As I sit here drinking my tea tonight in bed I can’t get my thoughts straight on our move. So this is just part one of what I am feeling. I have been asked many times to share my feels on leaving the marine corps & moving back to Michigan, but I hope you didn’t come here thinking that I had it all together. Because I don’t. In 25 days Mr. LMB & I will say goodbye to our sweet little military life & drive 1000 miles north to Michigan to settle into our quaint little tri-level in Grand Rapids Michigan. It sounds lovely, but it scares the crap out of me. That’s the honest truth. I’m scared that our perfect little life won’t be perfect anymore, I’m scared that we won’t have enough time together, I’m scared that we won’t be able to handle the changes, I’m scared we might regret the move, I’m scared that we won’t be as happy as we are now. I’m just scared. I’m pretty good with change, but I’m not good with not knowing what’s next.
10 years ago Mr. LMB joined the military while I was a senior in high school doodling song lyrics on all of my assignments & two years later at the age of 19 we were married.That day I became a military wife. I was never so proud in my life. Proud of this man that I loved with all of my heart, proud of who he decided to be, proud of his decisions, proud of his faith in God that lead him to make the decision to join the military, & proud of the life we had started together. We left Michigan the day after we were married & started our 7 year honeymoon in NC. We made this beautiful life here in North Carolina & were were so young & care free. We went through deployments, time away from each other, & other military struggles but it only made us stronger. We made a military family here, we made a life here, we made the best of friends here. 7 years later here we are about to say goodbye to this beautiful town, our beautiful rental, & this beautiful life we have here. It’s rough. Goodbyes are hard. & harder when what you are saying goodbye to is something that you love so much. 7 years after I became a military life we are moving away & saying goodbye to our militarily life. & guess what? I’m still so proud. I’m so proud that Jose made this decision to move on from the military & start a new life, I’m proud that he is about to finish his second degree & has the desire to try different things, & I’m so proud that he is fully trusting in God that this is the right decision for our little family.
I will soon be a veteran’s wife. Mr. LMB will now be a civilian. We will live in a new state, in a new climate, in a new city with new people, he will have a new job, we will go to a new church, we will have a new group of friends & every night we will be tucked into our new bed. I know we will make a beautiful life there, & I know God has amazing things planned for us. I know that God will provide for us physically, emotionally, & spiritually like He has our whole marriage. Like He has our whole lives. New can be good even when we are missing the old.
As I sit here tonight, I am sad to be leaving, excited for what’s to come, anxious about the packing, stressed about completing our Michigan house, but over all those things I am thankful. I am thankful for our perfectly imperfect life & that I am married to my best friend & that’s not going to change no matter what else changes in our life. This is part one of my goodbye to the Marine Corps & my feelings on moving. I apologize that my brain is everywhere tonight, but I wanted to update you guys on the move & how we are feeling, for more updates be sure to find me on Instagram for all the moving drama updates.
Some moving updates in bullet points:
– Movers come in 15 days.
– We leave North Carolina in 24 days.
– Our Michigan house is not finished at all, but we will hopefully have flooring, counter tops, & two working bathrooms when we move in & that’s perfect with us {Michigan house updates coming}
– We are having the military move us which means they will pack us, deliver our stuff a few days after we arrive in Michigan, & unpack us when we get there. It sounds easy, but I’ll blog more about it later & our experience. Pray that it goes well for us!
– We are selling a few items before we move, but not a whole lot for a big reason that I will be revealing soon.
– I love bullet points.
– & I love you guys. Thanks for stopping by the blog & sending positive vibes. You are all the best!
I am up way too late, but had to comment on your heart felt post. Thank you for being so transparent about your mixed feeling and thought about not only leaving North Carolina, but your life as a Marine family, all your friends and the identity you have created. What you face Is Huge. The culture difference of the South and the military is vastly different than Michigan but you know the same God that led both of you before is leading you now. Remember Who you serve, Who has priority, what is of the greatest value. And take only one day at a time, one hour, if necessary. God Bless You Both.
When my husband got out of the Navy, I was terrified. It was all I knew. It was all I was used to. It was where all our friends were centered.
Friends evolve. Some stay with you for the long run, and some are simply facebook friends. But this will be your new normal. One day turns into a month that turns into a year. Keep your hopeful attitude and you’ll be on the right track.
Best,
Megan
Thanks for sharing! We are currently in Germany with 2 years till retirement and in the midst of the “should we stay or should we go” debate! It is all so scary! We spent two years in the middle of our career in Michigan while the Army sent my husband to grad school, it was a looooong two years and a difficult adjustment for me. And we had family there. The hardest part was making connections with other families. In the military we have this built in friend thing going on, we make friends fast because we have a base of commonality. You sound like you have good plan, your church will provide you with opportunities to make connections and so will your family. Good luck, stay positive! And if you plan on opening a store in Grand Rapids, I will be sure to stop by when in Michigan! :0)
So crazy! This is us in 6months so I’m greedy reading your post and trying to ease my own fears. We will be in GR the week before Christmas so if your missing that southern twang then lets have lunch with the girls!
It’s normal to be nervous. But the silver lining is. .. you won’t be alone. Jose will be with you as well as your family… that’s a GREAT thing.
Plus you’ll be that much closer to me. haha 🙂
PS I love bullet points too.
(((((HUG))))) You are blessed and will be blessed by this move and all of the changes that come with a new season. Keep your eyes and heart and mind on the Lord sweet girl, He has it all prepared for you and Jose. God is within you, you will not fail! xoxo
Change is so scary!!! It is OK to feel so overwhelmed. Breathe…..It will all come together:)
Liz–
First and foremost: I’m so excited you’re coming to GR! There are many different places to inspire your style, drink your favorite coffee, and just enjoy the beauty of West MI. (Yes, I understand that it gets freezing here, but as a MI girl, you already know what to expect! That’s half of the challenge.) Here is a list of places to get you through your move:
Coffee:
-Madcap (GR)
-The Lantern (GR)
-Rowster (GR)
-JP’s (Holland)
Antiquing/Home Decor:
-Painted Farm Girl (which, I know you already knew about, but I have to say it!)
-Changing Thymes (Grandville)
-East Town Antiques (GR)
-Allegan County Flea Market
Seriously, Liz, God has got this. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34.
I love how honest and real you are. This is such a huge change and it can’t be easy. But i cannot wait to see how you thrive in the Midwest. And I cant wait to follow along on your new journey. (Plus, I’m going to harass you until we plan a meet up.)
Such beautiful sentiments! I live in Saginaw, Michigan and want to wish you a warm welcome back home. Be blessed!
I know how scary change to civilian life can be! My husband got out of the Army last Fall. Suddenly, we were moving out of our own little bubbly and being thrown into the middle of our two big and close (ie demanding) families again. Add in the fact that I was 22 weeks pregnant and we were trading in a steady income for job uncertainty, it was tough and trying on my faith. But I was once again reminded that God’s timing is perfect and everything worked out better than I could have imagined. It’s still difficult managing our families sometimes, but that’s not a bad problem to have. I’ll be keeping y’all in my prayers!
Prayers for safe travels and peace!! Excited to have a fellow blogger in my neck of the woods!
Liz,
Your story truly is beautiful! Although I was never an official wife while my husband was active in the Marine Corps, we met 6 months prior to him getting out, we did make the move back to his home state the day he got out. I’ve watched him transition from Marine days to civilian days. Some days will be easier than others but you two are so beautiful with so much going on you will be just fine! There’s so much in store for you two! congratulations on the next chapter <3
First of all, you are beautiful inside and out… I love the way you to love… What an adventure you two have had…. And now you’re on you’re next one.. I look so forward to following along….
May your move mark a new and beautiful chapter in your life. God has been with you this whole way and will continue to shine his perpetual light down on your wonderful family. Bless you.
Im so glad you posted this! My husband and I have a few years left but I already get a little bit nervous and scared of what is to come! Alot of big changes are ahead and I hope you and your husband enjoy all the new adventures! It is nice to know though that when the time comes for my husband and I to also move on from the Marine Corps I am not alone in my feels. Good luck with the move and all that is ahead for you and your husband!
This sounds super stressful! I’m a fellow blogger who lives in Grand Rapids, so feel free to reach out if you need someone to talk to. 🙂
My husband and I have been married 34 years and believe change can be very good, maybe even necessary to evolve as a person and a couple. I really believe, in the end, you will regret the things you didn’t attempt much more than the things you attempted and failed. Even with failure, you learn so much and grow as a person. You seem like a beautiful couple in every sense of the word. Good luck and enjoy and just love each other!
It’s nice to read about others having trouble with ‘change’. I don’t do too well with change myself. I love knowing the where, when, and how or life. It’s a true blessing to know that when we let the LORD lead us, we don’t need to worry about tomorrow. Best of wishes to you both as you change directions.
Wow! I think this was the sweetest response, ever!! I think this sums it up so nicely.
I have no idea what any of this could possibly feel like, so I’m sending you all my positive vibes! XO
I understand what it’s like to be comfortable in the are and life you have and change is always accompanied by the unknown. And the unknown can and always will be a little scary. I think the best advice I can give is honestly take one day at a time. Thank goodness God made days. He knew 24 hrs was our limit:). Trust and faith our your best weapons. I love your blog and I wish you all the best.
No worries. Grand Rapids is a wonderful city. Great community. So many good people and churches galore. My mom grew up there and is still happily ensconced. Best of luck!
I know moves and change can be scary, but I know you guys will be so happy! Home is where your loved ones are. Thinking of you! x
Let me just say…”welcome to Grand Rapids” we are happy to have you here!!!
Once you move here you will have no time to worry. You will have a blast exploring all the amazing places that Grand Rapids has to offer! 🙂
You coming here will just make it that little bit better <3
Hugs,
Karin
Leaving NC and the Marines was one of the hardest transitions of our lives. 2 years to the date and we are still alive. Civilian life is a huge change but it has some great moments. It is a different way of life but God has big plans for the two of you. Know he has got the two of you in his hands through all of this!!
We did the same thing four years ago, except we moved to the beach from Cherry Point as I didn’t have the heart to leave NC. You got this, hold tight and trust in your faith. And hey, if you’re selling anything I’m only 20 mins away! 😉
Your words are beautifully written. Keep your faith and all will go as planned and wonderful things will continue to happen for you and your hubby. Please thank your husband for his service I am grateful for families like you and y I ur husband. Best of luck and stay warm this winter!
With any big change, I always give myself a time frame, such as, “Liz (me, not you HAHA), give yourself a month to get used to it and then it will be fine.” Mentally telling myself that it will get better seems to help. You will find a new normal and when you get some friends, it will make everything better. We moved home after eight years of being away from home, and it was lonely at first, but we adjusted. All you need is Mr. LMB and you will be fine. 😉
sending lots and lots of good vibes for your move! there’s so many unknown stressors and changes, but it’s going to be so exciting. can’t wait to follow along!!
You have a God given gift! Thank you so much for sharing! And I hope you are planning on opening a store. It would be super!!!
WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST OF LUCK ON THE MOVE AND SANITY OF IT ALL. WE JUST RECENTLY MOVED TOO AND I CAN TOTALLY RELATE TO THE INSANITY, STRESS AND JOY YOU FEEL ALL AT THE SAME TIME. ALL YOU CAN DO IS BREATHE AND LEAVE IT IN GOD’S HANDS TO GUIDE YOU THROUGH IT ALL. =)
Just found your blog and I love your sense of style. I am originally from MI too and I live in OH now. Blessings to you and your husband on your pending move. Remember the steps of a righteous man are ordered by God. So just as you have been happy in NC you will be happy in MI with new exciting adventures and experiences. Cast down those thoughts when they come to you (I have a tendency to worry myself, I understand) and remember God knows the thoughts He has for you, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11. Have a blessed weekend. You and your husband are a beautiful couple by the way.