Our story is unfolding in Seattle. We are coming up on a year since the big move & some things are coming into view. My friend & neighbor, Rhiannon encouraged me to blog about our goals in moving here. I like to think I am open to feedback, (I practically beg for it!) and then the universe plopped a foster kid in our home for the morning so I am taking the hint.
It all started with the idea of whether or not to send Collin to Kindergarten in the fall. He is nowhere near ready but a lot can happen in 5 months. Anyhow, Rhiannon was taking a tour of the local elementary school and invited me along this morning. We moved throughout the school, built in 1985 & smelling a bit of dirty feet, every square inch displaying the student's artwork. Our kids would be the minority at this school and as I was taking it all in, my heart swelled and rainbows shot all around my insides. This is it! This is why we moved.
It is still difficult for me to put words to but the story guiding us. We are experiencing new cultures, different lifestyles, and most important, more humanity. It is awkward, and scary, and JUST WHAT WE WANTED.
We walked out to our cars, raving about all the promising things going on in that old stinky school and are stopped by an middle-aged man asking if an 8th grade runaway boy could use my phone. The boy, Jacob, had been living on his own and sleeping in Metro buses for almost 2 weeks. The older gentleman was encouraging him to get ahold of his caseworker and get off the streets. Well, Rhiannon and I, both kick into "mom-mode," trying to help him but FAH-REAK-ING OUT inwardly. I ended up taking Jacob home, where Matt was, to figure something out. Matt knew what to do and we got Jacob where he needed to go but no easy "fix" for that situation, obviously.
And while I have a heavy heart about kids, not much older than my firstborn, finding themselves homeless, it was exactly what my boys needed to see. They all had a (much needed) perspective shift this morning. And that is the end game for all of us, I think. To see clearer, to love deeper, to stick in this together.
Chills just ran down my spine...amazing how life situations shake you up and see the bigger picture. Wish I could ride the train with you (in Seattle) my blessed friend makes me think about shaking things up a bit around here. Shake up my comfort zone, I'm a work in progress. The Archies should write a book about riding the waves on top of a bull and waving your hands up in the air like you just don't care.
ReplyDeleteInspiring my friend!
I swear...the craziest, coolest things happen to you and your family- and I LOVE READING ABOUT IT!!! And I agree with Marcela...you should totally write a book.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post and speaks to many whether they are experiencing it themselves, on the brink, or even toying with the idea of change.
ReplyDeleteYou have a lot of material . . Keep it up!!!
Marcela, you are the best cheerleader. Thanks for all the sweet affirmation.
ReplyDeleteMegan, our youth group had enough drama for an entire library of books! Maybe I should start there?
Rhiannon, glad you approve, you started it, you know ;)