Greetings from Alpine, Texas!
We’ve been in southwest Texas now for just over a couple of
weeks, and I’ve been asked several times about how we’re adjusting. I’ve been
thinking on this today, one of the most beautiful days we’ve had since we got
here, and I thought I’d share a little bit with all of you about all the adjustments
we’re working through.
First of all, there’s the weather. WIND!!! I’m talking
straight-line wind that might just blow your five-year-old into the air a
little if you’re not holding his hand. I’m told this wind is nothing. I’m
starting to get a sense that I should be very afraid of March. But, the wind
not withstanding, the weather has been mostly nice. Bautiful blue skies with
gorgeous mountains surrounding us on all sides, and a mild temperature I could
definitely get used to. It’s so nice to be able to force my kids to play
outside in the middle of December.
I haven’t quite adjusted to the laid-back mentality of a small
town with virtually no crime. I still feel a bit of anxiety at sending my boys
out into the neighborhood to play, and I can’t shake the need to make visual
contact at no more than thirty minute intervals. I’m not sure that instinct will
ever go away, and I accept that as a good thing. The boys—not so much.
We haven’t found a church home yet, but I suspect that will
take us a some time. Finding a place where your soul is nourished, your family
is loved, and you can grow in your walk with the Lord as you serve others is a search that shouldn’t
be rushed. So we’re taking our time and exploring our options. At least in a
town this size, our search can’t take too long! I believe with all my heart
that God brought us here, and He will provide for us.
We are slowly acclimating to our new surroundings. It doesn’t
feel like home yet, but we’ve all made a few friends, and we’re jumping into
the experience with both feet. Even my ten-year-old, despite his best efforts to be mad at us for moving, has been having a good time making new friends and going hunting.
With Christmas quickly approaching, we are
trying to focus on the opportunity to spend time at home rather than on the
road between our families, and keep our minds focused on the beautiful gift of
Jesus’ birth. But we all miss home, miss our family and friends, and ache to
see their smiling faces. So if you think of us these next few days, please pray
for our peace of mind, for us to have joy in this opportunity before us, and to
keep our eyes on God’s will. We have appreciated your thoughts and prayers, and
we send our love to all of you.
May you enjoy the Christmas season surrounded by love,
grace, and humility, knowing that you are loved by the Creator of all things,
and saved through his son! Merry Christmas!
