Our time here

Our time in Florida has been a very humbling experience for me. I didn't want to come here, but I knew my husband had righteous motives-to work through some family things, and he hoped for progress in that area-to be closer to his family, but we didn't understand exactly what that would mean.

When we got here, I tried to adapt, but found it very difficult, so difficult in fact, that I accidentally sabotaged my social life. Is that a contradiction? Is sabotage supposedly intentional? Anyway, it happened. It kept me from church for a few weeks, which has also been humbling and a learning experience. It also helped me get to know my neighbors, who turned out to be a family that we will always remember, and thanks to Facebook, probably never lose touch with.

Things didn't turn out exactly the way we anticipated with one side of Steven's family. Actually, it turned out to be a disappointment. But last night, a surprise phone call came and a dinner was planned for tonight with the other side of the family. We had no clear intentions of hooking up with Steven's dad's side (including a younger sister, age 10-she shares a b'day with Steven, and her mom, and wonderful woman with whom I would love to spend more time). However, GOD INTENDED US TO RECONNECT WITH THEM.

We all went to dinner tonight, and although I can't describe exactly how the whole thing felt, I can say it was very healing and fulfilling. I'm having a very hard time choosing words here. I just want to say that I have a little bit better understand of how normal families must feel toward each other. Like no matter what, you are always family, and it all comes together in the end. I feel that they are truly there for us, they care about us, respect us and love us. And it's mutual. (I have that with my dad, but no one else that I am related to by blood. I think Steven has desired it with his mom, but she has never been able to really fill that role.) What a wonderful feeling to experience after all these years of disappointment.

I think Steven would say "that's enough about feelings now!" LOL
My cup runneth over. We are truly blessed. The Lord has provided for us and will continue to do so. I know that to be true.

So, I think we have made enough expensive mistakes moving back and forth across the country. We are finally on the right track, and it feels good. I think as long as we continue to put family first, we will be okay.