This post is long overdue. Lets just say April has not been my friend.
I knew going into this month that it was bound to be completely crazy. A million birthdays, a potential job change for Josh, a hectic work schedule, and a LOT of difficult decisions to make. Well, we’re a week away from being done with the month, and even though I’m grateful for what it has brought, it is turning out to be a bittersweet ending to so much more.
After weeks of praying and questioning and weighing the options, we’ve decided to leave Portland. Josh was flown down to Austin, Texas a couple weeks ago to interview for a web development job, and was offered the position the same day. He’ll finally have good health insurance, and not to mention a job we both think he’s going to love. No more going stir crazy from being cooped up in the house all day with nothing but a dog and computer to talk to. (That will soon be my dilemma)
Yep. Austin.
I never thought I’d live in Texas. But here I go again. Moving to a city I’ve never set foot in. All I can do is rely on the words of those who have been there, and so far all I hear is rave reviews. “It’s the Portland of the South”, “It’s the only liberal city in Texas”, and “It’s where the hippies go” seem to be common responses.
It’s really hard to describe what I’m feeling and thinking, because it changes with every passing minute. When I’m with my friends here I can’t imagine being alone again like I was when we first moved to Portland. No friends, no church, no connections. It wasn’t a good point in life for me. But when weeks of non-stop rain goes by, I know in my heart that it’s time to move on and find the place that we’re meant to plant ourselves in. My love for this city can’t be put into words. Portland is lush and exciting and inclusive and will always be a place I found so much life and beauty. (Not to mention some incredible people we get the privilege of calling friends)
So let me raise an imaginary glass to Portland, Oregon and all her splendor. And to our new life in Austin that will begin in May.
If you’re a praying person, we could really use some. The road to Texas has already been a very bumpy one, and we still have a month to go…
Caroline
