Starting out early with packing has its advantages. Since we're doing virtually all the packaging for our cross-country move ourselves - a more daunting task than I realized - it's good not to be crowded for time. In fact, it's ten days until go, and we are just about ready. Ten days without garbage pickup, by the way, because of the holiday, and the next one may or may not be at the same time when the huge semitrailer will be parked in our driveway. We're making contingency plans.
Our living room, or "great room," has been transformed into a combination warehouse and packaging station. Boxes are stacked everywhere, and in the middle, in front of the television, are piles with things yet to be boxed, as well as paper, boxes, tape rolls, sharpies (why do they always seem to disappear?) and labels.
This is also where the sneezing, sniffling, running nose comes in. I'm allergic to house dust, and our formerly meticulous home has been transformed into a dust factory. Not everywhere, but just at the central packaging site, which is where, unfortunately, I spend my evenings relaxing. It's going to be a long ten days!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Saying good-byes
One of the bitter-sweet experiences of moving cross-country are all those farewells. Suddenly our social calendar has become quite active as friends call and want to have us over one more time. It's nice to be appreciated - I even said in jest, "We really should leave more often."
On the other hand, all those good-byes seem strange - they are real but unreal. After all, the people are the same people we've known, in some cases, for 35 years. It seems strange they won't be around any longer, or rather, we won't be. Can it really be? We console ourselves and others with the promise that we will be back next April when Dwight will have to come for a business trip. But still - we will miss each other. I suspect the "missing part" will be more on our end, since we'll have to start all over making friends.
And it's not just friends. I admit, despite the winters, that I'm going to miss Iowa. Today we drove to a friend's house in the country. The sun was shining, the fields were bright green due to all the rain we've been having, and the landscape was perfectly flat, with the roads laid out neatly. The tiger lilies were blooming alongside the ditches. It was beautiful. It will be different in WNC (Western North Carolina).
It probably won't sink in until the truck pulls away from the house, and we are hitting the road.
On the other hand, all those good-byes seem strange - they are real but unreal. After all, the people are the same people we've known, in some cases, for 35 years. It seems strange they won't be around any longer, or rather, we won't be. Can it really be? We console ourselves and others with the promise that we will be back next April when Dwight will have to come for a business trip. But still - we will miss each other. I suspect the "missing part" will be more on our end, since we'll have to start all over making friends.
And it's not just friends. I admit, despite the winters, that I'm going to miss Iowa. Today we drove to a friend's house in the country. The sun was shining, the fields were bright green due to all the rain we've been having, and the landscape was perfectly flat, with the roads laid out neatly. The tiger lilies were blooming alongside the ditches. It was beautiful. It will be different in WNC (Western North Carolina).
It probably won't sink in until the truck pulls away from the house, and we are hitting the road.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Proverbs 3:5-7
If there is one guiding Scripture that helps tie together our cross-country move, it's this one:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes..."
In my very first blog I drew some comparison between this move and my big move across the Atlantic 36 years ago when I first came to this country. One of the big differences is the sheer size. Although I don't consider myself as possessing much stuff - even the guy from the moving company said so - it's still overwhelming, at least as long as I don't look to the Lord for everything.
Therefore I've surrendered the move totally to Him. He is in charge, and I seek to follow the directions of my Boss. Almost daily we experience that He truly is guiding us in details, from contacting the right people at the right time to packing to remembering (almost) everything I need to. He gives me wisdom what to do and what to postpone.
As for packaging, we've entered the stage where we don't remember where we packed some small, but vital item. Where is that cell phone recharger that always used to be in that drawer? Where are the swimsuits, now that we're having a heat wave? We found the cell phone recharger, praise God, and will have to wait to unpack for the swimsuits.
My perennial temptation to worrying is with boxes - will we have enough? Because of the holiday weekend the last chance we will have to get them is July 3, three days before moving. What about all the last-minute items that need to be packed? That's where I need to go back to Proverbs again and again: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding... Surely He can handle this detail also. I bet/believe/hope/fear that we will have just enough boxes and containers for moving day. He's stretching my faith muscles!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes..."
In my very first blog I drew some comparison between this move and my big move across the Atlantic 36 years ago when I first came to this country. One of the big differences is the sheer size. Although I don't consider myself as possessing much stuff - even the guy from the moving company said so - it's still overwhelming, at least as long as I don't look to the Lord for everything.
Therefore I've surrendered the move totally to Him. He is in charge, and I seek to follow the directions of my Boss. Almost daily we experience that He truly is guiding us in details, from contacting the right people at the right time to packing to remembering (almost) everything I need to. He gives me wisdom what to do and what to postpone.
As for packaging, we've entered the stage where we don't remember where we packed some small, but vital item. Where is that cell phone recharger that always used to be in that drawer? Where are the swimsuits, now that we're having a heat wave? We found the cell phone recharger, praise God, and will have to wait to unpack for the swimsuits.
My perennial temptation to worrying is with boxes - will we have enough? Because of the holiday weekend the last chance we will have to get them is July 3, three days before moving. What about all the last-minute items that need to be packed? That's where I need to go back to Proverbs again and again: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding... Surely He can handle this detail also. I bet/believe/hope/fear that we will have just enough boxes and containers for moving day. He's stretching my faith muscles!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Snail Mail really is slow!
Today we received a letter from Asheville, NC which had been sent First Class by snail mail 10 days ago! It took us two days to drive the distance. When I send a letter to Germany, it only takes an average of 6-8 days. So please keep the slow pace in mind if you entrust anything to the US postal service from Iowa!
On the upside, I will have unlimited domestic long-distance calling for $4 monthly. It may be a limited time offer, but I will use it. Besides that, we're thinking of getting a fax machine. That is the only way for really fast mail - besides e-mail, attachments, etc.
On the upside, I will have unlimited domestic long-distance calling for $4 monthly. It may be a limited time offer, but I will use it. Besides that, we're thinking of getting a fax machine. That is the only way for really fast mail - besides e-mail, attachments, etc.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Accomplishments and Disruptions
First, today's accomplishments - we're set up for telephone service, we have our new number, we have high-speed internet service and satellite TV. We even switched to Direct TV, which carries God-TV! On the downside, we spent 2-3 hours on the phone with various people, including a very talkative guy from the condo association. He was helpful in some ways but also very concerned to squeeze the last buck out of the system. When he suggested, after two hours, that we cancel everything to do it a different way and save a few bucks, I put my foot down! Besides, he wanted us to lie, and I won't do it.
The reason this whole thing was a big disruption - in the midst of all the packing I started a new translation project, this time for CBN. It took away some of my most productive hours of the day. Why do people always assume I don't have anything better to do with my time?
The reason this whole thing was a big disruption - in the midst of all the packing I started a new translation project, this time for CBN. It took away some of my most productive hours of the day. Why do people always assume I don't have anything better to do with my time?
Monday, June 15, 2009
Giving and receiving
59,60,61,62,63,64,65 boxes packed and labeled, and stacked around the house.
But there is still so much more to be packed...
So we went to the moving company's store today to purchase more boxes - some of them were specialty boxes costing big bucks. $25 to package our artificial rose? $38 for another box? We were starting to make a list when the employee, upon learning that we were shipping with his company, asked whether we wanted used boxes. "I can give those to you for free," he said, and proceeded to throw a whole bunch of boxes on a cart. "How about some paper? Tape?" Gratefully we accepted everything until our car was stuffed to the max. "Come back if you need more," he added.
What a blessing! We had given generously to others and received that which we were in need of. Surely God gives back to those who give to the poor!
But there is still so much more to be packed...
So we went to the moving company's store today to purchase more boxes - some of them were specialty boxes costing big bucks. $25 to package our artificial rose? $38 for another box? We were starting to make a list when the employee, upon learning that we were shipping with his company, asked whether we wanted used boxes. "I can give those to you for free," he said, and proceeded to throw a whole bunch of boxes on a cart. "How about some paper? Tape?" Gratefully we accepted everything until our car was stuffed to the max. "Come back if you need more," he added.
What a blessing! We had given generously to others and received that which we were in need of. Surely God gives back to those who give to the poor!
Time for a new name?
A couple of years ago I had a startling insight into the American psyche. There are no long, multisyllable first names. If someone is called Elizabeth (4 syllables), her name is immediately shortened to Liz or Beth. Even two-syllable names are shortened, if possible - Michael becomes Mike, Daniel is Dan, David is Dave. The only three-syllable name I could think of is Natalie.
As my friends you know that I have a four-syllable first name. I don't need to spell it out. If you don't know it by now, you're not likely to get it. But help is on the way.
As I'm about to begin a new chapter in my life in a town where nobody knows me except a handful of people, I'm thinking about starting with a new name. A two-syllable one - Hannah. Can be read backward or forward. I like that. This is not a legal name change - I've gotten too attached to my real, four-syllable name over the years - but a nickname which accommodates the American preferences. Which is fitting, since I became an American citizen recently.
So, you may call me "Hannah," if you like. Just don't try to shorten it further.
As my friends you know that I have a four-syllable first name. I don't need to spell it out. If you don't know it by now, you're not likely to get it. But help is on the way.
As I'm about to begin a new chapter in my life in a town where nobody knows me except a handful of people, I'm thinking about starting with a new name. A two-syllable one - Hannah. Can be read backward or forward. I like that. This is not a legal name change - I've gotten too attached to my real, four-syllable name over the years - but a nickname which accommodates the American preferences. Which is fitting, since I became an American citizen recently.
So, you may call me "Hannah," if you like. Just don't try to shorten it further.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Why are we moving?
One of the most frequently asked questions is: Why are we moving to NC?
The short answer, at least for Dwight, is simply: the weather. No more winters in Iowa.
The long answer, as always, is more complex. First of all, I hope that God is in all of this. I believe He is. Second, Dwight retired a year ago. Third, we don't have any kids; our only family in this country is in the Southeastern United States. His brother is 3 hours away. The ocean is 5 hours away. Dwight grew up in Florida and North Carolina, and always liked NC much better. The climate is indeed more moderate, much more like Germany, and so is the landscape.
I remember sometime in the 1990's proclaiming with great certainty that we would retire to NC. Actually, I was surprised when Dwight wanted to stay in Iowa at first. We just bought a brandnew house here 5 years ago. But the last two winters with their snow and ice decided it for us. We sold our house in record time and bought a new one just as quickly.
A new adventure!
The short answer, at least for Dwight, is simply: the weather. No more winters in Iowa.
The long answer, as always, is more complex. First of all, I hope that God is in all of this. I believe He is. Second, Dwight retired a year ago. Third, we don't have any kids; our only family in this country is in the Southeastern United States. His brother is 3 hours away. The ocean is 5 hours away. Dwight grew up in Florida and North Carolina, and always liked NC much better. The climate is indeed more moderate, much more like Germany, and so is the landscape.
I remember sometime in the 1990's proclaiming with great certainty that we would retire to NC. Actually, I was surprised when Dwight wanted to stay in Iowa at first. We just bought a brandnew house here 5 years ago. But the last two winters with their snow and ice decided it for us. We sold our house in record time and bought a new one just as quickly.
A new adventure!
The rich young ruler
The past couple of weeks have given me a whole new perspective of what Jesus asked of the rich young ruler. "One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property. (Mk. 10:21-22)
Have you ever tried to sell some of your stuff? Didn't Jesus realize how long it would take for him to turn his stuff into cash he could give away? By the time he would be finished, Jesus would long be gone. Even with ebay or craigslist I've found it difficult to sell our stuff. Garage sales are daunting, especially when you've never had one. The only way that really works, we've found, is GIVING away your stuff, but Jesus specified selling it. People have been practically beating a way to our door and leaving with our stuff by the car or truckload. Does this count, Jesus?
Hold your guns, heresy hunters - this is tongue-in-cheek. I know my theology. All I'm saying, we're so blessed with stuff it's difficult to even sell it for practically nothing. A pair of Advent Speakers anyone?
Have you ever tried to sell some of your stuff? Didn't Jesus realize how long it would take for him to turn his stuff into cash he could give away? By the time he would be finished, Jesus would long be gone. Even with ebay or craigslist I've found it difficult to sell our stuff. Garage sales are daunting, especially when you've never had one. The only way that really works, we've found, is GIVING away your stuff, but Jesus specified selling it. People have been practically beating a way to our door and leaving with our stuff by the car or truckload. Does this count, Jesus?
Hold your guns, heresy hunters - this is tongue-in-cheek. I know my theology. All I'm saying, we're so blessed with stuff it's difficult to even sell it for practically nothing. A pair of Advent Speakers anyone?
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Creating my first blog
Just for the purpose of going through the move to NC I have ventured into online blogging. This is the second big transplant of my life, the first one being when I came to this country about 36 years ago to settle in Iowa.
There are some similarities and some differences between these two transplants:
Both times I came with just my husband, and I didn't know anybody else. Consequently, loneliness was a real problem.
The first time I was young, foolish (?) and not quite fluent in English. This time I'm mature (?!), experienced with the American culture - at least I think so - and fluent in English.
The first time I had just 2 suitcases and a few boxes of books. This time we are inundated with stuff, despite giving a lot of it away, and we are paying a moving company thousands of dollars to haul it across country.
The first time I didn't know the Lord, this time I do. And communications are a lot better with my friends back home in Iowa and elsewhere, through e-mail, facebook, telephone etc. Back then the only feasible way was "snail mail." (Imagine!)
There are some similarities and some differences between these two transplants:
Both times I came with just my husband, and I didn't know anybody else. Consequently, loneliness was a real problem.
The first time I was young, foolish (?) and not quite fluent in English. This time I'm mature (?!), experienced with the American culture - at least I think so - and fluent in English.
The first time I had just 2 suitcases and a few boxes of books. This time we are inundated with stuff, despite giving a lot of it away, and we are paying a moving company thousands of dollars to haul it across country.
The first time I didn't know the Lord, this time I do. And communications are a lot better with my friends back home in Iowa and elsewhere, through e-mail, facebook, telephone etc. Back then the only feasible way was "snail mail." (Imagine!)
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