The story begins...
It wasn't without much discussion, many tears, fears, and faith that led us to the decision to take the next steps to relocate to Texas. It was a conversation and a dream started years ago which seemed like one of those bucket list items that would never take shape. Little did we know, God was leading us down a path that would take us to right where we wanted to be, many years down the road.
It was both of our dreams for me to stay home to raise our kids and to own a house. That dream was a far off fantasy living in California. We had to be a two income home to make ends meet. Although the location of where we lived is highly desired, it left us with a lot to be desired. Neither of us are beach people and for all intents and purposes we didn't take full advantage of our area and only stayed in Orange County because that was where we were born and raised and where our parents live. It was important for us to have our kids know and be raise with their extended family, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and our closest and dearest friends. But at some point we had to evaluate the cost.
The ball got rolling when Troy accepted the transfer position from Santa Ana, CA to Roanoke, TX in early May. I was still on maternity leave with my son and I had fully enjoyed and thrived while being home with my kids. I think this helped sway my decision to get on board with the relocation as well. In Texas, it was possible for me not to return to work. And once that ball got rolling it quickly sped down hill.
On June 2nd Troy packed up his car with all his essentials and headed to Texas to start his new position. The kids and I stayed back until he found us a house and I could close up shop here. It was one of the hardest 35 days of my life. I didn't know when I was going to see him next, where we were going to live, if our savings would be drained before we even arrived. I was a single parent during that time and I am so fortunate that I was able to stay with my parents and have the help from my mom, dad, and siblings. Quick moments of them keeping an eye on the kids allowed me to eat a full meal, take a quick shower, make a phone call, or even have a good cry. The rocks in the storm of my life. I grew as a wife, a mother, a child, and in my faith. It was difficult and beautiful.
Troy and I had one quick turn around trip to Texas in late May and it was terrible, for multiple reasons. The clock was ticking, the pressure was on, and Troy was leaving with or without me to start work. After that trip I did all the house hunting virtually and we put an offer on a house neither of us had seen in person. When Troy arrived to Texas we were already in escrow and in our option period. He took a tour of the house and we prayed about it. We decided to go for it and we bought a house that I had never stepped foot in.
Escrow closed on June 30th. Since I wasn't working Troy had to qualify for the home loan himself. He did all the leg work with the loan officer, the real estate agent, the inspections, the appointments, and all the hoops that he had to jump through to get to where we are. I am so incredibly proud of him and how much he accomplished for himself and for his family. I have seen a new level of self esteem rise up from him. He is proud of his career, his home, his wife and kids, and all he has accomplished.
Finally, over 4th of July weekend Troy flew into California, packed the U-Haul truck, and headed East to our new home.
My mom and my godmother drove my mini van so that the kids and I could follow by plane a few days later. My sister flew with us so I could have an extra pair of adult hands to help get me through all the traveling with 3 kids ages 4 and under.
We arrived at midnight Texas time, I took a tour of my new home, and went to bed. In the morning we did some unpacking, hung out and went to Golden Corral for lunch.
That night Troy had to take my mom, sister, and godmother to the airport. I didn't even get a whole day with them. I can't remember the last time I sobbed that hard and for that long. I wasn't ready to let go, I wasn't ready for my mom to leave, and I wasn't ready to start this new life in a completely unknown place. My heart was broken, my fear overwhelming, and the regret was starting to creep in. The thought of "what have I done?" and "did I do this because I am selfish?" repeated itself over and over. When Troy drove away with all of them in the car I called my sister in NY to cry, to hear her voice, to try not to hyperventilate, and most of all not to feel so alone.
And this was just the beginning of my #FaithJourneyCAtoTX of relocating, renovating, and rejuvenating.
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