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.