I have been beating around the bush a little about what’s next for us. Maybe it’s because I’m having a hard time believing it’s really happening. Part of it may be because I’ve had my head in a plastic bubble.
So, I don’t believe I’ve said this out loud on here :: we are moving back to Chicago. In less than 40 days. We will move back into the house that we lived in before, the house that’s been on the market now for 2 years. There is excitement about what’s next, but there’s also sadness.
Let me share something with you ~ in the span of 20+ years, my husband has worked for 4 churches and started 1. Twenty years. We dated for 5 of those years, married for 15, lived in 5 different states, birthed 4 children, moved to 9 houses/apartments in 7 different zip codes. With each move we firmly believed it’s not about where you live, it’s about finding some cool people to do life with ~ and we have found some amazing people at each place we’ve lived. Lifelong friends.
So, we’re sad. I’m sad. I’m sad for so many reasons. I have a hard time making friends, mostly because I’m quiet by nature and that quietness is misread as snobbiness. It doesn’t help that my husband’s occupation was “Pastor”. The expectations of a “Pastor’s Wife” are out there people and I didn’t fill any of those expectations. That led to some loneliness at times, but everywhere we have lived, the friends that are truly patient with me become those lifelong friends. They laid those expectations to the side and accepted my quietness, my dorkiness, my faults, my good, bad & ugly and loved me anyway. Even though there’s sadness about leaving North Carolina, we have made some lifelong friends that have become family.
{photo by Jody Roth}
That’s what it’s all about folks. It doesn’t matter where you live ~ find a few authentic people to do life with, and you’ll make it anywhere.
This is a struggle for me as well, making friends. I used to be so good at it, or maybe that’s simply how I remember things being. The grass is greener type of thing. I’m grateful for friends who “move” with you, and sad for the friends who didn’t, and waiting for the new friends to show.
((hugs)) Praying for your move!
it’s true, with every move, we have had ones that have “moved” with us and we continue to stay in touch. thank you for your kind thoughts & prayers!
Ahhh, you’re killing me…and I just met you! But if Reeve loves you, I love you! So there. Just wish I had met you earlier to enjoy all the wonderful things Reeve says about y’all! I wish you all warm fuzzies in Chicago and glad I can follow your adventure here! muah! Hope you’ll come back to knitting before you sk’daddle!
xo
Caroline, Matt and I are praying for your family. I must admit I have misunderstood your quietness in the past for not wanting to be closer friends, and I was jealous of people like Stacy who you were closer with. I apoligize for making assumptions. Not very sure of my own self. Anyway, I do miss you guys, and have been following your adventures, and am so sorry that you are having to pick up and move all over again. Love you all.
no apologies needed friend! love you guys a ton. hope our paths cross again soon!
wow! This is such a fantastic post–I think it’s my favorite post you’ve ever written–{not just saying that because I saw my photo} but because I hear your voice when I read the words. it’s such an honor to call you friend. thank you for being my friend too.
thank you dear friend. {and thanks for making me cry reading your comment!}
Caroline you are killing me with this post
(( But thank God for a faith in Him that does not let us doubt the plan He has for us nor the path that got us here. Can I be a lifelong friend too?!? Please please 
You should pass out applications.
you are most definitely a lifelong friend! {and i’ll gladly be your biggest fan & book promoter in chicagoland!}
I will pray for you as your journey to Chicago takes shape.
Thanks for sharing your heart!! ~ Lisa
thanks for your honesty. i regret not having/taking the time to hang out and get to know you, caroline. you’re an amazing woman. really.
prayers and love for the journey.
Caroline, you are so easy to love! I am so grateful for your many years of friendship; it has never mattered where you lived (except that I wish I got to spend more time with you).
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I am loving your posts on authentic community and friendship. I hope you’ve settled in well back at “home.”
The settling in has been difficult at times. My kids seem to have transitioned better than me!