Settling In

We’ve been going pretty nonstop in this transition for a solid month. We said our goodbyes up north, spent time with Mom and Dad during her surgery recovery, then navigated a crazy week of house closing and moving.

Now, it’s just settling in.

Settling into our new house, community, and way of life. And it’s also settling into the drastic changes that are upon us.

The changes in our location are obvious. We’ve gone from mountainous to pretty much a sandbar. The weather is quite different. The culture is VERY different.

For example, I was recently driving near our house and there was a gentleman standing and waving on the corner with a large sign that read, “JESUS IS COMING SOON—REPENT!” I couldn’t help but agree with him and think to myself, This wouldn’t fly in New England! The location change from Vermont to Vero Beach is almost the complete opposite.

Then there is the change in the way people live, the pace. I can’t help but notice how the beach and warmth slow people down in a very profound way.

For example, today we went to get our driver’s licenses, and it was bizarre. The whole attitude was, We’re glad you’re here, and we really want to help you. No pressure to get in a line or being scrutinized for improper paperwork.

And, of course, the setting and pace of living directly impact the lens through which you see things.

For example, in a county building we had to visit for utility registration, there was a decoration created by local school kids that had “JESUS,” “Resilience,” “Faith,” and other words displayed that I’m not used to seeing in a public setting, let alone a government building.

The place and pace create a different perspective. Here, that perspective seems to be that faith is an important part of the livelihood of the community, including how we govern and lead.

All in all, a week after closing on our new house, we’re settling in.

As we look ahead, we trust the Lord has some great work and opportunities for us in this new location, new way of living, and new view of life.