Back to School

With my Kindergarten students from North Lee starting back to school this week, they have been on my mind and my heart over the last couple days.  I wish so much that I could be there to watch them grow as BIG first graders, but I know the Lord will take care of each and every one of them this year. I truly believe that I had the BEST group of students, the BEST parents, and the BEST teachers to work alongside EVER.  Being Mrs. Rumble was such a joy in my life, and I will always count working at North Lee as one of my greatest blessings. 

Bless my students, this day, O God.  

Give them inquiring minds and discerning hearts.

Give them courage to persevere in all they undertake.

Give them the gift of joy and wonder in all things.

Give them laughter and love to share with all.

Give them protection and safety as they move out of our embrace.

And give them sure and certain knowledge of Your never-failing love.

Amen.

Our move to North Carolina

It's hard to believe Nolan and I have already been here two and a half weeks! Here's some of my favorite pics from our moving day:

I thought this pic was so cute of us, but when I showed it to Nolan, he asked "What HAPPENED TO YOUR ARM?!?!"   It took us a few minutes to realize that my hand was resting on his shoulder, and Nolan's hand was hanging on to the ceiling of the truck.  No, people, I do not have super long, ALIEN arms. Ha. I think we are lookin' pretty good for 5:45 in the morning :)

We hit the road about 6 a.m. after a bittersweet good-bye with Nolan's momma and Sarah Beth and Nathan.  They were so sweet to send us off from my parents' house so EARLY in the morning. I really feel like I have the best family in the world- we are SO blessed.  After awhile of driving, I took a picture out the window of the car: This picture says "Yay! We made it to North Carolina!"

The mountains of North Carolina are breathtakingly beautiful.  Nolan said he felt like he was in Jurassic Park, and that he just might see a giant dinosaur stomping over the mountains any minute.  Dad was driving the moving truck- that's him fixing to go through the tunnel.  As mom would say, he drove that truck "like a boss!"

Hold your breath! We're going through the tunnel! What a responsible mom: One hand on the wheel, holding her breath, and yet her eyes are STILL on the road! You go, momma!

Our sweet kitty-child did SO well during the eight hour drive! I was pleasantly surprised- I was so worried that Roni was going to turn into Kujo-Kitty on the way there.  Here he is sleeping on his favorite blanket in the backseat of mom's car.  He didn't last very long in his carrier, but did just fine resting in the backseat. 

Here he is again- just chillin' in his litter box.  I think Roni almost fell asleep in there! Our cat is SO weird sometimes. The litter box was clean, so I guess there was no harm in letting him lay there, right? :)

Mom and I were SO STINKIN' TIRED of looking at this single mom and her two girls by the time the trip was over.  WoooWeee... I hope I don't have to see them again for a loonnngggg time!

Hallelujah! We made it! By this time, we were all anxious to arrive at our new apartment and start getting to work. Thankfully, we hired two guys from a moving company to help us unload all the heavy items from the moving truck.  We began unloading the truck around 4:00 p.m., and by 5:15 p.m., it was DONE. 

Here's where we'll be calling "home" for the next couple years! We are only about five or six minutes from Southeastern's campus and located right in the middle of everything.  We are really enjoying this place so far!

After a night of unpacking boxes, we took the next day to relax a little bit and enjoy the day.  We gave mom and dad a tour of SEBTS and then had lunch at Las Palmas, a local Mexican restaurant.  I think this next one is a great picture of them. :)

Dear Mom and Dad,  I know I told you this through my tears right before you left, but I have to say it again, just so you know how much I mean it.  You have done nothing but give and give of yourselves during the last couple months and throughout my whole life- your love has been such a perfect picture of Christ's love for me.  Thank you for pointing me to the cross and for playing such a big part in preparing my heart for God's call on my life.  Thank you always for your unconditional love and support.  I know it hasn't been easy, but it's been good and right. Having you for parents has been one of the most gracious gifts I've ever been given.  I love you through and through.

I'm going to Carolina in my mind...

Months ago, I had to begin preparing my mind and my heart for our move to North Carolina.  Even in our last days with family and friends, it all felt so surreal.  And now, sitting in our third-floor apartment in Wake Forest, Nolan and I jokingly say to one another, "O.k., it's been a great vacation- time to go home now!" We laugh about it, but the truth is- we have never experienced so much peace in all our lives.  The moment we said "YES" to God was the moment He was able to begin pouring out His richest blessings.  His power and provision over the last four months continues to amaze and humble me greatly.  The best way to describe this whole process has definitely been- "No room for doubt." I am so thankful for that. 

Also several months ago... my big sister, Ashley, began her efforts to persuade me that I am "blog-worthy."    She, being the older, wiser and more trendy sister that she is, had some persuasive arguments on blogging's behalf.  I agreed with all of her reasons at the time, but it never seemed like the right time  for me to begin a blog of my very own.  But now, more than ever, as I'm far away from those nearest to my heart, I want just one more way to connect and share my life with them.  I'm beginning to realize that it will be good for me to write about this new journey... almost like therapy.  I am excited about keeping track of all our first favorite memories in North Carolina, and being able to look back and remember them all so easily and with the convenient click of a mouse.  Somehow, big sisters tend to know what's best.... I have a feeling she will be my first blog follower- thanks, Ashley, for always being my biggest fan.  :)

On a side-note, Nolan begins seminary in two weeks- and is ready to get things going.  When mom and dad helped us move two weeks ago, we gave them a tour of Southeastern's campus.  Here's our first seminary picture together:

Dad took the picture with his cell phone- and it ended up turning out really great!  More pictures of our move to N.C. to come VERY SOON.  Much love to all of our family and friends- thank you for your prayers and loving support- I would be honored to share this journey with you.  Hope you enjoy!