Monday, September 17, 2007

a fall day contemplation

A good friend here graciously babysat Maggie Saturday morning so Aron and I could go clothes shopping for him. He is in desperate need of new digs with his weight loss as well as for a new job position...that's right, my fantastic husband has received a job promotion with his company! Way to go, love! The last 2 months have seen him working an extra 100+ hours on top of his current role, and traveling 7 times to the destination mentioned below. He's proven himself most capable of stepping into his new job description.

And you won't believe this. Well, maybe you will...

The McKay family is moving. Once again. And, guess where we are headed?! Back to the Big D. Dallas, for those who are more familiar with its common appellation. That's right, Maggie will get to explore her southwest roots after all. Aron will be the Customer Service Manager and he's quite thrilled about the new job; he'll be working more with people, than with the process. I'm most pleased that he is excited about this new challenge. And, he's hoping to start back into seminary in January. We are looking to either buy a home in north Dallas or a condo/town home downtown. I think the urbanites in us are leaning toward downtown. Mature trees, pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques. I look forward to being able to walk where I want to go. Something about Chicago stirs that inside me. We fly out for a scouting trip Wednesday through Saturday of this week, so I will be busy packing for another trip this week. Then, we are out there permanently the following week. God's been doing cool things in all of this and we are excited for this next adventure; hopefully, we'll stay put for a bit longer than the 11-month stint here.

However, I must admit this is a bittersweet move for me; very much so. In the short time we have called Chicago "home," I have made amazing friends whom I love. I can hardly imagine not being able to see Shel or Kathryn during the weeks, or go to mom's group on Mondays, or our wonderful church on Sundays.

I will miss the city itself.
I will miss the people.
I will miss the culture.
We both will.

Somehow the words here do not convey the grieving process that I am going through and have been for the past 2 weeks. While this is a good move for us, it's still a difficult one; any change is hard, no matter how good it may be.

So, pray for us. Pray that we we will transition back to life quickly. Pray that we will find a home. And pray that Mags will adapt to the upheaval of the next few months. We are eager to jump back into old friendships and church.

And this may not be the last post I write about how I am feeling about all this.

15 comments:

  1. Let me know if there is anything I can help with while you guys are on your scouting trip. Our house is always open to you.

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  2. well articulated suz. you are filled to the top with so many emotions, i'm sure. will pray for you guys tonight. xoxo

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  3. Congrats on the new opportunity! Although I know it will be hard to leave your new friends in Chicago at least you have old friends in Dallas to reconnect with. If you guys find yourselves in Austin give us a ring!

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  4. Wow! So fast!! :) I will definitely be praying for you all during this time of emotion and bittersweet*ness. ;) I was surprised to hear about the move to quickly, but am happy to hear that Aron is getting what sounds like a better opportunity. :)

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  5. We've talked about this a lot, so you already know what I think and feel -- want what's best for you but hate to lose you. This time has been so dear.

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  6. As excited as I am to have you back for many a great play dates....I do feel for you and all the emotion you are going through.

    Let me know if mags needs to come play this week. here is a big hug~

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  7. Such a bittersweet thing - I'm so happy for you guys and sad for what you will leave too. As I said the other day, I will pray that the time you have left in Chicago will be rich and bring you the closure you need. And I hope that there will be some special things awaiting you back in Dallas too.

    Love you.
    xoxox

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  8. Wow! Congratulations on the new position. I know you'll be sad to leave Chicago but knowing you and Mags, you'll be visiting regularly. Good luck on the scouting trip.

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  9. Ben and Laila's Oklahoma GmaSeptember 18, 2007 at 3:24 AM

    I will be praying for exactly the right place as you look for a new home. It is hard to move when your roots are already deep. I know that your friends in both places will be a support and encouragement as you make this transition. What a blessing, and congratulations to Aron!!

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  10. Hey, Nick and I will be in the big D from Wed. to Sat. as well. We have a leadership training conference. Where will you be staying?

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  11. Wow--big changes! I wondered if something was up after reading the stutler blog last week. Congratulations to Aron! It's nice that you'll be returning to a place you enjoyed and to friends you've missed. As I noted on Shan's blog, I'm bummed we never got a chance to meet up . . . seems we just took turns having babies and never were able to make the drive. Happy house hunting!

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  12. i had a dream about you last night, suz...we were hanging out, in dallas i think. perhaps i was recalling our visit there :)
    moving in a short time, moving with a baby, aron's new role at work and all the extra time/effort that entails, house-hunting, etc....you guys have a lot going on, and it seems you are handling it well. all of these things are challenges by themselves let alone all thrown together. i always feel for you when you move since we have been in that boat too. at least this time you will be returning to a comfort zone complete with friends and church family! that's wonderful! i know it must be hard leaving a city you fell in love with...chicago does sound amazing, and i am glad you guys took so many opportunities to explore your surroundings while living there...you totally felt the whole chicago experience this past year...and it will always hold a special place in your heart since that was where mags was born!
    we are proud of aron and his accomplishments and excited for you guys as you embark on your next life adventure together...back in the big D! hopefully next time we visit joyce and tobi in houston we can make our way up to you or vice versa!
    can't wait to hear how things go!
    we are thinking of you guys and holding you in our prayers!

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  13. Wow, you're moving. I loved reading about your life as Chicago urbanites; Bryce and I really love downtown living and were intending to purchase a loft in Los Angeles before we knew we were pregnant with Ezra. Now, who knows where we'll end up! I hope the transition is smooth for you all. Will Aron be going to DTS or Westminster Dallas?

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