Friday, August 3, 2007

A Place to Call Home


That's right...we're finally home! Bellingham has been calling our names for quite some time and after a few minor details (ie: quitting our jobs, packing up our stuff, selling the condo, finding new jobs, crashing with friends, buying a house and unpacking) we are feeling settled and easing into a routine. It was an easy decision to move...when God says "Go" you go. Nonetheless, it was a bit difficult to leave friends and a great church community behind, but knowing we were in good hands and merging into a community and lifestyle that fit us more appropriately than the hustle and bustle that the Eastside brought. Throughout the transition time the first few weeks we realized that we may just be a wee bit crazy; after all, in 5 months we had: Gotten married, moved in together, quit our jobs, moved to a different city and got a new job (Nick). I recently heard that those five things were on the top 20 list of most stressful things people do. But again when it's right, it's right...so we persevere and continue to be supported by friends and family.

Now we are re merging into what it is like to have a stable routine in our own house: Wake up, quick review of daily events, prayer and kiss goodbye as Nick rides his bike to work and I set off for my tasks for the day. I am quickly learning that managing a house with a huge yard sucks up a lot more time than expected (read: 24/7), but am enjoying it for the time being until my employment begins (more on that a bit later).

Most importantly, Nick and I have been getting our outdoor recreation fix since day 1 of living here. Nothing but biking at Galbraith, volley ball at Boulevard, Frisbee in any park, long walks, trips to Lariabee, hiking off Mt. Baker Highway, plus a few weekend adventures with the Lopez clan outside the city limits. We moved here for the recreating, so that is what we are doing dang it! We have recently implemented a early morning Monday and Wednesday ride at Galbraith to get the legs going and to open up our evenings for weekly BBQs with the crew or time to tool around in the garage (read: I sit on the hammock and chat Nick's ear off as he works on bikes).

All and all, we know that we are so very blessed to have had such a smooth transition to our new home. We have loved having the majority of our friends at an arms reach and the unpredictable activities that stem from it when we get together. I no longer have to commute to participate in book club, or spend time with "the girls", or indulge in a beautiful run around Padden. Nick now has the space and some time to pursue his passion in using elements of the earth to build unique creations. He is currently taking a creative welding class at BTC and plans to continue the series in the fall. We are still on the church hunt and are confident that the Lord will lead us to the right one in His time. I thank God daily for being in control of my life, so I don't have to take on that burden.
Nick working hard on our bikes...prepping for Galbraith
The yard...baccie ball, horseballs, tag...it all happens here!
Dinning/Living room area...
My favorite place in the house...the kitchen!

3 comments:

The Norris Clan said...

Yeah! Welcome to the blog world! We are so glad that you are up in Bellingham. We hope to hang out with BOTH of you more... Andi, I am so glad to see you more now. Wish I was going to Whistler with you all.

Josh Pfriem said...

Way to go guys! Sounds like life is in full swing, and you are set up to enjoy its adventure! Congrats on everything you have going on in Bellingham! Are you guys still thinking about hiting up Moab? If you need some people to join you, we would love to come as long as you don't mind camping with a baby.

On another note...Have you guys heard of a small Church called the Sound, it started as a home church a couple of years ago. Anyways its awesome, Ryan and Angie Blackwell are the pasture's, for more info check out

http://www.thesoundcommunity.com

Let them know you know the Pfriem's you'll probably get a laugh out of them.

Cheers!

daddio said...

Wow Andi Way to go! SO glad that you feel Bellingham is your home. It sounds as if the Lord sent you there and you have integrated into that community in a natural way. We couldn’t want anything more for you except more of the same good feelings lead by the Lord. We love you Tons and Miles! Your daddio.