coming soon... part two

It's not over yet... not even close. Change is still a-coming...

After a long job search, I can't seem to find anything that isn't more than part time in Austin. I weighed taking two part time positions, but even those began to fall through. I started actively pursuing jobs in Colorado, as I would absolutely LOVE to live there. But, the Lord kept on closing those doors. Which, led me to pray about the one door He hadn't quite closed just yet... Plan C.

After almost 7.5 years in Austin, 1 year in Dallas and 4 years in College Station, I think I'm ready to go to my home. My first home. My roots. I'm going to Henderson. It's been a long time since I thought that I would move back to Henderson. Not that anything is wrong with it, just didn't see myself back there for a while. But, after being out of a job for almost 3 months, and being able to be home more often, I've remembered how much I truly love that place. I've never forgotten. But, I could see how much I loved living there. I'm so proud of this town. I'm proud to be from this town. I love what a small town stands for... what it means to those that live there. I love being able to know people when I go to the grocery store... or WalMart... or just driving down the street!

It's been 13 years since I've been in the same place as my parents, aunt & uncle, grandparents, like-family friends, childhood best friends... and now those friends' babies. I'm so excited to be Aunt Sarah with these sweet dumplings I've only gotten to see a few times a year. I'm excited to reconnect with old friends on a daily or weekly basis, versus yearly. I'm excited to meet new people, to find my place in this community again.

I'm also really hyped to not have to worry about traffic anymore, or having to be ready 30-45 minutes before I have to be somewhere. I'm excited to explore this town I've called home for the last 31 years. So much has changed, yet so much is still the same. I'm excited to find a new home... whether renting or buying when the time is right. I'm really ready to make a mark here.

As excited as I am to move back to my roots, I'm desperately going to miss my Austin. I'll miss the craziness, the weirdness, the uniqueness. I'll miss the trails, the constant things to do outside. I'll miss the awesome places to grab a beer with friends, the countless places to eat. I'll miss being literally around the corner from a Starbucks and Chipotle. I'll miss having movie theaters, Targets and Anthropologies within minutes. But, most of all, I will truly truly miss my community.

My community in Austin has become my family away from family. I have some of the best friends in the world. Women and men that love me as a sister, support me no matter what, and pray for me regardless. It will be so incredibly hard to leave them. But, it's taking me back to my senior year of high school and of college. Living in the same town as my best friends, living life day in and day out. And you know what? The ones that have mattered, the ones that have "stickiness"... well, they are still in my life. I know that those friends I've gained while in Austin, will make road trips to Henderson. I know that they'll meet me with open arms at the homes I stay at or restaurants I meet them at in Austin. I know that many of these friends will be friends for a lifetime. Regardless of where we all end up, I know that these people will be who they are to me today for the rest of my life.

And lastly, gosh, I will miss the Austin Stone. I will miss the church that has challenged me to get out of my comfort zone, be IN the Word everyday, to pray continuously, to make disciples, to live a life reflective of Jesus, to be a Christian FOR the city. I think the Stone will end up being the hardest thing for me to leave. I know that we are all a part of The Church. I know that I will be able to find community, spoken Truth, I will be challenged to be a better me... because of Jesus' love for me. I know I will find another Church to call home. But, I will truly miss this place. I will miss sitting under the teachings, I will miss worshiping under our worship leaders. But, I trust. I trust that the Spirit will move in me no matter where I go!

So bring it on Henderson. Bring it! This girl is ready!!!

Now... seeing as how I am an adult... what will I do for a job?! Part three to come...

coming soon... part one.

Indeed... big things are coming soon. So many things are up in the air in my life, but I think that writing a blog to inform everyone I haven't spoken with is the best bet!

So... what's next? About a month ago, I came to the realization that no matter what position I would end up taking, I would most likely not make the money I used to make. The salary that afforded me to purchase my first home. I decided that I would need to rent the house. My sweet friend, and former roommate, Linda, once again opened her home up to me as a place to live. I could have my old digs back, Layla could go with me and I would be able to save a considerable amount of money. So I had decided that would be my next step. UNTIL... I spoke with a few close family friends, and prayed a whole lot, and figured out that it would be best for me to just sell the house altogether. 

Why sell the house versus rent the house?

I was so blessed to buy my home almost 2 years ago in a buyers market. I was able to get an excellent price for the location and size of my house. After purchasing, I updated a large part of the house... and then over the last year, I've updated the front and back yards. Now, Austin is currently in the swing of a sellers market. After discussing my options with my friend, Tyler O'Brien, who also happens to be the best realtor in Austin (there's a plug for you, Tyler!), I realized that I was in the best situation possible. The selling of my home will not only allow someone else to love this house, to grow here, but it will also allow me to move forward in my own life. After much consideration and prayer, I found that selling is the best solution for me.

The photographer comes on Thursday to take pictures... which I will post on here, as lots of people want to see pictures of the house! And, Tyler said he should have the house on the Austin MLS on Friday night! Today, he came by to put up this in my yard...

So here it goes. I'm selling my house. Officially. While I'm not sad or scared yet, that could easily change...

For the rest of the change in my life... that is in the works... so you'll have to stay tuned!