Posts from — August 2011

Hi, guys! It’s been so incredibly long since I blogged, but I really want to try my hand at this again. We may be changing the URL, but that’s up to Jared, because I know NOTHING about any of this. And, the blog needs a little refreshing because the pictures in the banner are very old. All I know is that I’ve been feeling a need to write and I’d like to share some of what goes on in my life and brain here.

A whole lot has happened since I last posted. We discovered Jared’s job in TN was coming to an end at the end of April, and it’s pretty much been a whirlwind since then. We are just now on the other side of that whirlwind and we have landed in Bismarck, ND! Yes, that is in North Dakota. When Jared first mentioned the possibility of Bismarck to me, my response was, “Isn’t than in North Dakota??!” And, pretty much everyone we told once we knew it was a possibility responded in the same way. North Dakota. When I look at the map and see where we live, I am still shocked that this really is our new home.

There is no way I can sufficiently describe what our experience here has been. But, I’d like to try, as time goes on, here on my blog. We are finding the people here to be so loyal and generous. We live in the downtown area and there are always people out walking, riding bikes, or running. The kids set up a lemonade stand the first week we were here and that gave me a good idea of what this community is like. It seems that people have time to talk. They are not running about so busy that they have forgotten the importance of other humans. I have had great conversations with a few of our neighbors, one of which lives a block over and walks her dog regularly.

The kids made friends very quickly. Their friends all live within shouting distance of our house and they come and go between houses, playing throughout the day. We’ve been enjoying bike rides around town, as the sidewalks cover ALL of the town and every intersection has a crosswalk. We are really enjoying that.

There are projects to be done in and outside the house, but we are trying to give it time and not rush things. However, the floral wallpaper and hunter green trim in our kitchen is going to be the first thing to go. I am super proud of myself for hanging on this long. I keep thinking I should wait until the winter, as I’ve heard plenty of people suggest I take on painting projects then, when it is brutally cold outside.

And, speaking of the cold…….we have had plenty of conversations about how we will survive the winter. It seems there are lots of game nights, wii playing, and gym memberships to get people through the winter. We will have to purchase a snow blower and plenty of cold weather gear. It’s an adventure, and we’re up for it!

We really do feel so honored to be called here to Bismarck by an extremely loving and generous congregation of people. And, as we get to know people, we are realizing that this care and generosity extends beyond us. Others in the congregation have been well loved and cared for as they have entered Bismarck Community Church. This is so heartwarming and it makes me very excited to see how God will continue to use this church body for His Kingdom.