Let's Move

Living in western Oregon during Covid was not a pleasant experience for me.  I felt like a prisoner, that my freedoms were trampled upon, and I began to seriously contemplate what our future held. 

It didn't look good.

Here's the thing: the Pacific Northwest is gorgeous.  Absolutely stunning.  I love the trees, the coastline, the weather, all of it.  When we moved to Oregon 9 years ago, I was certain it was our forever home.

But things change.  

Here's the thing: the Pacific Northwest is plagued by serious social issues.  In my experience, homelessness is rampant, religion is largely unvalued, and the cost of living is suffocating.  For the most part, I've been able to overlook these warts over the past 9 years.  

But things change.

Once Covid hit, we were under crazy restrictions long after the rest of the country had eased control, homeless camps skyrocketed, and I began to be unable to overlook the warts.  I lost confidence in our political leaders and felt suffocated by the liberal climate.  After a while, I just didn't want to be suffocated anymore.  So we decided to move.

But where?  

We considered a few options but I didn't want to go somewhere ugly.  Or expensive.  It had to be a move that made financial sense and had a beautiful landscape. We couldn't think of anyplace.  So we decided to stay - I wasn't very happy.

One day I was lamenting to my friend about the state of our lives in Oregon and my desire for a change.  When I told her we couldn't find any acceptable options, she suggested eastern Tennessee.  It was a place they had considered at one point.  My heart was pricked and I was intrigued.     

Michael and I researched, we prayed, we crunched the numbers, we prayed some more, and then we went to the temple with our question.

As I was sitting in the temple, I didn't feel any confirmation that we should move.  For over an hour I sat there without any confirmation.  I thought to myself, "Well, I guess that's a no."  Just as that thought skated by, my stomach filled with butterflies, my heart started racing, and my face flushed with warmth.  I was overcome with the unmistakable peace in my heart that eastern Tennessee was the place. It was a yes.

So today we did this.

I have a lot of feelings about moving: excitement, nervousness, sadness, but not one ounce of fear.  

That's the miracle of the Holy Ghost.  The confirmation I received in the temple eliminates space for fear.  I know our decision is right and I know God will be directing our path. 

So here we go. Let's do this!