Nashville.

The last month has been quite eventful, if not even a bit overwhelming. Evidenced by my lack of posting (sorry!), I’ve been busy. I moved to a new city in a new state, though both somewhat familiar. I started a new job in a new industry, neither familiar. I said many goodbyes and numerous hellos. While I’m still navigating, I finally feel able to take a deep breath and enjoy this season of change.

I sit at a new desk, but on it, sits familiar faces in photographs. I see most of them considerably less; others I still see every couple of weeks. Yet I miss them all terribly. In Huntsville, I could see those people whenever I wanted; I had the option. Now I don’t, and it has strengthened how much I care for them. I miss my friends fiercely. Even with the bits of loneliness, there are so many wonderful moments of joy and excitement here.

I’ve been able to reconnect with old friends, and I’ve already made some beautiful new ones. I’m discovering the best watering holes and coffee shops, and I’ve dined at some ridiculously great restaurants. My list of places to try grows daily. When I have a free lunch break, I explore downtown by foot, and I find a new reason to love this city each day. There is always something to do or discover. I see the Lord answering prayers I whispered many weeks — sometimes months — ago. It’s a sweet and precious thing when I realize those moments where He undoubtedly moved before me.

Even still, even in the midst of repeated confirmations, even with all the positives and even though I LOVE my new job, there have been some solemn moments. I don’t post them on Facebook or share them on Twitter, but they still happen. I miss my people, and I long to find people here. You know, the ones you eat lunch with every Sunday after church. The ones you call after work for spontaneous drinks. The ones who are real, the ones who hold you accountable. I’m anxious to find those relationships and to build a new community. The truth is though, I want my old friends, but here. I recognize the impossibility of that, but it doesn’t keep me from wishing for it nonetheless.

Trust and patience. Those seem to be recurring themes the Lord is teaching me these days. I know these things will come, so I will trust and I will wait. The patient part is a learning process. 😉

Thanks for bearing with me and the lack of action here the past few weeks. I’m still around, I promise. Someday soon, I’ll be back to regular posting. Thanks again for the grace and understanding as I get settled.