I moved here on August 15, 2009, the morning after my cousin’s wedding, and now we leave July 27th, 2017, after 8 years in Chicago.
I remember the excitement I felt over leaving Louisville, my childhood home, and the freedom to live in a new city with me as the captain of my ship. I tried out many jobs, switched from a Journalism to an International Studies and Psychology degree, I met some of my closest friends in an acappella group, and I started my proudest accomplishment, a student church at my university; a space for Jesus followers of any kind to leave their baggage at the door and embrace God anew in a safe community.
Since graduation, there have been many life-impacting events, such as my time in an living in an intentional Christian community. There I embraced the ideals of living simply, bearing responsibility for my impact on earth, and value of community.
In 2013 I met my husband, whose grace for me has taught me to love myself and hold myself to a higher ideal. Our wedding on September 5, 2015 brought such an intense feeling of love from our friends, as we embarked on one of the biggest challenges in life.
I’m glad to be wrapping up a chapter here. However, there are many joys I am sad to be leaving; whether it be leading worship in my church, learning how to reupholster, or going on vacations with family.
This past year, as Sam and I felt depressed in another long gray season of cold Chicago winter, we came to the realization that we would be okay to step away from this nest for a season. So he applied to teaching jobs in all the warm states: California, Florida, Colorado.
Imagine our surprise, 2 months later when a job in the Florida Keys calls to interview and hire Sam as their 3rd grade teacher.
We welcome prayers, calls, and cups of coffee before we transition in August.
Follow my adventures in gardening and finding God in the Keys here, at the renamed blog Kissin’ the Keys.
Pictures below of our place in Key Largo…
