One Year Ago...

Today marks one year that Daniel and I have lived in Beverly. A year ago today, we arrived on the north shore of Boston from Minnesota, unsure of what our future here would hold. I can definitely say that this has been an adventure filled year. I never would have imagined that I would move across the country from family and friends. This past year was more challenging for me than for Daniel. He started his new job right away and was busy learning his role and meeting new people. I, on the other hand, was jobless and didn't really have a chance to meet anyone. It was hard to be home all day without much to do. Daniel enjoyed all the home cooked meals and baking, though! Thankfully we found a great church and joined a fantastic young couples small group. It was a lifesaver for me as it gave me the chance to make new friends. I began doing child care for the MOPs group that meets at our church and recently began subbing at Beacon Christian Academy. It has taken a while, but Beverly is becoming more and more like home. I definitely understand now when people say it takes a year to really get settled in a new environment.

Back in the Classroom

As Daniel and I settled in almost a year ago in Beverly, I began researching how to transfer my Minnesota teaching license to Massachusetts. What I found was discouraging. Massachusetts doesn't have reciprocity with Minnesota, which means my Minnesota license is not recognized in the state of Massachusetts. I would have to start all over to earn a teaching license here. In September I found out I can still teach in the state if it's in a private school. I also don't need a license to sub in public and private schools. In November I interviewed with the headmaster of Beacon Christian Academy in Beverly to get on their subbing list. I was added to the list and began the long process of waiting for a call. About a week and a half ago I got my first call! I subbed in the first grade class last Friday. As I was about to leave at the end of the day, I was asked to come back on Tuesday for half a day in first grade again and also sub on Wednesday in the fifth grade class. Today I got a call to sub next week for three days! It's been a long time coming, but I'm grateful to finally be back in the classroom.

Moving Day

This weekend Daniel and I moved from our townhome to a beautiful home across town. The move went quickly as we had lots of help from our wonderful friends. I had been concerned about the weather since it had been raining/snowing all week long. I prayed that we would have clear skies long enough for us to get everything moved to the new place. It was flurrying when Daniel and I went to pick up the rental truck, but stopped as we got to the townhouse. The skies even cleared and we saw blue sky for the first time in a week. As everyone sat down for pizza after the truck was unloaded, the rain began to fall once again. What an answer to prayer!

Our new place is on the second floor of a house. The only way for our couch to fit inside was for it to go in through the balcony. I thought I'd share a few photos of the guys hoisting the couch into our home.

Photo of the Day

"Comfort"

Photo of the Day

"Signs"

Our Trip to Virginia

Last week, Daniel had to travel to Virginia for work. I was able to accompany him on his trip. We flew from Boston to Washington DC on Monday and drove a rental car down into the Shenandoah Valley where we stayed until Friday. While Daniel was "working", I was doing a little shopping at the mall across the street from the hotel. We also did a little exploring of the area in the evenings as well. Daniel and I returned to the DC area on Friday and spent the rest of the weekend with our friends Salomon and Belen. We had planned to do some sightseeing on Saturday, as Daniel had never been to Washington DC before. Unfortunately, we ended up snowed in! Snow started to fall Saturday morning and continued throughout the day, leaving 4-6 inches on the ground by evening. We didn't mind staying in as it gave us the chance to relax and visit with our friends. Thankfully the snow stopped Saturday night and we didn't have any major delays flying back to Boston on Sunday afternoon.

Photo of the Day

"Handmade"