The Long and Winding Road

121 Days. 17 weeks. 4 months. However you think about time- that is how long this journey to Virginia Beach is going to take us. It's a long road.

Steve in Virginia. The rest of us in North Carolina. Separated by 350 miles.

Today is day 6.

Last Friday was day one and Steve, our three oldest kids and I caravanned up to move Steve into his temporary digs. We spent the weekend getting to know the area, unpacking a few boxes of books in his new office and meeting some future friends. We also celebrated our Ellie's 16th birthday.

We walked on the beach (more like ran out there to see it and ran back) It was freezing! We discovered a great authentic Italian restaurant we'll be frequenting. Oh, and a fun sushi place. Ellie loves sushi.

It's been a whirlwind of a couple of months. Thanksgiving weekend when Steve's off-season with NASCAR began, we'd not thought of living in Virginia Beach. We'd not thought of taking a position as an interim pastor - a two year commitment. Yet, two and half months later- here we are. Living what feels like in many ways, someone else's life.

But, it's not. It's ours. We chose to have this adventure. So, no matter how hard it is right now- it is ours.

Over the last three years Steve has averaged being away from home about 120 days a year. We're just cramming all 121 days into the first part of the year and then we'll be finished. No more being apart. Together. Forever....maybe.

Who can ever say what the future holds?

Were doing it this way so our kids can finish the school year. Mainly, so our daughter Maddie can graduate from the high school she's been at for the last four years. I couldn't bear the thought of making her move her senior year. We've moved so much in her lifetime. Seven times. But, we've lived here in Charlotte since she was 10. This is her home- where all her lifelong friends live. At least for now. She'll be moving on in the fall anyway. But why make her do it prematurely?

This is a choice I never thought I'd willingly make. Living away from my soulmate. But, over the last few years of being apart so often I learned a few things.

I learned Steve is my soulmate but not my Source. I learned to really be in the moment you are in and to appreciate the days as they come. And,that just because I am without my husband it doesn't mean I am alone.

I learned I'm stronger than I thought.

So...... here we go!!  The long road to Virginia Beach. It's going to be quite the journey, I can tell.