Never Say Never

Time and time again I have moved from place to place. My husband Hans and I have each moved about 20 times, interestingly most of the moves being before we ever met, and the times with children have been quite challenging.

Some of the moves were for college, some to follow my first husband John back and forth (and back) to Hong Kong for his work, some were due to divorce, and others for Hans’ job. But this move, to our beautiful, peaceful farm felt different. It felt like our forever home that we would never leave.

I said again and again that this is my dream house, though it’s not as fancy as some, it is perfect to me. I adore this home, this land, this community … and I never wanted to leave. But we can never say never I suppose.

Hans suddenly has an opportunity to begin a new job which will greatly enhance his career and provide him the opportunity to share all of his gifts in ways that are exactly suited to him. It was clear to me from the first moments he mentioned interest in this position, that if this door should open to him, he would need to take it. Even talking about the work made him light up, and though he loved his previous job, he was ready for a new challenge. This was for him.

He has accepted this new job and it is a wonderful opportunity. It feels very meant to be. The problem is that it is located in Illinois, 12 hours north from our beloved home, farm, our family of friends, amazing schools, and everything we have come to know for 6 years (since the last move was a short distance, we were able to maintain friendships, doctors, etc.)

We were finally putting down roots, after moving the kids for one reason or another every three years it seemed. And did I mention that I hate cold climates? Growing up in Michigan I always wondered what came over the first settlers to decide to stay in such an inhospitable climate. Deep breath.

I called my sister Kaye and told her about our new adventure. She listened and then lovingly and wisely answered “I just don’t know if I think any amount of money would be worth giving up all that you’ve built for yourself.” And then I realized that she thought we would leave our animals behind and move to the city. “I’m taking the sheep with me. All of the animals.” “Oh! I see. You’re going to recreate what you have again.” Yes, that is the plan.

And she’s right, that is the only plan I can live with. I don’t want to live without sheep in my life ever again. I think we all have to sense for ourselves what brings us the most joy,  bliss, and peace. What brings us the closest to God and to connectedness with all, whatever that is for each of us in our individual lives, we should cherish it and connect with it as much as we can. And for me that is my sheep. I’m bringing my sheep.

I spoke with Vikki my friend, life coach, and mentor and she advised me to remember during this time to do what I have to do, but to then come back to presence. And to keep remembering that “All is well”. 

Awesome words of wisdom as always. I have definitely been practicing these and other ways of coping often as suddenly we are living in a tornado of activity to ready the house for sale and our family for a leap of faith into the unknown.

One other thing I had to come to terms with leaving is my dream barn which Hans has renovated for me with his own hands. Just after Christmas Hans and I sat down to determine a way to bring my dream of having a barn for my sheep and coaching into being. He is my greatest supporter, and he knew I was longing to create this sacred space. I was worried about money and not sure of how to make it happen when he suggested that instead of building a new barn, that we renovate our cool old horse barn. I was thrilled and immediately we went to work. I mean, I hand painted some tiles and re-covered some couches and he went to work.

In fact Hans spent most every evening that he was in town for several months building stall fronts, walls, and doors. We had concrete poured, and poured our hearts into the space. And now it is nearly done, and we must leave it. But I don’t really feel sad. I am incredibly proud of Hans and honored that he would work so hard for something so dear to my heart. I love this barn, and I know someone else will love it as well. So I am happy for that.

 

So our family is busy getting ready for another adventure, and we know God will provide for us on this journey and beyond, so we will be fine. And there is much to enjoy and look forward to as we define and build our newest dreams together.

What kinds of new adventures are you taking on in life right now? I welcome the chance to walk with you on your journey of change and transitions through life coaching (I can say it is certainly my specialty!).