April 17, 2011

i must first begin with a big thank you.
i cannot even begin tell you how much your words meant to me… the emails, messages, comments & friends here simply asking… you are all so great & truly encouraging. as we drove into oklahoma, i was reminded of all of your advice… don’t instantly judge, seek the adventure, you will be with your life partner through all of this. & without even really noticing, i was walking into the library to ask questions, excited for the many amazing {!!!} thrift shops & scouting out potential homes.
the biggest moment came when i was checking out at salvation army. the woman asked where i was from & i told her my husband & i were here for a visit for an interview. she sighed heavily & wished me the best. she told me that jobs seemed to be the topic for the day; many were coming in without jobs, scraping by until something came their way. she only received part-time hours & her roommate finally found a job after months of searching.
i thanked her & as i walked out realized, i am so privileged. this “problem” of finding the perfect piece of land with similar, like-minded people surrounding me & a career for luke so that i can focus on creative pursuits is actually, not a “problem” at all. it is tough to admit when you’re completely oblivious to your unearned privilege, but i am most of the time. i am thankful for the woman at salvation army who knocked me out of my selfish mindset.
when luke came back from his interview, he was so excited for this job opportunity. i, too, was excited. we can make this place home just like our comfortable little town of columbia, missouri.

& onto learning about yourself & how much you have to learn, my birthday was on monday. at only 22, there are many more discoveries to be made!

sweet luke did everything! he baked the cake, built the fire pit, prepared the grass-fed burgers & entertained everyone. over 50 friends came to the party! i was so shocked to see so many of those that i love.

& it was also so bittersweet. i will miss these people, this community so much, but there is so much to look forward to. we must keep our heads up as we look forward.
we find out in about a week if luke was accepted for the job. keep us in your thoughts as we anxiously wait.