A mix of emotions

It's been a mix of emotions this week and for a variety of reasons.

I can only think of one other time in life that I didn't work for this amount of time, which hasn't even been 3 weeks yet.  I had a month off at Christmas a few years ago right after my divorce (pause for a sad moment).  I love working, always have, probably always will, so to not be working yet is just a weird feeling.  So much of my life has been based on my work, so that adjustment alone has caused a mix of emotions this week.  At the very same time, I am slightly fearful of going to work full-time right now as I really want to be available to my brother.  It may be that I don't really start working until after the holidays so I decided to turn any anxiety or fear in that area to a moment of thanking God for this extra time to spend with my brother and family and to thank him for providing (as I trust he will continue to do so).

I have mixed emotions too as I see my brother make the best of a tough situation and then learn that he is in a lot more pain and discomfort than I really realized.  He goes in to meet with his Oncologist tomorrow about chemo options, and he is not sure he wants to go that route. Please pray for him as he makes some decisions about all that and just for a healing!!

I have mixed emotions as I miss the routine of my life in Houston more than I thought I would.  I have always been someone who can adapt well to new situations, and I do believe that is happening now, but I have realized that I also so loved always going to the same places and seeing the same people and building great friendships.  

Even during these mixed emotions, I find so many reasons to be happy and thank God for this new chapter.  There is just something I love about the pace of life here in Oregon and the constant beautiful scenery is just so refreshing to my soul.  I love discovering new places and running into old friends when I least expect it and excited as I remember that I now live around people I've known my whole life.  

Through it all, I find great peace as I'm reminded that Jesus really is enough and no place on earth is my final destination.

Thank you for your continued prayers for me and this transition and most of all, the prayers for my brother Andy!  

Attached is a pic of Andy and his beautiful daughter Riley when we went out to dinner Tuesday night and one of Anca and I today on our coffee/lunch date.