Season Finale

Perhaps the plan began when we moved here.  Maybe it was set in motion the night we did a mock interview.  Or could it have been even bigger than that and started the day she was born!  Regardless of the time, the place or the catalyst...our Season has come to an end.

Summer 2012.  Ya'll remember that summer?  I recall standing in LAX frantically looking for a place to hide my face so I could cry.  I had just given permission--and paid for--my daughter to go to South Korea.  I was so proud of her hunger for a new language and new experiences.  But I couldn't believe I let her go.

As challenging as Summer 2012 was, here we are again, bidding farewells  Probably not as dramatic seeing as I know where she is, who she's with, and can call or text her whenever I please.  Nonetheless, it stirs up an unlimited amount of emotions inside of me.  The truth is I've never really been alone.  The one time I lived alone for 2 months, I was pregnant with Naysia....so does it even count?

We've been in San Antonio for 2 years.  Although she's managed to make friends, hold down a job and enjoy her life--her heart (and her love) are in Tucson.  Thanks be to social media she witnesses her friends living life together.  She hears about family gatherings, longed to personally view breathtaking Arizona sunsets and of course missed Brandon.   She wanted to go home. 

Like the South Korea experience, I initially thought it was a fleeting desire.  But as days, weeks, and months went by she made it clear that she was branching out.   She grabbed a hold of freedom and declared her plan to return to her mother-state

I thought I was ready.  I made elaborate arrangements for us to experience the state of Texas like never before.  She refused.  All she wanted was to stay home.  She was desperate for long nights filled with Netflix binges, UberEats, and afternoons that consisted of us chasing each other around the house and wrestling like days of old.  

December 1st friends gathered for a going away party and on departure eve we went out for a lovely dinner and to the theatre for Phantom of the Opera.  Our road trip with fraught with all of our least favorite things (misty rain, fog, sleeping in the car, car problems, and a 2 hr stall on the side of the road) but we made it to Tucson safely. 

Just after midnight on December 11th, we stood in my mom's driveway on 28th street.  The breeze was light, cool, and heavy all at the same time.  She held on to me tightly.  I reciprocated.  I whispered how much I loved her and how much I was going to miss her and she did the same.  We cried together and then she drove away.

Naysia has defined who I’ve been for the last 21 years.  This time around I didn't look for a place to hide my face.  I cried in my mom's front yard.....on the shuttle....in the airport...during the flight...in the Las Palapas drive thru....and while I ate chicken enchiladas. 

I’m going to miss seeing her beautiful face everyday. I’m going to miss her snarky responses. I'm going to miss her popping the pimples on my back and telling me how ridiculous my makeup looks.  I’m going to miss the mess she leaves in the living room every night. And I’m going to miss the occasional batch of chicken Alfredo she whips up.

It’s quite possible that the move from Tucson to San Antonio was designed for this specific moment in time.  A new chapter has busted wide open for me! As I sat on the extremely turbulent ride home, I realized I am blessed to be returning to a city I enjoy, a home I call my own, a good job and great friends.  

The very thought of being away from her pains me. But—there’s no better place for her to be. My prayer is that as she has returned to our hometown that she will have 10,000 new experiences! I pray for her safety and her prosperity and her spirit and her happiness! 

If you, my fellow Arizonans, see her in the streets, please show her some love-welcome her home and give her a squeeze from me.  

"Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us.  None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare"

Psalm 40:5

Please keep us in your prayers that we'll both succeed in our new endeavors.

The Art of Vulnerability

Happy Anniversary to us!  Today makes 2 years that Naysia and I arrived in South Texas.  Super cliche....but where has the time gone?  If you've been following along you know that tremendous changes have taken place.  If you don't know what I'm talking about start at the beginning of the blog :)  

Naysia and I celebrated our anniversary last night.  A co-worker of hers was performing at the Josephine Theatre, a production of 'Music for the Soul'.  The show loosely chronicled how gospel music has influenced several genres of music.  Highlighted were old Negro spirituals, Miles Davis, Earth Wind and Fire, and Aretha Franklin, to name a few.  On more than one occasion we were out of our seats dancing, clapping and singing along.  Possible hormonal reaction--but at one point during the show I was grateful to have been exposed to--and exposed my daughter to the gift of music.  

After the show we dined at the neighborhood IHOP.  We talked about the night, her future, Brandon, the way the diner reeked of Clorox, and all the changes that have taken place over the last 2 years.  

As I meditate on what has made this move successful, two things come to mind.  First of all, God's favor.  None of this would be possible without His hand over my life.  Secondly, His prompting to soften my heart and trust others.  

In Arizona I was born into a network, a support system, a foundation.  The tender care and love from my family and friends carried me thru the ups and downs of wild city living in Tuc-town (lol).  If I needed anything someone was immediately available to assist--and if they couldn't it, chances were great they knew someone who could.  Rarely did I live in fear because my family casted such a wide net of security.  

When we moved to SA I knew one person.  Rho and I went to middle and high school together.  But we all know how life goes.  She has a family and career and, regardless of how much we may have wanted to, linking up has been challenging.  

Prior to moving I spent innumerable hours Google searching the how to's of an out of state move.  The one thing that fails to receive in-depth coverage is the art of vulnerability.  

We've made a healthy amount of friends that have become my family. South Texans have been hospitable, helpful, welcoming and it feels so good.  Being blessed takes being open.  Being willing.  Being transparent.  Being Trusting. Being trustful. And exuding confidence.  I've had to surrender my pre-conceived notions, let go of my opinions of others, and allow my heart to receive the goodness that so many have extended.  

Had I not put my heart on my sleeve, share secrets, and open the door to my emotions, and ask for friendship and help, chances are our move would not have been as successful as it is.   

So, as I write tonight, I'd just like to give glory to God.  And thank every single one of ya'll in my SATX camp for loving on us old desert rats.  Here's to another great year!

Postscript 2

April 29, 2018

If you've been along for this ride you won't be surprised that I'm about to throw a number out there.  Are you ready for it.....

632

It's been a whopping 632 days since we arrived in San Antonio.  It's been a roller coaster of a ride and the Lord continues to reveal His goodness to me.  In 632 days we've had two different addresses, I've purchased a home, Tenaysia is working, we've had countless visitors and have made numerous friends.  A newer, bigger thing has taken place and I cannot help but to give thanks to my Creator. 

A couple of months ago Tenaysia and I were invited and attended a Tuesday night service at The Rock Fellowship.  The pastor shared with us an experience he had within his workplace.  A position opened up and although he didn't have the education or experience required, he pressed into the Lord, prayed for wisdom and eventually he was promoted.  As the pastor gave this amazing testimony, I silently prayed for wisdom in whatever situation God had lined up for me.  Who knew my turn was right around the corner. 

I've worked in healthcare for as long as I've been a mom.  Naysia just turned 20.  I've worn many hats as a CNA, certified caregiver, licensed nursing, skilled nursing, private duty, adult care homes, hospice, and assisted living.  I've seen a few babies born and held an innumerable amount of hands as people have taken their last breaths.  Assisted living has been the bulk of my career and quite honestly I thought I had peaked as Health and Wellness Director within the organization I'm currently employed with.  But God. 

Our executive director, shockingly, put in her notice several weeks ago.  We had a pretty good thing going and the news was bittersweet.  She is a new mom and the 40+ mile round trip to work everyday was putting a strain on her family life.  She accepted a job closer to home-and while we rejoiced in her fortune there was a looming concern about who would take her place.  

After much prayer I decided to throw my hat in the ring.  Shortly after submitting my application and resume I received a phone call from the corporate recruiter.  For sake of privacy, we'll call her "Tammy".  I thought "Tammy"and I were off to a good start.  I soon felt a shift in her tone.  What was quickly revealed was that I did not meet the educational requirements--which she mentioned numerous times in a variety of ways to ensure that I knew the buck stopped here.  She thanked me for my interest and encouraged me to, in the future, return to the company website to see what positions were available and acceptable considering my education and experience. 

Prior to the phone interview Naysia prayed over me.  She asked that God would help me to accept what took place, good or bad.  When the short call ended, I curled up in the bed with every intention to cry.  But I couldn't.  I know God has my heart, my plans, my world in His hands and I couldn't cry about something I was so confident he was protecting me from.  

Here's a short synopsis of a v e r y long couple of weeks:

-Emailed my resume to a district supervisor, at her request

-Received another phone call from "Tammy" and had a proper phone interview

-Interviewed with District supervisor. Location, Starbucks.  Event, my wet hair dripped down my neck over the entire hour we met

-Interviewed with HR supervisor

-Interviewed with District supervisor's supervisor

While on vacation I received a phone call from none other than my girl "Tammy".  She called to offer me the Executive Director position.  And I accepted. 

I can do all things thru Christ Jesus who strengthens me.  The first part is believing that I can do all things.  The first part is doing what I can in the natural.  And then allowing Christ to do what He does in the supernatural.  

Pray me up ya'll.  My new adventure begins now.  

Postscript 1

December 25, 2017

It's been a few months since my last entry...and let me tell you, something worthy of coming out of the blog closet has taken place. 

My daughter is being courted.

The young man who has captured her heart is named Brandon Frazier.  He is a student at U of A with goals! 
I thought it was only fitting to fly him to San Antonio as her Christmas gift.  Neither one of them believed that I'd keep my word, but December 14th he flew in, and for nine solid days they were nearly inseparable.  

It was interesting to see how everything she's grown up doing played into her love life.  They made a fort in the living room ala Super Summer Sleepovers.  They had a picnic in the backyard while sitting on the Winnie the Pooh tablecloth we've had since her first birthday.  We busted out the craft box so they could decorate Christmas stockings and their time capsule.  They went sight seeing and in hearing their tales at night I never realized she paid so much attention to where we've been and what we've done in town.  He participated in our premature Christmas Eve celebration, watched Friday for the first time, broke bread and played board games.  

I promised not to share details about their date nights but I can say that they were everything Tenaysia had imagined. 

Brandon and I spent an ample amount of time together in the evenings while Naysia was at work.  We Christmas shopped, baked, and I asked him a ridiculous amount of questions.  One night I asked him why he was crazy about my daughter.  His response was so sweet..."She's funny and smart. She compliments me, she has a way of talking to strangers--like for in that moment she is your best friend.  She is passionate, appreciates and understands my Korean culture and speaks the language better than I do. And she's beautiful."

His departure was an emotional one.  We'll be in AZ in April and they are counting down the days.  Literally.  

I thank God that I've lived long enough to raise up this lovely young lady and to witness her being loved and doted on by such a kind young man.  

 

 

~Fin~

September 9, 2017 
 

It's been 400 days since "The Great Exit."  There's no turning back now.  At the very least I'll be here 5 years (terms of the down payment assistance).  Truthfully, my heart is full and there is no urgency to look elsewhere at the moment.  

This summer many significant events have taken place....

*Judith and Yolanda came into my home, cooked dinner and dessert, served me and cleaned up.  What a treat!

**Allie and I went to Austin to see comedian Kev On Stage along with EJ Speaks and listen to spoken word.  Inspiring and hilarious!

 ***My mom, Charles and Imaunii have been to visit.  And Naysia came back home. The visit was a relaxing one.  Most of our days were spent at Old Faithful, either working, watching movies or sitting outside.  The Monday they were here I hosted a small dinner party.  Some friends came over to meet my family.

****In the same week we witnessed an eclipse and Hurricane Harvey ravaged my new home state.  And for the first time in my life disaster preparedness was a very real thing! 

*****Survived a made up gas shortage 

Folks has been asking why is the blog coming to an end?

It's been fun, but time consuming.  I spend most days trying to examine every single detail with the thought that whatever I'm doing could become an entry.  I think, at times, I haven't been able to just enjoy for sake of documenting it.  Perhaps if something life changing takes place I'll write about it.  But for now I want to bask in the moments to come.

So what's next??

I need to focus on my career, health and my role at Pearl Street Church.  I also need to hunker down with Tenaysia as she works on her life plans as an adult.  I'm hoping to travel later this year  or early next year to see my family, get back into writing my pen pals, and bake more.  I'm planning on some low key gatherings at Old Faithful.  And of course continue to explore this great state and tackle some home improvement projects.  Who knows...mayhap I'll even meet the man God has set aside for me.

Thank you for tuning in as we've come to know this city, make friends, and live life.  There is still much to learn and see and so many of you who've yet to visit.  I look forward to hosting you.  In the meantime, keep us in your prayers and catch us on social media.

With Love,
Tx2

#tx2_Oldfaithful

Yes, I named my house.  It was built in 1952.  Constructed before my parents were born it's "seen" a lot.  It has strong bones, it offers security, it's quiet and peaceful, it's reliable, it's faithful.  And most importantly the presence of the Lord is here. 
In a very short period of time we made our mark on our home. Here are some of the highlights that have taken place since moving in:

• The move was unorganized but blessed.  One of our old neighbors gave us his truck keys two nights in a row--with no questions asked--so our late night trips would be more effective.
• GG mowed the grass right away.  
•  Naysia and I removed the popcorn ceilings in the living/dining room and painted the entire room with Anne's help. Black and white pictures up and new furniture purchased.  Rudy the electrician removed the funky light fixture, installed a ceiling fan and recessed lighting.
• A co-workers son, Jason, replaced the tile in the kitchen and installed new baseboards to match the ones in the living room.  Charles replaced the kitchen faucet and worked on the windows.  Painted in it's entirety. Yolanda helped paint the cabinets, the top cabinet doors were removed and co-worker Mary's granddaughter Ashlie helped to un-pack the kitchen. New stove and fridge purchased. 
• Painted part of the hallway and managed to break the thermostat while hanging hall pictures.  Hall closet painted, Jason installed extra selves and Rudy installed a light.
• Naysia's bathroom painted. Linen cabinet painted, Charles repaired window and replaced shower head
• Guest room set up (COME SEE ME)
• Naysia's room looking well lived in
• My room unpacked
• My bathroom linen cabinet painted, Charles caulked all around as the bugs love this space, replaced the shower head and he also repaired the window. Rudy installed new vanity lighting.
• Ashton and Sabrina helped to clear some of the left behind clutter from the backyard/garage and the patio is perfect for entertaining with Edison lights strung all across.  Ashton has since returned to take care of the yard and we've made plans on what will happen next.
• And probably most importantly, my mom has been here.  Which means it's gotten the best deep clean it will ever have.  But the best part of her visit were the beautiful, life filled words of love and happiness she spoke over my home. 

I've put together a list of projects for the future, after all I  have the next 30 years to get them done.  But at the moment we are slowly rearranging and enjoying being at home.  

 

Happy Move-Iversary

August 5, 2017

It's been one of the most exciting years of my life.  While I am still uncertain on the reasoning behind this assignment, I'm grateful to have moved away from all comforts of life in Arizona and establish a home in Texas.

What better way to celebrate than by having a House Warming Party!  

The preparation expectation and the outcome were wildly different.  If you know anything about me and my love of hosting, you can imagine my nights were long and I declined most offers of help that guests extended.  I wanted everything to be perfect.  I wanted everyone to be comfortable.  Mostly I wanted everyone to feel loved and appreciated.  After-all, everyone in attendance has played a tremendous role in a blessed first year.

In attendance were my Adante family: Anne, Lisa and Jason, Yolanda, Allie, and Carrie. And my Pearl Street family: Amy and her crew, Jennifer and her family, Stephanie and her family, Priscilla and her crew, Jessica and her little ones, Judith and her family.  I was really hoping my Arizona family would have made it, that would have been the icing on the cake!

Judith has been a source of encouragement since last year.  She has been praying us up and it was only fitting that she prayed the blessing over the meal, my home and my life. 

Everyone wrote their favorite scripture in the garage, we had Dominoes pizza, and there were 3 different salads to choose from.  Sugary drinks and cupcakes were available to enjoy.  There was a group in every room.  Seasoned women in the living room, chatter in the kitchen, families on the patio.  The kids enjoyed the slip n' slide and water balloons. 

It warmed my heart to find my Adante fam had wandered into the empty guest room but sat on the floor in a circle like a they were in summer camp talking life.  And I couldn't help but laugh when I found one of the kiddos comfortably resting in my bed.

I much enjoyed walking folks thru my small home, explaining who's who in the photos, where some of my treasures came from and plans for the house.  Repeatedly my guests shared just how good Old Faithful felt.  

As the night came to a close, Amy encouraged me to open the gifts. It was really hard not to cry as I opened the gifts and read the cards.  Flowers, pitcher and lemonade makings, wine glasses/decanter, yard flag, candles, air fresheners, gift cards and wall hangings that depicted the Lord's presence in my home.  It left me speechless.  

Bags of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies were available as parting gifts...along with a scribbled note to express my appreciation for their love and blessing.

I didn't expect the gifts, I didn't expect the number of attendees, I didn't expect the Love expressed.  I cried myself to sleep that night as I replayed the party.  Definitely an anniversary to remember. 

Destination Dellview6: Ultrasonic

Flashback to Fall 1997.  I was with child.  The ultrasound appointment was scheduled and none of the people closest to me were able to attend.  The reasons were all valid, but it was an appointment I did not want to have on my own. 
I climbed on the table, the cold gel was applied to my tummy, and I was in awe of what I saw on the screen.  I had attended the ultrasounds of friends and loved ones before, but this was mine. An inner praise took place as the tech pointed out the healthy organs of my daughter.  
No cell phones, no FB, no SnapChat or FaceTime.  No hand to hold, no one present to share the experience with.  Just me and my Heavenly Father sharing a pivotal moment in time.  I went home and cried tears of fear, excitement and joy. 

June 21, 2017

I couldn't sleep.  I woke up before the sun and sat in front of the mirror at my tired, old, sleep deprived face.  And wondered, what in the world am I doing.  Buying a house...that's something responsible adults do.  But the date was upon me and there was no turning back now.  To be honest, I had no clue what all the closing on a home entailed.  Every Google search said something different and this far into the game it would be foolish to change my mind. 

I spent a considerable amount of time on my make up, wore something that might look decent in a photo but would survive the work day, and even brought some heels to change into.  

The closing was scheduled for 3pm.  I left work about 230pm, stopped at Starbucks, applied a fresh coat of lipstick and changed my shoes.  The only person in town dearest to me was not at all interested in attending.  Her reason, "Mom, this is your house, not mine".  I didn't know if I should have been insulted by the statement, but I was sad.  It was an appointment I did not want to have on my own.

I arrived just before 3.  The waiting area was comfortable.  I watched the TV but wasn't really paying attention, I felt like I was going to vomit.  Before long Toni came from the back.  As we exchanged pleasantries I realized she looked nothing like the photo that accompanied her email signature.  She sat the head of the table, I sat to her left.  The sellers lived in California and had already signed the day before.
   

She poured out numerous ink pens, most of which we didn't need.  She wasted no time jumping into it.  About 10 pages in my realtor arrived and I was relieved to see a familiar face across from me.  Signature, after signature, after signature.  It seemed it was never going to end.  An inner praise took place as we signed the last page.

As she went to make copies of all the documents, Mr. Paris asked what I was going to do next.  With my life or that day in particular, I asked.  He was just wondering about the day.  Told him I was going to go home, tell my daughter about the appointment, make a couple phone calls and then cry.  He laughed, said he'd never known anyone to have a scheduled meltdown.  

My question for him was when would I get the key.  And the answer was an unexpected one:

Funding still had to be approved, hence the reason Toni was gone for so long--she was  scanning it all to the bank.  At that time of the day there was a chance I wouldn't have a true green light until the following day. 

My heart sank and I was on the verge of crying. That morning I was convinced that the emotional roller coaster was over.  My mind was in overdrive, wondering if I had made a financial mistake over the last 6 weeks that would put an end to this dream.  

Mr. Paris insisted everything would be just fine.  If the green light was that day he'd call me with the key code.   If not, he'd bring the key to work the next day. Toni came back with the mega folder of Eland Drive related paperwork, we bid adieu and Mr. Paris and I went our separate ways. 

I took the long way home.  No hand to hold, no one present to share the experience with.  Just me and my Heavenly Father sharing a pivotal moment in time. 

Naysia was on the couch waiting for me.  I told her every little detail.  Just after 5pm I sent an email to Mr. Paris, assuming that at that time of day an answer about funding wouldn't take place until the next day.  After a short string of texts he fired back with this.... 

 

I went to my room made a few phone calls, prayed, cried tears of fear, excitement and joy. 

Soon after Tenaysia and I went to our new home.  

We had a Burger King picnic on the beautiful wooden floors, met our neighbor GG, Yolanda stopped by and the night was restless as I thought about how I would never forget the day.  

My social media post read as follows, "Dear friends. Brace yourselves for pictures of new tile, painting projects, lawn mowing shenanigans and before/afters. Because, bless the Lord, I just bought a house."

What a way to kick off the summer. 

Destination Dellview5: Emotional Rollercoaster

I love amusement parks.  I like rides at Disneyland because you don't really see what's coming.  The highs are disguised by cute animals or abominable snow men.  Unlike Six Flags or the state fair.  It's all right before your eyes.  The anxiety sets in as you stand in line.    Your head tilts all the way back as you see the roller coaster peak among the clouds. The reason for the high pitched squeals are warranted. Your body trembles as you struggle to put on the safety belts.  The overpriced treats you enjoyed will likely come up.  There is no happy music or furry creatures. I hate roller coasters.

The emotions felt on Millennium Force, Kingda Ka, or the Superman ride must certainly pale in comparison that took place on this home buying sudden extreme changeableness.

Forty-seven days.  1,128 hours filled with feelings I've never felt before. Forty-seven days from the time the offer was accepted until the key was in my hand.  I won't go into all the detail--mostly because the majority of it has been pushed out of my mind...replaced with peace.  But here are some of the pivotal moments

1. House inspection completed by Mr. Powell (no coincidence).  As a retired firefighter his concern was mostly safety.  A sizeable amount of repairs noted but nothing that would heed moving forward.  Nice guy who gave me a family discount :)
2. Emails thrown back and forth about what Mr. and Mrs. R were willing to have repaired.  The major concern was the water heater.  ( I ended up needing a new one after the closing...GRRR!)
3. I forgot about one little detail, the earnest money.  I was able to move some things around to come up with it.  Most amazingly an unnamed person blessed me with a monetary gift--in addition to someone else loaning me some cash.  Talk about speechless.  At this stage I began to question my worth--that's a blog for another time. 
4. The earnest check was picked up by a runner but never cashed.  A couple weeks go by before anyone realizes its MIA.  Turns out the check was mailed back to the address on it, IN ARIZONA!!!!  Who carries a checkbook anymore.  Took time off to run home and get back to work in time for a runner to pick it up.  This time I made doubly sure it reached it's destination.
5. The down payment assistance was approved, money went missing, money found. 
6. Over a million amendments signed
7. Anxiously awaiting for the appraisal and when I received it, it was like reading Chinese.  My ultimate  concern, does it match the asking price.  And if not, what happens next. 
8. Oh, I never wrote the check for the option period.  Mail it to the house address....wrong, the owners are in California, send it there. 
9. The closing date is a moving target.  Changed about 3 times.
10. Will the repairs be made in time???  
11. And the question that took forever to answer, what are the closing costs and how much will my mortgage be?????    Stop the ride!!!!!!!

47 days, 67, 680 minutes later

1. Earnest money and option check were cashed.
2. The MIA check made it to my mailbox.
3. The owners put in a generous amount toward the repairs.
4. The appraisal was perfect. 
5. Down payment assistance came thru
6. I had to take zero dollars to the closing. 
7. My mortgage is less than the last 3 places I've rented. 
8. There were a small group of folks who knew about the Eland Adventure and I cannot begin to thank them enough for praying me up and thru this season.

Destination Dellview4: Powell Letter

May 5, 2017

Dear Mr. and Mrs. R,

The intro to the blog documenting our adventures in San Antonio heads as follows: “After wandering in the desert of Tucson, Arizona for 40 years, we are entering a land flowing with humidity, cowboys, trees and the Riverwalk….San Antonio, Texas.  Join us over the next year as we share our experiences with each other and among strangers we hope to call friends—in a new city and state we excitedly call home.”  

Prior to moving to San Antonio, I had a successful career as a nursing supervisor and my daughter, Tenaysia, had been accepted to the University of Arizona.  The beginning of 2016 I began to feel a shift, new plans for our life.  When asked why we chose to move, why we chose this city, the best and only answer I can give is that it was a God thing.

Since our move, I’ve taken on a nursing position at Brookdale Senior Living.  It’s been a humbling experience to return to a non-supervisory nursing role and at the appropriate time I will research a director position within the company, hopefully remaining within the medical center.  

Tenaysia has plans to attend SACC and then transition to UTSA to pursue a major in English and minor in Art.  In the meantime, she is enjoying her gap year.  She’s doing her best to make friends and is involved in the Young Adult growth group at Pearl Street Church. 

In March we went to Tucson to celebrate my mom’s birthday.  I was nervous about the trip.  My concern was that I’d be among people and places familiar to me and then regret the move to SA.  Interestingly enough, the opposite happen. Although I was sad to leave my loved ones, I was so happy to come back home. 

Home. 

Upon our return, after much prayer, I decided it was time to buy a house.  I’ve never had the desire and I am admittedly nervous about this first time homebuyer process.  I’ve seen a handful of houses this week and by yesterday I was ready to put the breaks on the entire house hunt.   My prayer prior to the afternoon viewings was that if it was God’s will,  we’d walk into a house and know it was home.  And that’s exactly what happened when we opened the red door at Eland Drive.  

The house is just the right size for us two.  Thinking practically, in less than 5 years Tenaysia will be living her own life.  Eland drive will be manageable as I dwell alone and anxiously await her periodic visits. While I think the wood flooring is amazing, and the tile in the bathrooms quirky, the afternoon sunlight streaming in the kitchen soothing….my desire to purchase your home isn’t about how it looked but how it felt.  It felt like home. 

 I’ve already envisioned where my black & white photos of Tenaysia and I will hang.  I looked out back and visualize summer BBQs with the friends we’ve made so far and a rose garden.  The first bedroom will be the guest room and I look forward to hosting family and friends on an actual bed not an air mattress.  We’ve always lived in apartments, so the thought of making your house our home is an exciting one!  

Coming from a small city in comparison to SA, I’m used to very short commutes.  Being near Vance Jackson and the freeway systems would be perfect!  We’d have a relatively easy drive to all of our favorite places. 

Last night we stopped at Eland again.  We sat on the front porch.  We enjoyed the cool breeze, listened to the faint barking of a dog and tried to catch the attention of the young lady next door.  We talked about all the things we’ll do there and how exciting this new chapter is. 

Nine months ago today Tenaysia and I arrived to San Antonio.  I never imagined that on this date I’d be making an offer on a house.  My prayer is that you all are a vital part of our adventure.  Regardless of the outcome, I pray the Lord continues to bless and keep you. 

With a hopeful heart,

Tariequa and Tenaysia Powell

 May 6, 2017

Wouldn't you know it...they accepted my offer :)