Hello Friends and Family,
A few days ago (literally) Drew and I realized that we have the opportunity to move to Oahu. The lease on our apartment is up at the end of August and we have been looking for a house to rent here in Beaverton. We also had committed to a full season at the Beaverton Farmers Market. BUT my skin has been flaring up lately and has been difficult to get back to "normal." This has resulted in a lot of pain, discomfort and sleepless nights. Tekoa also has eczema, and any parent understands that seeing your child in pain or discomfort is extremely difficult. On a trip that Drew and I took last year to the Bahamas, we noticed that once we landed in Florida, my eczema started healing immediately. The year before, we visited family in Oahu and Drew fell in love with Hawaii (who wouldn't) not to mention he hates the cold.
So, with health issues in the forefront, we decided to make the move, and have been praying for God to open and close doors. Drew can easily transfer to the Cheesecake Factory in Waikiki and we're starting to sell our stuff on craigslist. Drew and I are excited to make the move and feel like getting rid of our "stuff" feels a little like "starting over." We (meaning people in general) can collect things so easily, holding tight to items that, when really considered, we don't really use at all.
I've been going through my memorabilia box and other storage boxes housed under our bed and in our closet. I find myself seeing and item and thinking, "wow, I remember this!" And I contemplate for a few minutes if I really need it. If I haven't even seen it for a year or two, will I honestly use it now? Probably not. Releasing things feels good. I also came across letters and cards written to me when I was little. Most of them made me cry. A few were written to me by grandma and grandpa after my parents had moved us to Oregon. It said, "Anna, don't forget about us. If God wills we will come and visit. Please don't forget about grandma and grandpa." I'm getting teary-eyed just typing this because I miss them so much and wish that Drew, Tekoa and Ezekiel could have met them. My grandparents were so in love with Jesus and it was such a blessing that I was able to experience their love and watch them worship and read the bible together.
I also read a few cards reminding me of how many people had a hand in my life as a little girl. Looking back, I am so grateful to these people for taking the time to spend time with, and genuinely care for me.
So, back to moving...
Looking for apartments our houses on craigslist has been interesting. We might do a vacation rental for a week to a month so we can be there to look at places rather than looking at pictures on craigslist. We have faith that everything will fall together well. We're looking to leave Aug 27 or 28.
If you have any advice or encouragement for us, we'd appreciate it! If you want to keep in touch, please email/facebook me your email address, home address, or phone number. I'm hoping to get some info cards printed for us to give to you.
-Anna
