Eyes Open

I am back, everyone! Inconsistency doesn't accurately describe my blogging habit at all--it's definitely more like a hiatus. Let me sum up my excuse: A year ago I wasn't even in school to teach and now I am teaching Kindergarten. It has been a whirlwind to say the least. A really wonderful, stressful, lean-on-the-Lord kind of whirlwind. I am not saying it's going to get any better, at least for a while.

That said, I feel incredibly happy to be where I am in my life. I am counting these blessings and wanted to share one of the highlights with you. A few weeks ago, my discipleship group at church threw a baby shower for an 18 year old Nepali refugee. That experience was extremely eye-opening. I am taking more education classes this semester and one of our assignments is to write three poems; I wrote one of them about this experience. I thought I would share it with you:

Refugee Baby Shower

She had a name I couldn’t pronounce as we were introduced.

I knew nothing of her before that day; I was wrapped up in my own freedoms.

She came here by plane with her husband just two weeks prior.

He carried the single bag they shared.

She carried a miracle inside.

She had had no physician care until that very day.

Her young eyes were tired, her body frail.

The miracle remained.

The games we played involved no words.

She smiled for the first time in months.

We taught her how to diaper and how to bathe.

“This small bath is better than a shower floor.”

We gave her the first gifts she had ever received.

She unwrapped them, stone-faced.

She carefully wrapped them back up in tissue, preserving the newness.

Her translated thank-you engulfed me.

I was changed.

She named the miracle “Grace.”

Love,

L.W.

You Gotta Have Friends

I am filthy rich. And, no, I didn't win the lottery or inherit a large sum of money. I am referring to the fact that I am blessed beyond measure and rich with love from family, friends, and blessings from one amazing God. It's really hard for me to wrap my head around, actually.

When you (pretty much) live in the same town your whole life and spend as much time with your family as I have, it's easy to take your surroundings for granted. One thing I have absolutely adored about this move is that I have gained a whole new perspective on my life and the people in it. At times, when we lived in Greenville, I often felt frustrated that most of my best friends from high school and college lived so far away. They were all spread out EVERYWHERE. Many times, it was lonely and it was hard. Now that I am also "far" away, I realize how much we will always need each other. It's not so hard to be there for each other, no matter how distant we get. I will be the first to admit that my friendships often took a backseat to my other relationships; I now know God had a purpose for that because I have an amazing husband to show for it. Now that I am in a new "season of life" -if you will- it's easier to be there for them.  I have always known how amazing each of my friends are but, as we get older, I truly appreciate their individuality and their gifts even more. As I picture each of them, these words come to mind:  beautiful, creative, loving, fun, quirky, artistic, Godly, inspiring, smart, funny, driven, caring and even athletic. I am blown away at how each of them have been there for me these last few months. It means more to me than you know. When I think about my friends I realize I have some of the best--The one you can tell anything to. The one you can sing duets with. The one you can be silly with. The one you can pray with. The one who laughs a lot. The one who makes you laugh a lot. The creative one. The musical one. The athlete. The intellectual one. The one you can shop with. The one you can enjoy a glass of wine with. The one you can party with....I really have them all.

This past weekend I got to see some of my friends from high school, my friends from college, and a lot of my family. My birthday is coming up in two days and I honestly feel like I was already given the ultimate gift. To gain utmost appreciation for those you love, to spend time with them, and to feel loved and appreciated back is, honestly, one of my very favorite things in the world. Friendship should not be difficult. This post would not be complete without mentioning that I have already made some AMAZING friends here in Roanoke already. I am so grateful to my new church friends and my friends from work. I have to tell you, although I am pretty exhausted, my heart is happy and oh-so-full. Once again, thank you Roanoke. Thank you, Lord.

Pictures from this weekend:

Kathryn, Laura, Whitney, Me (High school)

Me and Carly (High school & college!)

Me, Carly, Helen (mostly college)

Me, Maddie (elementary school & college!), Carly

Carly, Me, Emily & Christen (College-senior year roomies!)

Love,

Seeing Clearly Now

The Grand Plan

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

This is one I have in my back pocket and, honestly, since the first time I saw it, it never left me. In my junior and senior years of high school, one of my best friends, Whitney, had this verse written out on a dry erase board in a special part of her bedroom. She had a portion of her room dedicated to what she was most passionate about--music. There was a piano, mic, a guitar, cd player, country memorabilia, records hanging on the wall, sheet music etc. I remember the two of us hanging out in there discussing our dreams of college and our future careers. Her goals always seemed so exciting and focused and, looking back, I now know it's because she leaned on the Big Guy for answers and guidance. Needless to say, God has had GREAT plans for Whitney. She went on to study music business at Belmont University, fell in love with Nashville and her soon-to-be husband (who works in the music biz), and she landed a great job on music row as well. People like Whitney inspire me not only to use my gifts but to do it for the glory of God. Each of us is unique and wonderfully made. The Lord wants us to do what He made us to do.

I finally feel like God has revealed a big part of His plan for me and I am absolutely ecstatic about it! Here's how I got to this point...

God doesn't make mistakes. Sometimes you are in the wrong place for a good reason. I am grateful for each job I had after college and definitely enjoyed each of them in certain ways but, for varying reasons, I kind of felt like a square peg attempting to fit in a round hole. I did a ton of research on my personality type to just try and "figure it out." What was missing?! The last thing I wanted was to job hop and have "unreliable" written all over my resume.  In the figuring-it-out-process, memories of my time as an au pair flashed through my mind just about every single day and the people who knew me the best kept saying I should work with kids. So, I began to explore more options by shadowing last spring at a few elementary schools and at the Meyer Center with an OT, PT, and Speech Therapist. I was getting closer...

I made the decision to become a teacher and was accepted to start classes at Converse College in the Masters of Arts in Teaching program beginning in June but certain things just literally weren't adding up. If I became a student full time and quit my job, how would we maintain our lifestyle? ...pay our bills?? Like I said before, God doesn't make mistakes; He has a bigger plan. Much to our surprise, we quickly found ourselves packing up our Greenville life to move to Roanoke. I thought (in the midst of the moving madness) that it would be really nice to have (at least) a part time job so I began to look diligently into after school programs, daycare, and teacher aide positions. I applied all over and made lots of phone calls. And it happened. It REALLY happened! I got a job as an Instructional Assistant at a county elementary school. Certified teachers weren't even getting hired for aide positions...how did this happen? Yep, it was G-O-D.

I was originally hired to work one-on-one with a severely autistic child for most of the day. I doubted--could I do it? (Then I was reminded- "God never gives me more than I can handle.") Two weeks before school started, I found out that the child was moving away a few weeks into the school year and my new assignment was to be in Kindergarten full time. In hindsight, I am truly amazed that God gave me the courage to accept the position assuming the challenge of the autistic student for the full year. Again, He had a bigger plan. As I began the position, I found out exactly how much patience I have and became SO interested in understanding autism to make those three weeks with my sweet student as productive as possible.

Since starting my job, I have learned all about the school environment. From classroom management to lunch duty, I have truly found my place. I finally feel PASSION throughout the entire day--I mean, how could I not?! I have the chance to impact and educate precious little lives. With our move to VA, God afforded me the time/resources to have this job and to make a much more informed decision as to whether or not I should go back to school. He allowed me to research and compare Masters programs and license programs. He provided teacher friends to give me sound advice and a new city to start over in. He made it easy and obvious.

SO- I finally chose a program and I have applied to start at Mary Baldwin College next semester in the Post Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure program. There are few more steps to complete before I am officially accepted but, if all goes accordingly, I'll be finished in about 1.5 years and ready to teach!

I share this story because it's really been on my heart to share. I know tons of people (at all ages) who are trying to figure out what they are meant to do career-wise. I don't want you to think for one second that I am referring to your purpose in life--that's an entirely separate discussion. I just want you to know--whoever you are--that I have been there too. I have come home from work in the past angry, frustrated, crying, and begging for the answer. At times, I wondered if I belonged anywhere at all. I guarantee you that God has a plan for you too. I dare to say that His plan for us is often overshadowed by our forceful, impulsive, impatient nature. Take a second...ask God. Ask Him a lot. If you don't hear him speak, keep asking. I guarantee, He will let you know. Ask, seek, knock...remember?

Love,

A Teacher

Ebb and Flow

I know I promised before/afters in the next post. I have to get some more things on the wall before then so, please, bear with me.

As I was out driving today, I felt very compelled to write a new post. My life has drastically changed in the last couple of weeks and I am guessing it will really start to hit me soon as things quiet down. I have been riding the "high" part of the roller coaster with moving in, having guests, making our house a home, and keeping busy. In those rare moments of sitting still, I think too much, and the wave I have been riding dies down to meet the sand.

Yesterday and today I had a few moments like that and started to get down. I try to be upbeat as much as possible, but sometimes, life gets tougher. I was basically born and raised in Greenville/Spartanburg and know those areas like the back of my hand; It hits hard when you rely on a GPS to find a grocery store, a hardware store, or really anything for that matter. To top it off, today I met a lot of literal "Dead Ends" and even Wanda (my GPS) couldn't help me find my way back to the main streets. Also, I have always had family to call when I needed a lunch date; today I sat at the table in Chic-fil-a alone. Silly things like this start to add up and that's when reality strikes--this is new. This is not Greenville. Things are not what they were.

The most important aspect I am missing right now is the best thing to fill an empty hole in my heart--a strong dose of God through church.  We JUST found the best church for us in Greenville, became members, and now we find ourselves starting over not even knowing where to begin. Sometimes I want to just yell, "WHY?!"

As these tides of emotion ebb and flow, I have to remind myself that it's "all good" and it's all "happening for a reason." I believe changes and transitions are for the better and always make a person stronger. I know for a fact that God wants us here in Roanoke. He wants us to live in this beautiful home and to have our wonderful jobs and to, eventually, make new friends and strengthen our existing relationships. I try to remind myself that He has a plan for us (Jeremiah 29:11) and it is good. Those moments when my thoughts drift or I get sad and lonely will happen and it is okay.

This too shall pass. This too shall pass.

Love,

Surfer Girl

Home Again, Home Again

We MADE it! We are officially Virginians! I guess I should catch you up on all things Winchester. ;)

So, after spending a glorious week with my family on Folly Beach I drove to Greenville this past Saturday to stay at my parents' house. Sunday I woke up and packed up the car then headed to Roanoke with 9 potted plants, all my luggage, lamps/shades, cleaning supplies & dogs in tow. After 5 hours (lunch stop included) in the car we made it! I dropped the kiddos off at the kennel then went straight to the corporate apartment that Chris has been living in for the last month. It was so great to be reunited with him! He cooked me a great dinner of salmon, baked potato, and green beans with Prosecco (one of my favorites).

HOME! :)

Monday morning he went to work and we met up for the closing at 9am. All went well as we signed our lives away (for the second time!). Keys in hand, we parted ways and I went HOME! I am not going to lie--as I pulled in the driveway, walked up the pathway and opened the door I think I skipped then danced my way into the house. I was absolutely elated to say the least.

The movers showed up at about 10am and I stood in the yard and directed them in the placement of all our boxes/furniture. They finished up by about 3pm and I think I did ANOTHER dance. (Small victories, ok!?) I didn't waste any time either. I started unpacking the kitchen until Chris got home to pick me up. We went to the corporate apt and got all our things out then locked up. From there we did what was completely necessary--got a Hot 'N Ready from Little Caesar's and cracked a bottle of bubbly. :) After our dinner of champions we got busy to work and finished the entire kitchen!

Since then I have been busting it to finish the rest. Tuesday I started on the dining room/den and got those finished then yesterday I did the master bedroom (mainly closet organization), the bathrooms and tons of laundry. I have to finish the basement today and it will be DONE! This one little paragraph makes it all seem like a piece of cake--but rest assured--every single part of me just flat out hurts.

I have to mention that I have been to the hardware store quite a few times in the last couple days (courtesy of my GPS). By the way, Mom and I named my GPS "Wanda" just in case I bring "her" up and you have no clue what I am referencing. Anyhoo--Wanda and I did a little exploring this week. I was quickly reminded of my time in Italy when I ventured out for the first time. Thank God they speak English in Virginia. ;) We went to Lowe's, Home Depot, several Krogers, TJ Maxx, & Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I am not sure what it is but I must have a perma-look on my face of "I am confused." I swear every store I go into the employees ask "You look lost...can I help you." First of all--they have NO idea. Second, thank GOODNESS they care. Third--I think that "look" is subconscious for "please someone speak to me." As most of you know, I am a pretty social woman and I'll make friends anywhere--even in a grocery store aisle.

I was successful in my errands and managed to fix the dryer, make two meals in my new kitchen (LOVE IT!),  make copies of our keys (and color code them), get odds & ends for the bathrooms, etc. So I guess the exploring has paid off for us.

Oh, random aside, we have met two neighbors so far and they are SUPER nice. What an excellent perk!

So, there you have it--my first few days in the 'Noke (as I have heard people refer to it). I am pretty stoked about my family (minus SA--boo!) coming tomorrow! They have offered to be our paint crew and I am sure we will find some time to show them around and enjoy a few good meals! Stay tuned for an update and maybe a few "Before/Afters" from this weekend.

Love,

The Homeowner

P.S. Lowe's is better than Home Depot.

For the last time

It actually happened. I knew this day would come, I just had no clue how bad it would hurt and how quick it was really coming. Today Chris began our move to VA and just pulled out of 1060 Summit Dr. for the last time. I'll be staying here in G'ville for a couple of weeks to go through the closing on this house and keep the dogs until our VA house is closed on.

Today was strange. We woke up, I went to grab breakfast for us at Dunkin Donuts (our pantry and fridge are now bare). I brought breakfast home and we did some things around the house/packed up clothes in wardrobe boxes. For lunch we decided to go to our favorite Mexican restaurant, Compadres, one more time. They know us so well they don't even bother to hand out the menus. We ate a very good lunch (that salsa is oh-so-addicting!) then came home to realize we had locked ourselves out of the house.  The last thing we wanted to do was call a locksmith on a Sunday to let us back into our own house. [Side note: If you've ever been through a move, you know how pricey it can be.] For such a mindless mistake we knew there was likely a (yet another) big price to pay. The locksmith came out and it turns out we have an upside-down lock (and it was impossible to pick) so he had to replace the whole darn thing. TWO HUNDRED dollars later--it was fixed.

Of course Chris also somehow managed to lose/misplace one of his shoes and his sunglasses (which only added to the chaos of the day as he was trying to get packed up and out the door). The contractor doing all the house repairs was banging on the house fixing board after board. Eventually, we both just couldn't take any more stress, noise, to-dos, bills, or phone calls. All the little things and much bigger things were mounting up.We just held onto each other and cried. In that moment in my busy brain I knew it was the last time we'd be standing in our first home, the last time we'd be in the space we tried so hard to make ours. Flashbacks of eating pizza on the bare floors on move-in day, putting up the icicle lights at Christmas, eating our chili on the porch as trick-or-treaters arrived, cooking glorious meals in our kitchen, having our friends and family over, landscaping the yard, planting our garden, picking out new furniture and paint all just whirled around making me dizzy with emotion then extremely still.The world just stopped around us and things felt quieter. The dogs even felt it and stayed right there with us. I fell in love all over again. We had made all those memories together. Chris eventually walked out the door for the last time, got in the car, pulled out of the driveway and signed an "I love you" as he always does through the car window. I reciprocated  by signing it back then holding up "2" fingers as I always do. That, my friends, will never change.

Before

 

 

 

After

I know I will be okay as long as I can just be there to hold Chris and tell him I love him, feel it back and have our pups by our sides. No matter where we live or what we live in--that's what will matter most. There are new memories to be made.

Love,

Missing Him Already



"If I lay here, If I just lay here, would you lie with me and just forget the world?"- Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol

Falling (HARD) into Place

 Moving is quite the process and such a huge headache; at this point, I can vouch for that statement. As most of you know, Chris and I are moving up to Roanoke, VA as he has been given an amazing opportunity to work with GE Energy. It's hard to believe that us two Greenville natives are packing up our first home on Summit Drive and moving two states away. If I had to describe this experience in less than three words I would simply say, "a lot" about covers it. It's just a whole lot of stress, planning, time, expense, emotion, coordinating, goodbye-saying, etc and I am definitely a get-it-done/rip-the-band-aid-off-quick kinda gal.

I'm tipping my hat to all this change by renaming my blog.Obviously, "Reaching Summit" wouldn't get you very far anymore when it comes to visiting these Winchesters. ;) I was driving in the car and it hit me that the perfect name for this blog is "Remaining Anonymous."

Literally, the meaning is quite ironic. Who the heck writes a blog with an intention to remain anonymous?? (That meaning is just my literary genius shining through.) teehee! Another interpretation is that the title has something to do with the fact that we won't know anyone in VA, but I certainly don't intend for it to remain that way. Lastly, another meaning that can be seen as a goal in life that I strive to accomplish--to be a servant to others and the Lord and to do it "anonymously" without the need to be recognized.

All of these are fair definitions but not quite the root I was intending. The real meaning is very personal and close to my heart. Through the years, one of my favorite quotes that my dad often says is "Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous." If I wrote down every "coincidence" that has occurred during this moving process --much less my whole life-- you'd be completely blown away. This is where my faith has grown the most. Coincidence is where God "speaks" to me. He gets me through everything and his purpose is made clear for me every day as he speaks.

I would agree that there's no doubt that, as my cousin Jenn said, "God is shining down on this move." Here are a few examples of some recent coincidences I am talking about below. Some are so intricate that I may lose you so I'll keep it to three:

-We needed to sell our house very quickly. I prayed it would go to someone young who would love it as much as we do.  It sold in THREE WEEKS to an adorable young teacher who is so energetic and excited to live in it and she even appreciates everything we did to it.

-We also had to find a new house to call home in VA. We had seen about 30 homes up there and eventually decided to wait until our house sold before really looking anymore. Our house went under contract on a Friday (the same day that Chris had driven back home from training in Roanoke). Despite every fiber in Chris' being, we decided to drive back up to VA the very next day to look at houses--talk about whip lash! According to our Realtor, there was a new one on the market that would get snatched up quickly and she thought it was just what we were looking for--it was a must see! We fell in love and put in an offer and had a contract on it a couple of days later.

-I got two job offers this week and accepted a job in the best school District in Roanoke as an Instructional Assistant. Two phone interviews and an in-person interview later, I secured this position that will allow me to gain experience in a classroom and work one-on-one with a student. I feel pretty darn lucky considering the fact that certified teachers are struggling to get jobs up there right now.

These are just a small sampling of  "coincidences" surrounding our move. People say that things "always fall into place" but this just seems miraculous and I am so thankful.

Roanoke, VA at night--our new city!

 Love,

Waiting Patiently for the Next Steps


(From now on, I won't sign my posts with a real name. Sticking to the theme, Pseudonym = Anonymous, right??)


 P.S. Sorry this post was so long! Next time, I'll add more pictures.