Settling In and Looking Forward

Box by box we are getting settled in.  The children have enjoyed seeing long lost toys and playthings, and I have enjoyed the peace and quiet those items have provided. Finally I have been able to touch/open every single box that came off the truck and from the rental house even if it’s not been unpacked yet.  The scariest place by far has been the garage, the “junk drawer” for the entire house.  The task of organizing the labyrinth of bikes, boxes, tubs, tool boxes, gardening and lawn care tools, sports equipment, recycling/trash, chemicals, and other miscellaneous homeless items was almost overwhelming and even a little terrifying!  There came a point and time that I was sure King Minos’ Minotaur was lurking out there somewhere in the eerie maze of stuff waiting to devour me!

The paths were extremely narrow and tricky to maneuver through.  It took great skill to slide between spokes, wheels, and boxes to find the needed item in a timely manner.  I tried to ignore and avoid the garage, but it seemed daily I had some sort of business that would take me out into the Minotaur’s lair.  Fearful of getting lost in the Labyrinth and never being seen or heard from again, I never ventured too far or stayed very long.  It soon became apparent we would have to conquer the garage with the courage and fearlessness of Theseus of long ago.  Resolutely, Neil and I set out equipped with our own ball of string, broom, sharpie marker, recycling container, and trash can.  The contest raged for three hours, and we at one point were ready to surrender.  However, I am pleased to report we emerged battered yet victorious.  The garage still seems a mess, but at least now it’s an organized mess and we know where everything is.  We have like items grouped together and the path is much wider.  Most importantly, I know there is nothing lurking amongst the boxes waiting to consume me!

This week we are finally feeling settled in here not only in the house, but the community.  There are still things on the transition check list we are working on:  doctors, therapists for Maddie, dentists, etc…, but slowly that list is getting smaller, too.  Pictures and wall hangings are going up on the walls, Pinterest ideas are flowing for redecorating, and for the first time in a long time I can finally see a light at the end of the transition phase of this part of our journey to Illinois.  We are looking ahead to the summer now as we finish up our school year in the next few weeks!  I think it’s safe to say….we made it!  While this phase of the journey is over, it’s actually a new beginning!  Looking ahead now to what God has in store for us….the journey continues!