New living arrangement.
Polly and I lived in a one-bedroom apartment for our first year of marriage. Then we moved in with friends (more like family now) and have lived with them in the 5+ years since. While we love that family and will miss them greatly, we are also ready to have our own place...something Genevieve has never known.
New country.
For the first time in our lives, we will be living outside the United States. While the move is not permanent it's still significant as we will be there for 3 years. And while I will be rooting for my home country in the World Cup, I would be lying if I said that I won't be rooting for the Ticos too. In fact, a Costa Rica national soccer jersey is the first purchase I intend to make!
New culture.
With a new country comes a new culture. We have been warned about the realities of culture shock. But no matter how much we hear about it or read about it, we will simply have to experience it for ourselves. Of course, this is not necessarily a bad thing. Being stretched as individuals is critical to growth. We expect to benefit from this new cultural experience.
New language.
Our first 8 months will be spent at language school. We will be doing intense study of the Spanish language. While Polly and I are in class, Genevieve will be in a Spanish-speaking day care. I can't wait to have my language corrected by my 3-year-old daughter.
New family dynamic.
As though we aren't going through enough change, we will be welcoming baby boy Brown into this world in the beginning of March. Going from a 3-person family to a 4-person family will be a challenge in and of itself. Trying to balance caring for a newborn and going to school will make it that much tougher.
New job.
While I served as youth pastor at Calvary AG in Dudley, MA for 7 years prior to transitioning to itineration last summer, I have actually worked my "pay-the-bills" corporate security job longer. I have worked for Securitas for 8 1/2 years and will just see my 8 year anniversary at the Genzyme/Sanofi account. During this time I've had some tremendous opportunities, including:
- Officiating 2 co-workers/friends' weddings
- Having a co-worker in my wedding party and being in his
- Scoring the walk-off run in our softball championship
- Traveling to cool new places
New normal.
While there is going to be so much craziness and transition, I know that at some point this year, I will settle into a new normal and this stuff will all be "old hat" by the time 2015 rolls around.
Happy New Year! I hope it's your best one yet!
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