Thursday, January 20, 2011

Winds of Change...Again.

There are few things I have prayed for with more diligence than my request to "get back home to Texas" when I was living in California. Specifically, to get home to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW). I remember with vivid clarity the despair I felt that first year there and how my depression nearly smothered me like a heavy, wet blanket. I know God had many things He wanted me to work on, but I was already so perfect, I couldn't imagine what might need tweaking. (Insert stifled snickers here.) Over the four years that we were there, I gradually came to understand some of the lessons God was trying to teach me, while simultaneously wondering why He couldn't have taught me those very same lessons from the comfort of the Lone Star State. Who knows? At any rate, I prayed. James prayed. Our children prayed. Our family and friends prayed. We all wanted our family to go "home" to DFW.

In early March of 2009, that prayer was answered by way of a move to Sugar Land, Texas, outside of Houston. Okay. It wasn't Fort Worth, but I could deal. In fact, I was thrilled! Over the past couple years, James and I have come to love Sugar Land (or Candyland as I affectionately refer to it) and I began to picture raising our three children here. New dreams have replaced the old. The prayers to get back to DFW ceased. We were home.

Or so we thought.

God has a sense of humor. Don't let anyone tell you differently. Out of the blue, over the past few days, God has opened a door in James' career that would land us smack dab in the middle of Fort Worth. To our own surprise, we have become so attached to Sugar Land, that we actually had to "discuss" the idea before we unanimously agreed: DFW is, was, and always will be - home.

Therefore, it is with great excitement and anticipation that our family begins another brand new journey as we take the next step in our lives and relocate (again) to DFW. We have decided to settle in a very small, country town that I grew up in, called Aledo. It sits just 15 minutes west of Fort Worth and should be a fairly simple commute for James. I am delighted that my children will get to experience the country lifestyle that I was privy to, and I pray they form memories as fond as mine. I also pray that they don't plot to kill me when they realize that they will now have to become experts in identifying and avoiding rattlers, cotton mouths, copperheads, tarantulas, black widow spiders, and scorpions; all of which bountifully exist in Aledo.

As with all our company relos, this will happen quite quickly. James will be reporting to Fort Worth in just a matter of weeks. The kids and I will stay here so I can facilitate the sale of our home with as little interruption to the children's schooling as possible.

We covet your prayers as we make this transition and look forward to reconnecting with all of our DFW friends that we have missed so much!! To those in Candyland that we leave behind, thank you for the part you have played in our lives in the brief time that we have had the privilege of knowing you. I look forward to continuing friendships and visits! Friends we have already parted with can attest that I love company!! My door is always open!!

10 comments:

Rachelle said...

Congrats on the move back to DFW! I have been gone for 13 years, and even though I know I'm right smack where the Lord wants me, I still want to go back. Enjoy!

Julie and Brian said...

Since you're privy to company, I'll be happy to leave Allie and Baby H with you *any time you want*.

Anonymous said...

Yay! I have just a small tinge of jealousy... but soooo happy for you! And Aledo was actually #2 on the list for potential homes when we chose Mansfield. You will LOVE it there! Congrats, Jeni... I'm really happy for ya'll!
~ Rhonda

Anonymous said...

I have chills! I'm so happy for you guys...glad to have one of my "heart friends" back within arms reach! ~ Laura Futrell

Anonymous said...

A heavy, wet blanket? Is that what this is? That would explain some things. I'm super excited for you guys and will be celebrating right along with you - I just gotta go take my Prozac first. :) We love you out here in the land of fruits and nuts!!
Lisa

Bev Wilson said...

Do you see me smiling? Oh, and can Andy stay with you when we travel? Love, Mom

Jeni said...

Look at the family already mooching! Jules is dumping her rug rats on me and Mom is dumping her mutt. Hmmmmmmm....Must. Rethink. Moving.

Jenn and Darby said...

I'm so glad that this is happening for you guys. I know the move and stress that comes with will be no bueno but hang in there. The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is just in reach. Congratulations!!!

Gail Lewis said...

I am coming to see you. I really wanted to come to Sugarland first before you decided to up and move. Perhaps I still have time to make it to Sugarland and then to Aledo as well! I am happy for you Jeni!
Gail

Bev Wilson said...

When I saw your title "winds of change again" I thought " Oh my gosh! She's pregnant again and didn't tell me". Since I knew about the move I naturally made that leap...love, Mom