It’s been 12 weeks since we descended back into the
Northwest. At times, it has felt a
little bit like we’re Canadian geese that have been gone for the winter, but at
other times it feels like the dawn of a newly explored land where everything is
unfamiliar.
Today I have the chance to sit and listen to the delicate
stream in front of me with the birds whistling all around. The sun beats down, and I feel worlds away
from the city. My children are having “recess,” rolling down the grassy hill as
nature keeps them company. So, finally,
it’s time to reflect…
When we moved here, we had ideas of what the
ensuing weeks would entail, but many of our plans have curtailed in the wind of
the way life travels. We have been given
a peace about some things, big things, but others still seem restless and
uncertain.
We have had our share of joys from the past few months….reconnecting
with treasured friends, spending Mother’s Day with my mom, celebrating my dad’s birthday with him,
crocheting with Matt’s grandma and hearing stories of Puerto Rican and NYC days
gone by, boogie boarding in the shadow of Haystack Rock, having Matt’s parents at nearly every baseball game, watching my
children scoop slimy tadpoles from the marsh to take to Papa’s pond in hopes of
frogs, meeting some really amazing people that have become our new friends, and
being able to homeschool my children.
As for homeschooling: this was never my
intent to finish the school year homeschooling them, but it has been one of the
most beautiful gifts I’ve had the joy of unwrapping over the course of the past
few months. Now that I’ve worn the hat as teacher for my children (As parents, this
hat is never removed but for me at this time it’s more of an official title since their
knowledge of rhombus’ and idioms rests solely on my shoulders!), it has been so
amazing to go at their pace, teach to their strengths and weaknesses, challenge
them, and explore this world that’s before us together. We will end the school year today, and although the
structure of school will become a little bit looser this summer, the education will always
continue. When school begins in
September, they will most likely embark on a new adventure with new teachers
and new friends, but for now it’s been a gift.
Although I still have so many unanswered questions and I’m
reminded from wise people that “it takes about a year to feel like
this will be home,” I have so much to be thankful for, and I stand in awe of
the Creator who weaves a tapestry on the underside, making it as seems best for
Him. He knows what the finished tapestry
will look like and makes everything beautiful in its time (not mine!). For now, I’m a work in progress, and I find
myself content. It's time to roll down the
green, grass hill with the giggling children. All in all, I think we're geese that have come home!
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Easter!
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| Downtown Portland |
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| Lake Washington Seaplane Landing |
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| Edmonds Beach Stroll |
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| Tournament Champions |
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| Oregon Beach Sunset |
