Memories of a Home and a Tribute to Life Transitions

Life is about change. Transitions in life consist of both good and bad emotions. I am currently in one of these transitions as I prepare for the end of the semester. This week is officially the end of my second year at seminary. It has been a grace filled journey over the last two years. I am so excited to be heading home to my loving husband who has bravely been living the last two years in Ohio and me in Gettysburg. I am so overjoyed to go HOME. 

With this transition home are filled with both good and bad emotions. Of course, I am overwhelmed with the excitement to go home to my family. I am also nervous....I have been in Gettysburg for two years, we will have silly transitions to get used to upon my arrival. We will have to relearn how to fold towels the same way (I like them folded three ways, Edward four). We will have to realize and accept that we both load the dishwasher in different ways. The largest of all we will have to adjust to a new sleep schedule as he is a morning person and I find myself enjoying my late nights. This is the beauty of a healthy marriage. The fun transitions you get to learn and grow together. Places where you find comfort in each other and sometimes find a middle ground best for both of you.

Along with heading home, I am leaving many friends behind. I have been living in Gettysburg for two years and have many bonds. I have learned so much from my friends over this year and have enjoyed having such an amazing community at Gettysburg. However, we must all head onto our separate paths. 

Today I reflected on my parents who are also beginning an adventurous journey together. They are officially moving to Ohio, not far from my intern site for next year. None of could have expected this move would occur but I am so proud of my parents following their desires and starting on a new section of life. Looking at the pictures my mother posted today of the house we lived in for 20 years, I am blatantly aware of the good and bad emotions currently.

Our home of 20 years!

Mr. Squiggles in the kitchen where he would always stand where momma would cook.

The empty porch where we could eat, relax, and spend time together. Filled with so many memories of family gatherings, the days I would come home from work to tell my parents ABOUT EVERYTHING which had occurred that day, that sacred spot where family members who have passed away spent time with us.

To the kitchen that used to be an amazing color PINK that my FATHER had picked out :)

The empty dining room that held so many years of holiday dinners.

The now empty living room that saw many of our lives. The room where so many important conversations have taken place. The window that I will always remember in my memory my mother watering her plants in the sun.

Our humble home which somehow has not changed much from the outside in 20 years. However, the inside has grown, changed, and transitioned with all of us over the years.

What amazing memories. The new transitions are so exciting and yet we leave so much behind. It is beautiful. To my parents who are bravely setting foot to Ohio. They go TOGETHER with the love and support from the entire family. I look up to them so much for always making decisions together turning to God for assistance. To the next 20 years and many more stories and phases. 

To my friends and support this year. You have all taught me so much this year. You are a special gift in my life and even though we all head out on separate paths, we are together in Christ. God is with us on the journey, just as the Lord is with my parents. You have all taught me so much that I will carry a part of each of you with me.  

To my husband....I am coming home! I love you. 

 

Paljon kitoksi. (Thanks very much) 

Nähdään pian! (See you soon!) 

One of the small things I have learned this year through a friend from Finland! 

May Lord Bless you and Keep you through the many transitions of this year!