We've Moved!

Talk about a crazy time!  April has been chock-full of activity.  I turned 30.  Ivan took a rafting/kayaking guide course.  There was a surprise baby shower.  Ivan's family came to Shell over Easter break.  We had a house guest for two weeks.  We moved.  And somehow I'm supposed to "take it easy"?!?  Not as simple as it sounds. 

Ivan and the kayak

It could be the pregnancy hormones, it could be the stress of moving, or it could be I'm getting older, but either way it has been an emotional rollercoaster.  I've found myself in tears over the simplest of things and having difficulty reigning in my emotions.  As someone who thrives under schedules and consistency, this month really threw me for a loop.  I read recently this phrase "Fear often manifests itself in excessive planning".  Hmmm...you think?  I am the queen of excessive planning and when I'm unable to plan or adhere to the plan all sorts of yuckiness comes out.  We originally planned to move the 15th, but then there was a rafting/kayak course Ivan wanted to take, and all of Ivan's family was going to be in town for the holidays.  Which meant our house in Shell was almost packed and ready to go but then halted as we ended up staying another week.  This led to my not-so-great-attitude and some spontaneous tears in the kitchen. 

The good news is that there is one who I can lean on. 

"I've picked you.  I haven't dropped you.  Don't panic.  I'm with you.  There's no need to fear for I'm your God.  I'll give you strength.  I'll help you.  I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you." Isaiah 41:10

And He has.  He has not dropped me.  He has given me strength.  He has kept a firm grip on me.  There is so much to be thankful for.  Our new home is beautiful, nestled among trees and plants, feeling a bit like a "secret garden".  The owner, known best as "Doc", is a talkative retired surgeon who has been quick to check that everything is alright and assist us in any way.  We know that we have been blessed by his generosity and hope that we can continue to build a positive relationship with him.  On the property, there also lives a sweet, young family of four.  Byron is the gardener for the grounds and his wife, Monica, does housekeeping, and they have two children (under the age of 6).  Byron and Monica have been our go-to contacts for everything.  They know the inner workings of the house and they know where to go in town.  Monica has even offered to go with me to the local medical clinic and help me get a "turn" for my check-ups.  (Although we are also considering finding a private practitioner). 

It's a new chapter and we're figuring it out as we go but we cannot help but recognize the faithfulness of God in providing this home, these neighbors, and this job.  We know that this is the result of many faithful partners, praying for and with us.  Thank you.

Couldn't help myself, had to set-up a little in the "nursery" :)

Office

From the entrance. (Note: Ivan working hard on light fixtures!  Love my handy-man!)

Kitchen