change! big change!
good evening, friends. it has been awhile. almost a month, really. our days have been filled with daily to do lists, long evenings in the garden, fresh dinners on the patio & change. big change!
in 10 days we are moving to luke’s hometown, fayetteville, in northwest arkansas. we have already set roots in this sweet little community tucked away in the ozark mountains – we drive sixty miles to attend church with luke’s family every sunday! i sell my photography & jewelry at a handful of shops & i
co-curate a {craft show} there every winter. i am smitten with this sweet town & the people we already know & love there.
here’s where it gets a little tricky, as it always does. i received an amazing job opportunity with {NCAT} via americorps. i will work as a support volunteer to the office & several projects focusing on sustainable food systems in northwest arkansas. i am very excited to work with the {snap gardens} to educate & promote future food. of course, i couldn’t ask luke to leave his job, a two hour drive from our new home. so, he’ll be living on the farm part-time & spending his weekends in our home. it already feels so hard & i often find myself lost in thought at the stoplight feeling all teary about not having him at home most evenings.
this past year, though, i’ve learned that i’m incredibly strong. we’re incredibly strong. our last three years of marriage have prepared us for this adventure- many opportunities to practice healthy communication & share our struggles & weaknesses. our strengths & gifts, too. i am thankful for his partnership & will rely on it even more as we make this transition.
at this time, i don’t know what to expect or feel or how to even prepare. we’re packing up all of our belongings, saying goodbye to our garden {i will miss it more than anything here}, cleaning up our life in this town & beginning anew- once more.
love,
natalie
leedav | 21st Jun 12
What an exciting opportunity! I hope that while the distance will be hard at the time it will only make you stronger in the end. Here's to change!
Anonymous | 21st Jun 12
That is a big change, I wouldn't know how to feel either — you are right though, you are a strong person and a strong woman. 🙂
Natalie Freeman | 21st Jun 12
thank you, friends, for all of your encouragement. 🙂
Rajdeep | 22nd Jun 12
2 Hours is not that big of a deal 🙂 I live in Canada and it sometimes takes me 2 hours to drive just from my city to Vancouver…and my city is right next to Vancouver!
So whenever you feel lonely, you can always go visit him, he'll be a lot nearer than you think 🙂
ncp | 23rd Jun 12
hi natalie, best wishes to you and luke. i know that things may be a bit stressful, but you have shown you can meet challenges head on with grace and positivity. congrats! nina 🙂
abby | 23rd Jun 12
Wow, big change indeed. You are strong and insightful, and it seems to me, not afraid of change! If things aren't working in some way, you 2 will make changes to make them work. Congratulations on your great job offer, Natalie! xo
bridgmanpottery | 23rd Jun 12
oh, my goodness! Natalie, you handle everything so well, I know y'all will weather this with grace.
Liesl | 24th Jun 12
The job sounds like a really great opportunity and experience. I hope all works out for you!
Natalie Freeman | 25th Jun 12
We are life partners to the end! We can make it through this season, I know it. There will be difficulty, but more than anything, I am excited about the change–for you to enjoy your work and be surrounded by a real community! We can do this!
Jess | 2nd Jul 12
this is a big deal! you guys are brave to try it out, and help both of you find contentment while you're in Arkansas.