Transitions

This summer I finally "moved" to Wisconsin. I have lived in Michigan my whole life, and technically, I have lived in Wisconsin the last few years for school. This summer; however, I actually moved close to downtown Milwaukee into an apartment with my boyfriend's sister. I never imagined this! The blessings and experiences and transitions I have faced from this move have been incredible.

I recently finished my undergraduate classes and will begin student teaching in the fall. I know the schools I will be placed in, but am enjoying the summer before I start school again. I am working full-time by nannying and in the old office back at school. Nannying is so much fun because I get to be on the move, playing with kids, be relaxed and busy all at the same time, and basically get paid to do all the things I would want to do anyway! It's a great way to pass the days. Even at home, in the apartment, I have been trying to stay busy and enjoy "living on my own." Since my roommate has an opposite schedule to mine, it really does feel like living on my own! I have been trying to read, cook, meal plan, find recipes, and go for bike rides to keep busy and not get stuck constantly watching TV. I've even managed to find a good cleaning routine, so that I don't get stuck cleaning for hours on end, but rather do little chores throughout the week.

My boyfriend has been amazing too! We have been together for over a year, but this is the first time I haven't had a ton of homework for an extended period of time. It feels like we're going on all of our first dates all over again because I can finally devote more time to him and our relationship. He even has been showing me the sites around Milwaukee. (It is great because then I don't have to drive in this crazy town!) We've enjoyed different bars and restaurants, gone to Six Flags, tried out beer gardens, farmer's markets, new board games, and so much more. I feel like I can finally find joy in the city I have lived near for the last few years. It may never be "home" but I guess I can admit to it being a closely ranked second.

While there have been a lot of positives about this transition, it is also equally anxiety-filled. I have had to figure out different traffic patterns, new work schedules, paying bills, budgeting, grocery shopping, and how to live on my own. There may have only been a couple of totally freak out moments, but overall God has granted me so much strength and contentedness during this time. It can only be Him who is granting me the strength to learn and grow through all of these new experiences. Finding a new church has also helped me to feel supported, loved, and encouraged in the new area. Seeing familiar faces (who may or may not know my name yet) and having a routine every Sunday morning by growing in a relationship with God has been a needed constant. Even though there have been a couple of rough moments, I could not be more grateful for what I have already learned in the last month. Learning to live on my own and figure myself out in the last month has shown me my priorities and what makes me happy. Cooking, cleaning, reading, being with loved ones, and everything I have been doing is part of who I am.

I cannot wait to see what the next couple months of summer will bring.

Please pray for me as this journey continues!