One Year in Michigan

When I first moved to Provo to attend school in 2009 I had a lot of anxiety. I was homesick and longed for my family and all the familiar things I had left behind. I wouldn't say I grew to love Utah, but eventually I adjusted [of course it helped that I had a really awesome boyfriend at the time ;)]. Getting out of Utah as soon as possible had been the goal for Jay and me since the very start of our marriage. We wanted to raise our family outside of "the bubble" [a common reference to Utah, particularly Provo]. But Jay had to complete his schooling and we couldn't pass up opportunities at BYU. By the time we did leave, I had spent a total of 5 1/2 years there. 5 1/2 years was just enough time to establish some deep friendships, get hooked on some amazing food establishments, and become familiar with just about every road in town. It essentially became my "home". 

So there we were in Michigan- out of Utah, finally! But I often found myself feeling terribly homesick. And not for my California home, but for my Utah home. I missed "the bubble". I missed the many church members, church buildings on every block, and temples in every city. I missed being only a 10 hour drive away from family. I missed my dear friends. I missed being able to interact with so many people that were the same age and in the same stage of life as myself. And Cubby's, Spaghetti Factory, Bombay House, Wild Ginger, Which Wich, Zupas, Kneaders, Panda Express, Chick-fil-A, and all of my favorite clothing stores within a 10 minute drive... I had it good!

I mentioned some of these things in a post a year ago when we moved, and basically ended off with expressing gratitude for my circumstances and the hope I had for our new life in Michigan. There was much to be grateful for at that time indeed, but that didn't always make the adjustment easier. It took time and patience. It's still taking time and patience. The bugs, the cold, the gnarly seasonal allergies, the small selection of decent restaurants, the fact that we're 2,200 miles away from family and friends... I haven't exactly fallen in love with this place just yet. But I guess the point I'm trying to make is simply that moving is an adjustment, no matter where you go. And the lesson I'm learning is how to accept my circumstances. Also the importance of embracing this experience because who knows, we could end up somewhere else years down the road and I may feel homesick for my Michigan home. 

When Jay first began pursuing Kellogg's and we knew there was the potential of moving far away, we were prayerful and felt very impressed that if we were to be submissive and go wherever Kellogg's wanted to send us, we would be taken care of. I hold strongly to that spiritual impression on days where I'm feeling especially far from my family, having strong cravings for Cubby's sweet potato fries, or wish to go on a lunch date with one of my dear friends. Heavenly Father has and will continue to take care of us as long as we remain faithful.

I AM grateful to be here in Michigan, despite how this post is coming across. [Michigan friends,  please don't disown me.] We've made friends, enjoyed the beauty of each season, discovered a few tasty restaurants, and explored some unique places. We've had many opportunities to see our family and I think they've enjoyed the opportunity to explore a different part of the country. We have been blessed with a baby girl, a pup, health, the means to provide for our needs and even allow me the dream come true of being a stay-at-home mom. I am grateful for what this year in Michigan has brought and look forward to whatever the next one has in store.

May 2015

May 2014