We're Here!

Hello Everyone,

We made it to New York City! It's been a long time coming, but we're finally here, and we're so excited!

I’ve decided to start this blog for several reasons, not the least of which is that I feel I need a creative outlet. Especially lately, with the plethora of emotions I’ve been feeling with regards to the move, I know I need a way to express them. I also feel it’s very important to chronicle our adventures in NYC. This is an exciting adventure for us, not to mention the fulfillment of a dream I’ve had since 9th grade. We really don’t want to forget any of it. Lastly (but certainly not least!) is our desire to continue to communicate with those we love. We hope this blog will be interesting, fun, informative, and also a unique way for us to stay connected with you, our beloved family and friends. So read, enjoy, and, if God leads you, continue to pray for us.

Below is my first entry. I wrote it two days ago (Tuesday, September 8) but wasn't able to post it until now since I have limited internet access:

Today was Aaron’s first day of work. He didn’t have any students, just teacher orientation, classroom set-up, etc. After work, he had class until 9:30 p.m., which meant I basically had the entire day to myself. Once Aaron was off to work, I went back to bed and decided to allow myself to sleep in this morning. Things have been a bit hectic and not at all restful lately, with the move and all. It felt nice, that’s for sure, though definitely different. I’m not really used to sleeping in that much, and I felt a little guilty with all the work that has to be done around here. So once I got up, I began unpacking, starting with the kitchen. I noticed the handwriting on each of the boxes and remembered the many people who helped me pack them. As I unwrapped dishes and bowls and utensils, I thought of Jen Srail and Jess Plummer, two amazing friends who were helping me last Wednesday night. As I put the food away, I thought of my sweet mom, who did an awesome job packing up the pantry last week, even though I was burnt out and unproductive that evening. I thought of my wonderful neighbor, Chandra, who is a packing expert and really helped me at the beginning of the packing process. When I put the blender away, I thought of my dad; last week, I came home to find him washing it, along with the other dirty dishes, just to help out. I thought of others, as well: my sister, my in-laws, Aaron’s sister Bethany, and others who either helped us pack or offered to help. We are truly blessed with amazing family and friends.

I think it’s kind of incredible how quickly we can feel lonely. Or at least, how quickly I can feel lonely. It’s only been a few days since I’ve been with these loved ones, yet already I miss them so much it hurts. And it’s not because I’m unhappy here, or unexcited about this move. I think it’s just because I’m so used to being surrounded by an amazing support system. And I get really attached to people. When I feel like this, it makes me wonder, “What were we thinking?” I start to wonder how we could have given up so much—SO MUCH—to come here to this crazy, unfamiliar place. And I guess the only answer I have for that is that when God leads, we have to follow. We want to follow. I know that if we would have chosen to stay in our comfortable world, we would have regretted it. In my soul, I know that. And also in my soul, I feel that God wants to use us here in NYC. I don’t know how exactly, but I know He will reveal it in His time. And we are excited to join in what He’s already doing here. So I try to remind myself of that when I’m feeling blue.

On a happier note, for those of you who don’t know, we decided at the last minute to take Joey with us. I had really debated about this one, because I was concerned he wouldn’t be able to handle such a drastic change. My biggest concern was that he wouldn’t be able to handle all the people and that he’d be spazzing out every time we took him outside. That’s how he is back home. Whenever someone comes over (other than our families—he knows them well), he barks a lot and acts very defensive. Usually, once people are at our house for a few minutes and he’s had a chance to figure out that they’re not a threat, he’ll calm down. I think he may have been traumatized somehow as a puppy, because this behavior is not typical for shelties.

In spite of my concerns, Aaron was a lot more optimistic than I, and kept encouraging me to take him. We decided to give him a chance, and so far, he’s done wonderfully! I took him on a walk today in Prospect Park, and of course we passed many people. I fully expected him to act up, but he didn’t! I hope he’s turning over a new leaf and that we’ll be able to keep him here with us.

I had to go to the Brooklyn Public Library at Grand Army Plaza today to use the internet. The library is huge and very cool. I’m excited to spend some time there (I know, I’m a huge nerd). After that, I decided to go to Target on Atlantic Avenue, which meant I had to take the subway. It was the first time I’d ever been on the subway alone. I survived, and I didn’t even get lost or get on the train going the opposite direction. Hopefully this is the first of many successful subway trips…