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(Throwback to our moving announcement in May 2017)
I can’t believe it’s been a full 12 months since Andy and I packed our house and pets in a moving truck to move 700 miles away from my beloved Kentucky to rural Iowa. It’s been no secret that I’ve experienced a whirlwind of emotions regarding the surprise Recruiting orders that my husband received in March 2017 and the unexpected move that came along with those orders. You know how they say “time heals all wounds”? Well, I wouldn’t call Iowa a “wound,” but the sentiment is still there– time has certainly helped with the adjustment.
While I don’t love every single thing about this assignment (because no one ever does), I’m finally feeling more comfortable and settled into our Iowa lives. Just recently, it dawned on me that I was able to go grocery shopping and knew where to find all of my ingredients/groceries. (I have no idea why, but learning the layout of a new grocery store is one of the most stressful parts of moving for me.)
Although I was fortunate to land full-time employment within a week of our move, I struggled with making new friends. Part of that was due to being “away from the flagpole” and around fellow military wives who are also searching for new friends after moving. Thankfully, after months of loneliness and tears, I’m finally making real connections that have blossomed into friendships. Andy and I joined a small group through our church which has been an absolute blessing. They remembered how I mentioned I was dreading my birthday this year so when my husband decided to throw a last-minute birthday party for me, every single one of them re-arranged their plans to attend!
Even though most of my daily interactions aren’t with fellow military wives, this unique Recruiting life has given me the task of sharing about military life with people who don’t experience it firsthand, with hopes of bridging the civilian-military divide. And while I’m being honest, it’s a bit refreshing to get away from the flagpole for a bit 😛
Since this was my first military move outside of my home state, I’ve struggled with living 700 miles away from home. It’s still tough being away from family when holidays or birthdays roll around, or when someone is ill and in the hospital, and I can’t be there. To be honest, I will probably always be a bit sad about missing out on family things which is normal. However, I’ve learned so much about myself in this past year and gotten to meet new people and travel to new places. Iowa isn’t my forever home (there’s way too much snow here for my liking!), but it’s been good to me. The Lord had a plan, and while I never imagined it would include living in Iowa, I can see Him at work.
Since the day we arrived in Iowa, we’ve been asked: “What happens next?” It always makes me laugh because we have no idea and there are a million possibilities. Even though we know our 3-year assignment here ends Summer 2020, we have no idea when we’ll learn where we’re moving, where we’ll be moving to, or even what job Andy will have when we return to regular Army life. I find myself anxious to find out the future even though I know I still need to enjoy the present.
One year down, two to go!
(Our moving announcement in May 2017)