Life group in the area. I have been blessed to have incredible women a part of my life and I knew if there was even a chance of me liking Tulsa, I had to meet some girls to hang out with. I am so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and went to that Life group a year ago.

It has been an amazing year with lot's of laughter and memories being made.

So thankful for these friends!

Winter Is Here

All my NY friends posting pictures of snow today and talking about the treacherous conditions inspired me to post photos from our little "dusting" on Saturday.

One of the reasons I left NY was the snow, I'm just not a fan. The cold, the starting your car 20 minutes before you go anywhere, cleaning off your car, bundling up, etc. it's just not my favorite.

But this. THIS kind of snow I don't mind. We had an inch or two, big flakes, and the roads were clear! Of course I still didn't go anywhere because even though the roads were clear, Oklahoma drivers tend to drive like crazy people. It's like everyone forgets how to drive when we have a few snowflakes.

Since it was Saturday and I had nowhere to go (other than to the store to get some milk and where I had a mini crisis leaving, but that's another story for another day), I enjoyed sipping coffee and watching the snow fall outside my cozy apartment.

By afternoon the snow had stopped and the sun was shining. That's Oklahoma weather for you.

And now? The snow is gone. Lasted a few days and then it warmed up enough to melt it all away.

Until next time, snow. Next time though, could you come during the week so I can have a "work from home in my sweatpants" kind of day?  Thank you in advance!

2015

What a year 2015 has been. As I sit here reflecting on all that has happened this past year, I can't help but stand amazed in all that God has done. I started the year in a new city where I knew no one and I am ending it with an evening spent with friends. He is faithful.

January was spent settling into my new home, city, job, and life in Tulsa. It was also the month when I joined the "glasses and contact club." And what a joy it has been to be in that club (note the sarcasm). January as also the month where I traded in my New York drivers license (tear).

February highlight was a visit from my mom, dad, and Kiah! And my first experience of snow in Tulsa. Let's just say my family was beyond thrilled to be able to experience a Tulsa snow. :) 

March brought many fun memories with friends and my 29th birthday! It was also the month of concerts and conferences including Winter Jam to see Skillet, Jeremy Camp, For King and Country, and many other great Christian artists, a Kari Jobe concert, and a women's conference!

April was the start of tornado season. All I have to say about that are 3 words. "Not a fan." But with that also was the arrival of spring and the flowers began to bloom. I also went to a great 2 day event at Church to "find your life purpose" as well as an adoption conference which was very informative.

May was a month of making memories with friends and having my aunt come visit for a weekend! I had so much fun spending the weekend with her and showing her around Tulsa.

In June, I traveled to Korea for two weeks to co-lead our Korea Family Birthland Tour. It was so much fun returning to Asia but this time to a country I had never been to before! I had the opportunity to visit with many of the kiddos who are matched with our families and take pictures and videos for the adoptive families waiting anxiously for the approval to travel and bring their sweet kids home. As much as I loved traveling and seeing a new country, I was more than ready to return home by the end of my two weeks overseas.

In July, just four days after I returned to the US (I arrived home on the 4tho f July), Kiah arrived in Tulsa for a week! She helped with our China Heritage Camp and it was so fun having her here just hanging out. After a week of having her visit me in Tulsa, we flew to NY together where I spent a week and half with my family. The other highlight of July was July 8th when my niece, Quinlan Grace, entered the world! I was able to meet her when she was about a week old which was such a blessing. As usual, my trips to NY go way too fast and it very quickly it was time to return to Oklahoma.

August was a month of catching up. Between traveling to Korea for two weeks, having Kiah visit for a week and then flying to NY for almost two weeks, it was a whirlwind few months. August was a great time to just relax, get back on a normal schedule again, and catch up with friends (all of us had such different schedules this summer and we barely saw one another!). We also went to see one of my favorite speakers, Steven Furtick who is the pastor at Elevation Church in Charlotte, N.C. What an awesome night of worship and teaching.

September brought a fun women's night of worship with friends, journaling, beginning several new Bible studies, and enjoying the last few days of summer but the pool.

October was all kinds of fun! The Tulsa State Fair took place in early October where one of the bands featured was For King and Country! My women's small group took a trip to the pumpkin patch and the end of the month was filled with memories of carving pumpkins and a Halloween party.

The first week of November I flew to Orlando, FL, to spend a a few days with my precious Kate (AKA: Charlotte) and her family! Many of you will remember her from my time in China. It was so good to see her again and to see how loved she is in her forever family. God writes the best stories! November finished out with a weekend trip with friends to Branson, MO, and Thanksgiving with friends.

December, my favorite month. I tried to make the most of it this year since last year since I really missed out last year having just moved to Tulsa. Ugly sweater party, special Christmas activities, and a trip home to be with my family for Christmas. It doesn't get much better than that.

Wow, what a year 2015 was! It makes me tired just looking back on all that took place and all that the Lord has done. I am always ready for the start of a new year but I am especially excited for 2016. Not sure exactly why, but I feel as though it's going to be a big year and I can't wait to see what plans God has in store.

Happy New Year, sweet friends! Thank you for you love, encouragement, and friendship. I am so thankful that the Lord put each and every one of you in my life.

He Is Risen

"But very early on Sunday morning[a] the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 3 So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.

5 The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive?6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man[b] must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”

Luke 24:1-7

Easter Sunday. A day to celebrate. He has risen from the dead! This is the greatest day in history because He died for your sins and mine. Wow, what an incredible love that is. The longer I walk with the Lord, the more I am overwhelmed by His love for me. I don't deserve it, but God sent His one and Only Son for your sins and mine. We can't help it but rejoice and praise Him!

This has been a little different Easter than other years. What am I talking about, my life has been a few years of "different years." The last few years have been spent in China and even though this one was not, I wasn't able to be home with my family. All things considering, it was still a good Easter.

Even though Easter is not about the bunnies and the chocolate, it is still a fun treat. My family was so sweet send me my very own Easter "basket" or box with some goodies inside!

My friend, Ashley loves creating unique jewelry and she made this "Story of Jesus" bracelet. I love it!

What would Easter be without a little chocolate!

And my favorite, jelly beans.

I pray that you all have a wonderful Easter celebrating our Risen Lord.
Happy Resurrection Day!

Storm Season

Spring is upon us which also means that it is storm season here in beautiful Oklahoma.

I have loved the warm weather, the birds singing, the sunshine, and the warm breeze.

But today made me re-think this whole "living in the state where the most tornadoes come through each year" thing. 

The thing about yesterday is that no one was really expecting it. We were supposed to get thunderstorms and even though tornado season is upon us, no one was really expecting them yesterday. 

Let's just say that I am really not a fan. 

But thankfully I was home and I was safe.

And I have wonderful co-workers and friends who call and text me to make sure I am ok.

Alright, I'm ready for fall now!

Twenty-Nine

I know my birthday was over a week ago now but a post is better late than never, right?

What a wonderful first birthday it was in Tulsa! 

I remember the week of my birthday, one of my co-workers asked me what my plans were and if birthday were a big deal in my family.

They were and being one of seven, our birthday was the one day that was "our day."

We were allowed to choose our birthday dinner and that was always a treat!

The last few birthdays have been a little different for me. 

I guess that happens as we get older and life changes.

In 2014, I was in China. My friend Laura had just arrived in China a few days before and it was fun to celebrate with her.

2013 was also spent in China. I remember having a combined birthday party with all of our babies who had March birthdays. It was also just a week before I was flying home for a two month stay to raise support for my 2nd year in China.

2012 is a birthday that will stay with me for a while. It was on March 13, 2012, my 26th birthday when I landed in China. I had bought a one way ticket and had no idea how long I was going to be staying in this country that had captured my heart so many years before. It was an exciting as well as terrifying time. I remember reading my birthday cards on the plane, somewhere between the US and China. 

2011 was the last birthday I spent at home with my family. 

Even though I am in a new city without them near, birthdays are still special to me.

My birthday fell on a Saturday this year and it started out sipping my coffee and enjoying a little treat  while I read my text messages and Facebook messages from family and friends. 

You guys really know how to make a girl feel special!

Growing up in New York, I always liked that my birthday was in March.

March is not always the prettiest month up north. 

It can be either still cold and snowy, or the snow may have melted and then it's just cold and muddy.

Since it wasn't the prettiest month, I thought it was the perfect time to have a birthday and was something to look forward too. 

In Tulsa however, spring is in the air.

The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and the leaves are coming out.

New life is all around.

Back in February, Mom, Dad, and Kiah came to visit me in Tulsa for a few days and we had a little birthday celebration then. 

Since Mom always likes for us to have something to open on our actual birthdays, they brought me a present but I was not allowed to open it until March 14th. 

I like to actually have a gift to open on my birthday so I looked at it sit on my table in my living room for a month. 

That's right, I didn't even peek!

On my birthday, I found some beautiful jewelry inside made by my friend, Ashley. 

(Make sure you check out her Facebook page!)

I love them! 

Later in the day I had Starbucks with one of my co-workers and her daughter and then that evening I met up with friends for dinner.

We first tried out the Saturday night service at our Church which was awesome as usual. 

After 2 1/2 years of not being able to go to Church very often, I do not take this time for granted.

Going to worship the Lord with other believers was the perfect way to celebrate my birthday.

We then went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner!

They of course sang and decorated my cheesecake.

Yum.

I think 29 is going to be a pretty awesome year.

One Moment

March? How are we through the second week of March already? Time flies and before I know it, I am way behind on this little blog of mine. The thing is, it's not that there isn't a lot to write about, there is almost too much. Which is why every time I have sat down to try and write something these last few weeks, I can't up with anything to say. 

I have lived in Tulsa for over 3 months now. I still can't believe it's been that long but yet it feels like it's been forever. One thing I have learned from moving around the last few years is that places do eventually start to feel like home. Maybe not fully and maybe they never will, but starting to feel at home is a huge step. 

I knew God was calling me to Tulsa. I had been praying for months for the right job to open up in the place where the Lord wanted me. And even though I never in a million years would have thought Tulsa (after all, I had to look up on  map exactly where Oklahoma was when I was in the interview process!), once I was offered that job, it just felt right. Yes, it was scary and terrifying, but then again I had moved to China by myself for several years so surely I could move to Tulsa. 

But December 6, 2014 was one of the scariest days of my life. That was the day that my Mom, Dad, and sister drove away, back to New York. And they left me here. Here in this new city, new state, new apartment. There was hardly anything that wasn't new in my life. And it was beyond overwhelming. China was hard, but friends, my Tulsa move has been so much harder. Maybe because it feels more permanent. I don't know what it is, but it was scary and I felt so alone.

But God did something huge those first few days. That very next day, I was shown around Tulsa by two friends of a friend. They didn't even know me but they took time out of their day to show a complete stranger around the city. And that evening, a sweet adoptive family who I have been corresponding through on Facebook for years "just happened" to be driving through Tulsa where they would be staying for the night, could they stop and say hello? 

Absolutely.

And Shelley told me something that has stuck with me every day for the last 3 months of living here. 

"Take one day, one moment at a time."

Not to look at the huge, big picture that is not even mine to see, but each moment.

And that is what I have been doing. 

Taking one moment and one step at a time.

And God has done such incredible things in the last few months.

I have found a great Church with awesome people in it. I have joined an incredible small group and made some wonderful friendships. I have a job that is challenging but I work with people who are encouraging and remind me that I am doing great and to not be so hard on myself. I have an incredibly cute apartment (if I do say so myself) that I love coming home too. And God has been revealing Himself to me in new and exciting ways.

And so I continue to take one moment at a time. I would ask for some extra prayer. The director of our South Korea program is currently on maternity leave for the next few months and I am taking over a lot of her responsibilities. All that to say my workload has gotten much larger in the last few weeks. I love it and I have learned so much while working with families through the Korean adoption program, but still have so much to learn and it's very easy to become overwhelmed. My daily prayer will continue to take one moment and one day at a time because I can't handle much more than that.

A verse that has continued to be put in my path today is from Psalm 27, verse 4:

"Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He will strengthen your heart. Wait on the Lord."

Family Time

It was so wonderful to have my family here for a few days. We were missing all the boys, but it was so great to have my parents and Kiah here. When they were here in December moving me, it was not a very relaxing few days at all. We were busy getting my apartment set up, my car, things I needed, etc. that they didn't get to see any of Tulsa except for Walmart. This time, they were able to enjoy it a little more!

They arrived last Saturday evening and they were able to go to Church with me Sunday morning. They loved it!

Unfortunately they brought some snow with them to Oklahoma. However I think it is pretty funny that I experienced my first snowfall in Tulsa with my family here! Of course they were hoping for some more spring like weather which I don't blame them. 

Even with the yucky weather, we still had fun. 

I had 2 snow days from work. 

"How much snow did we have?" you may ask?

Get ready for it...

2.7 inches.

I know, I know, I find it rather humorous as well. But in their defense, they are not prepared for it at all. And below the 2.7 inches was ice which is really what made it yucky. 

I can handle driving in snow. But the ice? I don't like that.

Kiah has decided that she wants to wear dresses more so we ventured out to do some shopping.

Excuse me, but when did my little sister grow up? Hard to believe that she will be fourteen years old on Monday. Seems like yesterday she was one.

We saw some of the Tulsa sights as well.

Like the "Golden Driller."

Yeah, I don't know... it's kind of weird, but there he is.

My apartment here has a fireplace but I have been scared to use it by myself. 

My parents brought some wood down and we build a fire one evening and ate tacos. 

It was so much fun and now I know how. 

I just have wood ready and waiting for another fire.

On Tuesday, the sun came out and the temperatures reached the mid 40's and we drove to Oral Roberts University to look around. 

What a beautiful campus! 

I had looked up ahead of time and ORU had a baseball game while my family was going to be here and I thought that would be something fun to do. 

But of course it snowed and it was cancelled. 

Maybe next time.

Wednesday came all too soon. 

It was time for them to head back to NY.

Goodbye's are never fun or easy but it was a little easier since Tulsa is beginning to feel like home.

And I am blessed that my family is close enough to come visit. Not all the time, but much closer than China. 

And for that, I am thankful.