Friday, December 7, 2007

Deep In The Heart Of Texas

Some of you have heard the rumors. Others wondered why we traveled for four days over Thanksgiving to spend one day in Texas. I've been putting off sharing this information in hopes that it wouldn't go through. Spencer has been applying for PhD programs and has decided on a school in Texas. Yes, Texas. Unfortunately Texas.

My husband is basically a genius and could have gone anywhere. He had the opportunity attend George Washington University in DC, but Texas it is. I can think of a million reasons to attend GW, and only a small handful of reasons to go to Texas. But they are all irrelevant considering Texas is where the Lord wants us to be.

Parker has a habit of asking me the same question over and over and over again in hopes that my answer will change. I find it annoying. The other day I found myself telling him that I gave him my answer the first time. I haven't changed my mind. I just realized I've been doing the same thing. I think we knew we needed to go to Texas long before Spencer even applied to schools. Yet I was still praying about it in hopes the Lord would change His mind. When I said this to Parker, I got my answer. I needed to stop asking. And, for the most part, I have.

I had succumbed to the fact that we needed to go, so we took a trip down there to see the school and look for a place to live. And I again found myself spending a lot of time on my knees afterward to make sure that's what He really wanted. I absolutely HATED it there. Texas is really not my kind of place. And again, I was assured we need to be there. Every once in a while I run into someone who once lived in Texas and hated it, and again, I have to ask. And again, I'm reassured. So to Texas we go.

I am looking forward to change. Spencer and I have no ties to Ohio. We have no family here. We didn't grow up here. I know some of you born and raised Ohioans love it, but it's just never felt like home to me. So besides the few friends we'll miss, we're happy to move on. Don't worry Kelly, we'll ALWAYS be Buckeyes fans.

School starts for Spencer the middle of January so we have a few more weeks here before packing up and moving out. That is if our house ever sells. Rotten time to get out of a house. But we figure if it's truly what we're supposed to be doing, things will have to fall into place for us one of these days. Wish us luck.

11 comments:

Lisha said...

Okay, you win! I have no idea how you handle 3 kids. Obviously I can barely handle 1 child!
So Texas huh? Bryce has a brother and a sister that both live in Texas now and they love it there! Every time I go down to Texas I am amazed at all the neat things they have to do and see there. Bryce's siblings are begging us to come and visit them. Maybe when we go there next we will be able to stop and see you guys! It would be so awesome to see you guys again!
Hang in there Katie! I know you guys will do great where ever your lives may lead you.

Traci Elizabeth said...

I am with you...I Hated Texas. My sister Kori used to live in Dallas area-- and I hated it. But, at least the housing is cheaper. I kind of figured it was something to do with moving there--since I asked and didnt recieve an answer from you. How long will Spencers PhD program be? What is he wanting to do?

PS.. the bedding for Boston is from- believe it or not-Walmart! I searched everywhere besides walmart and one day just checked it out. I love it and its ways Cheaper than everywhere else!

jeanine said...

Oh Katie... you'll learn to LOVE Texas! The people are SO nice... and the bluebonnets in the spring are beautiful! Plus, I'm excited to be within driving distance of someone :)

Kelly said...

I am sad, but I know that following the Lord is the only way to go. I know that someday our paths will cross again, and we will hang out again! You are such a great friend, and I am blessed to have had the opportunity to serve with you and become your friend too. At least I have a few more weeks with ya! I really do treasure your friendship, Katie, you are really great!

Valarie said...

Texas isn't all bad. I grew up in Ohio and although I loved it, I do have to say that being south for the winter is REALLY nice. It is still in the 80's here right now. You won't have to worry about bundling kids up and taking them out in -10 degree weather or driving in major ice storms. Plus, you get to swim for like 7 months out of the year... which makes your children tired... which makes them sleep better. :)

Jeffrey Benson said...

I am finding us a marathon in Texas, and you are doing it. No ifs ands or buts.

Lauri said...

We made several moves ourselves through the years from one end of the US to another...small towns and big cities. I cried many tears as we said goodbye to friends and drove away. But I ALWAYS found that I loved where we were living...even El Centro California (I cried all the way from there to Corona) and of course I cried all the way from Corona to Mesa. You'll be OK and of course I'm happy because now you're only 14 hours away rather than 35 hours. Heck, I could even get in the car and drive to see you.

Autumn said...

Ya know I was born in Ohio, moved back to Ohio when I was 11, and never had the desire nor pictured myself living here after high school-and look where I am. I guess its not always up to us (assuming we're trying to follow the Lord). We (the whole ward) will certainly miss you guys, and we'll be anxious to hear why the Lord is so sure he wants you there.

Jenn said...

You are always so busy Katie!! now you have to add the packing and moving to your hectic lifes. Texas will be change thats for sure but i am sure you guys will make it a GOOD change.

Unknown said...

Okay...I guess it's "Comment on Katie's blog Day" but I guess I just can't help myself. Seriously though, I have heard WONDERFUL things about Texas. Well...the Austin area anyway. My two brothers just moved down there and wont stop raving about it! My friend Michelle McNaulty (it's now Kaley) lives there too and LOVES it. I'm almost tempted to move there myself. Good luck selling the house! Oh, also, Penni Reinfelt (is that how you say it? - Her married name is Gunnell now) lives in El Paso.

Heidi said...

WOW.... man have i been the worst friend or what? I havent been on your site for a long time.

AND TEXAS!! what a big decision. WOW! will you be facing the cold, cold weather out there in North Texas?

best of luck with all that!!!