Well folks, I have officially lived in Oregon for over a year now. September 29th marked the day that I loaded a plane with all my junk for the West Coat. And what a year it has been. It has been a year of great struggle with many of set backs and successes, tears and laughter, milestones and memories.
I am still not sure what the Lord has in store for me when my contract is up at the end of December, if I stay in Oregon or if I head somewhere else. With that being said, regardless of what happens next, this may be the first job that I've had in five years that I haven't transferred or left at the end of a year. Staying put after a year - that's a plus!
I will say one thing about living in Oregon that's for sure: I have a pretty awesome family here who have adopted me in as one of their own. And I am forever blessed by this sweet family. Kory and Sara and their three stellar kids have been an absolute joy. They have opened their door, their house, their fridge, their couch, their lives, and their hearts to me as I brought tears and sadness in those early days. They sat, listened, encouraged, and prayed for me when I was struggling. They have laughed with me when I was in a good place. They have served a protective role to me, the one with all the allergies and accident-proneness. They have always brought love and for that I am very grateful. I have no clue where I would be if it weren't for Kory and Sara.
Great friends they are. Well, great family.
This just happens to be one of the very few normal, good, shots of Sara and I tonight at the Canyon Ladies Dinner.
I don't have ANY pictures of the rest of my Oregon family, but I'll be working on it. In the meantime, I'm sure there will be more tears, laughter, and jelly belly's shared!
