One month later

We've been in Neoga for a month now. The boxes are emptied, pictures are hanging on walls, paint colors are being discussed, landscaping is trimmed.  We're back to sharing meals around the table.  The house is becoming a home.

The girls are adjusting well. If you follow me on Facebook, you know that Harper's sleep patterns were seriously disrupted in the move, so I've been worn a bit thin trying to get things done with a very grumpy, teething baby (and on very little sleep myself). But I've found support with the other mamas at church. 

I am struggling with my next career move, though. Teaching jobs are in very short supply here.  I've checked into teaching in the elementary education programs at the local community college and Eastern Illinois University, but enrollment is down and vacancies are few.  So it looks like I'll be home again full time this year.  But with Maddie and Ava in school full time and only Harper at home, I'll be able to get more involved in church and the girls' schools. That is, if I can get Harper to separate from me for more than 15 minutes at a time.  

The big girls are making friends.  Maddie went to a 5 day sleep-away camp with the girls from church a week after we arrived in town. Despite my worries that she'd struggle while away from her mama, she more than exceeded my expectations and came home fired up and ready to go.  She's been able to keep up with one of her friends back in Princeton through FaceTime, which has been a blessing when she's feeling lonely or left out.   

We're gearing up for the girls' return to school August 18.  They've both met children from church their ages that they'll likely see in class.  And both the elementary and middle school principals are members of our church. It does this mama's heart good to know that there will be extra sets of loving eyes on my girls during the school day.

We're settling in to our new church, too.  The welcome we've received is amazing. Meals, gift cards, play date invitations, listening ears, warm smiles--it's times like this that we feel affirmed and encouraged in our ministry.  We're just getting started!

Thank you, dear readers, for your prayers and support during our transition.  I'll be back next week with a new book review and my very first giveaway!  Stay tuned!