Encouraged

The God of Angel Armies, who went before us to prepare our way for the move, not only cared for us physically, but put plans in place to care for me emotionally and spiritually.  He gave me a group of women who have become more precious to me than I ever thought possible.  When God bestows a blessing that you never even realized you would need, its indescribable.

On Tuesday mornings, from 9:30-11:30, I gather with a group of ladies who have all been through the process of moving.  That’s it.  We have moved.  Some have moved multiple times,  others have moved internationally.  Some of us have only come from one state over.  We have all been through the relocation process and lived to tell about it. Our fearless and hilarious leader,  felt God calling her to begin a group for women who were new to the area.  She has experienced this so many times herself  and was inspired by, “After the Boxes are Unpacked” by Susan Miller.  This book guides readers through the physical, spiritual, and emotional aspects of moving.  She had always wanted to be a part of a moving group, but instead, God wanted her to start one.  Several years later, the group is still going strong.  Some have moved away (because movers move) some have been in the group since its birth, hanging in there to help other new movers.  When you go through a move, only fellow movers can fully relate.  I had no idea the impact this group would have on me and how much I desperately needed it.

Moving is an emotional roller coaster like no other.  To have been born and live your entire life within a few hours of your home, then all of a sudden move 13 hours away, I never imagined the emotions I would feel.  No matter the mindset you try to have, the grieving will come, in waves, then you think you’re over it and you feel it all over again.  Someone may have on a t-shirt of your college rival, or you catch a glimpse of a passerby who looks exactly like a familiar face from back home.   This group of women gets it.  The unfamiliarity and frustrations,  the sadness and pain. They feel it with you and are there to pick you back up again.  These friends walk with you as you help your children grieve because someone in the group has a child who has gone through similar emotions.

Yet another blessing in the midst of uncertainty.  A blessing that I had no idea I would need, but God knew,  He always does.