Up until today, I have been preparing myself for a 16 month long vacation! Looking online, trying to find cute sandals, swimsuits, hats, dresses etc. for me ... and stuff for the boys as well. Ultimately, I have felt excited, excited to be moving on with our lives, excited to move to a new place! I mean seriously, just look at the paradise we will call home in 3 months!
Feelings of excitement have filled my mind, along with me imagining how life will be in a place we have never been. However, today Broc and I received an email from a girl whose husband is going to school there now. It was helpful to read the advice she gave, yet it was a reality check for me. As I finished reading the email, I found a few tears falling. The reality of our new home was setting in. I would be lying if I told you I wasn't nervous, because I am. I wonder how the boys will adjust and how I will adjust. Broc and I have never had a lot. We have never lived anywhere really nice. But, we are moving to a third world country. A place where we won't have a car. We walk everywhere. It is a 30 minute walk to church! (Really, we have a hard time making it on time to our 1:30PM meetings!) A place where everybody just lets their kids run around in their diapers or underwear because it is so hot! (So all of those cute clothes I was looking at...?) Milk is so expensive that most use powdered milk. Crew LOVES his milk. Will he drink it over there, will he still like it when we return? The list goes on and on, I just shared a few examples. We aren't taking a lot with us. Whatever we can pack in a few suitcases will have to do. I know Broc's classes and studies will be demanding, so I am preparing myself to be a single mom of two... in a different country, away from all family and friends. It was today that I really started to feel a flood of emotions. We have heard that it can be one of the greatest, most memorable experiences we will ever have... or it can be the worst. It all comes down to what we make of it.
Early on we titled this blog, "Finding Joy in the Journey" (from a talk given by President Monson). It has summed up our experiences over the 6 years of our marriage. Some situations in our lives have been far from ideal, but it has always come down to what we make of life. It really doesn't matter what situation we are in, where we live, what we have or don't have, what trials we are facing, we can always look at life as an experience and find the joy in everyday. President Monson says it best, "it is my sincere prayer that we may adapt to the changes in our lives, that we may realize what is most important, that we may express our gratitude always and thus find joy in the journey." As I pulled up my blog today, I was reminded of this.
I'm sure today I just skimmed the surface of what is to come. And yet, amidst all of these mixed emotions, I truly feel that this is where we need to be. For whatever the reason, whatever we need to learn. That is what life is... finding joy in the journey!
13 comments:
Oh Crystal! I can 100% relate to your excitements and worries. I've been in Scotland now for almost a year and (although it is not a 3rd world country) there are still so many differences and quirks and big changes that have happened that I didn't anticipate. Yes, it's been stressful and some days I feel like it's almost unbearable and I just want to go back to my comfort zone. BUT, even amidst those times (that are probably normal for everyone, wherever they are)I have found that there are so many ways to adapt. I have also found that for every negative, a new positive seems to emerge and it has taught me how to stretch myself and has given me, and my family, confidence and a new perspective on things I don't think I could have ever got otherwise...and despite the challenge, for me, this priceless benefit for outweighs the fear, inconvenience and uncertainty. Also, the beauty is that you KNOW you are going where you need to be...Mike and I had the same experience and knowing that makes such a difference. Heavenly Father will bless you because of this, I see it nearly every day ( and I know I'd see it more if I was better at recognizing it!)Sorry, this is such a long comment but I read your post and couldn't keep quiet because everything you said are things I felt (and still feel). So, just know you have a friend who understands and who also knows that you and your family are up for this exciting new adventure!
Thanks for the reminder Crystal! Keep trying to have that perspective. :)
We will miss you guys so much. It does look exciting- but scary at the same time. I bet you and the boys will grow to love it/people soon. It's almost like going on a mission with your fam!
I think it will be fantastic...different and new but fantastic :) and don't worry my son wears just a diaper 99.9 percent of the time and it's great :) saves on laundry majorly ;)
Sweet thoughts Crystal. A good reminder to us all about what matters. If anyone can handle an "adventurous challenge" with a great attitude it's you and Broc. Seeing you last week was so so fun!! Love you!!
I know you will do FANTASTIC over there. In fact, I can't think of another little family that I think would do as great as you??? You will have the cutest living quarters in the whole town...I know you will because everything you touch is so stylish, your kids will be the coolest kids around...because your the coolest parents! I'm not worried one bit...YOU GO ROCK THAT PLACE!!! LOVE YOU GUYS...KEEP IN TOUCH PLEASE.
Wow, there are many things I didn't even consider (like drinking powdered milk) that will change for you and your boys. Honestly, us mom's are programmed to deal with just about anything, but it's our kids we worry about. It sounds like it will be very challenging, but will probably also be a once in a lifetime experience. I can't wait to see all your fabulous photos of such a pretty place!
I am also not in a third world country, nor do I have two kids, but I did move over 3,000 miles away from my family and I couldn't be happier where we are. When Heavenly Father assures you that what you're doing is right then everything seems to work out for the best. Good luck with moving and I hope you're kids are able to adapt. I can't wait to hear about your travels.
I cannot wait to see you and talk. I am right there with Emily and you! As long as you and Broc have the confirmation that this is what your family is supposed to do, the Lord will make it happen and your joys will outweigh the hardships! Plus, there is not a THING you and Broc can't do. You're a powerhouse couple!
Oh Broc and Crystal, Ross and I have never known a couple that is so in tune with the Lord and his Plan... as much as you two are. Your focus is always "towards" Him, and everyone around you can feel that. We know that you are "being guided", and that the island anxiously awaits your family's beautiful example and love. We just hope that you... COME BACK TO US SOMEDAY! We love you madly!!!
My guess is Broc finally contacted Jay and Andrea--I hope their experience has been helpful to prepare you guys. I know it has been hard for them and yet I am excited for you and your little growing family. Broc is a person who doesn't settle for less than the goals he has planned for himself... For less than I guess you as a family feel the Lord needs you to do. I am sure you will have tough times but you will come out of it so much stronger than you went in... It's what needs to happen for you all to achieve your greatest potential as spirit children of an Eternal God. So yes, embrace it! Enjoy every minute of it! You've said it yourself, it will be what you make of it ;)
Thank you for being great friends and great examples to us. It is awesome to watch people dream and then achieve. It give the rest of us hope for a better life and world. Good luck.
Wow what a exciting but intimidating adventure! I am sure you will look back at the adventure with fond memories but at the time maybe challenging. What a fun adventure and great memories you will have. I love how you reminded me of that great talk about "enjoying your the ride".
Post a Comment