It’s been just over a month since Preacherman and I made the big move to Jacksonville, Florida.  And since we’ve been here, we’ve been busy bees; working, getting our house together, and trying to create a “new normal”.

We like Jacksonville.  Even though it’s Florida, it’s still “Southern”, so we’re still able to get sweet tea, and people still say “Ma’am” and “Sir”.  Since we are in North Florida, it doesn’t have the tropical look that Florida is known for (which is more common closer to the beach, and further South- like in Orlando or Miami).  The greenery makes it look not much different from North Carolina.

We chose to live “outside the city” but are technically still in Jacksonville.  Most places are about a 20 minute drive (Target, movie theater), but we do have a little stretch not far from us that has no shortage of grocery stores, fast food restaurants, Walgreens/CVS, and pretty much any other store that you could think of, which is especially helpful and convenient.

We are working hard and definitely being stretched by our new jobs.  It is a blessing that Preacherman and I have the opportunity to work in the same school.  When days get tough, meetings don’t go well, kids act crazy, parents act crazy,  you can’t access the internet to really find the information you need, it’s great to know that your best friend is just downstairs (or upstairs).  But more than that, it’s a blessing to work with young people and their families.  We consider it a privilege to be able to do so, and though we are being stretched, we know that there is always a greater purpose for any challenges that we may experience.

The people here are really nice.  On more than one occasion, we’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness and friendliness of strangers.  It definitely has helped to make this place feel more like home.  We’re slowly finding our way, getting to know our coworkers more, and visiting churches as well.

Though we are enjoying our new life, there are things that we miss about North Carolina.  Some of those would be our family and friends, our church family, WTVD News, great restaurants such as Watts Grocery, The Q-Shack, and Bull City Burger…just to name a few.  However, the longer that we are here, the more confident we are in God’s plan for us in Jacksonville, and that helps us to manage any feelings of being homesick.  We look forward to having our family with us in Jacksonville for Thanksgiving, and for hosting others in our home as they are able to visit.  More than anything, we are overwhelmed at God’s love and purpose for us, and excited about having the opportunity to pursue it.

Until next time…

Be encouraged!  Peace and blessings!