Boy, what a road!! After almost 12 years of medical school, residency and fellowships, this LONG road is about to take a turn! As I sit and write this, I have to admit, I am writing with cautious excitement. Simply put, it is hard to believe. It is hard to believe that we have been married for 13 of those years, had 3 precious children, walked down roads of hope, disappointments, excitements, and some pretty eventful times. We have made friendships that will last a lifetime. We have found faith that will last beyond. We have laughed, rejoiced, cried, and yes, sometimes screamed! But in each and every moment, we have been surrounded by love, kindness, and prayers. If I took time to sit down and write about every single person God has placed in our lives, and how that person completely changed us for the better, I would be writing for years! From the very beginning to the completion of this "training" road, I just can't express how God's provision has been upon us.
But I guess the one experience that "grew" us the most was moving to Memphis. When the decision was made for the Groves to move to Memphis, it was exciting at first. A new adventure, a new place to be, a new experience. But as the moving date drew closer, it was met with a lot of anxieties. Moving from family, friends, our church. All the things that helped to sustain us, we were leaving. I knew this was all part of God's plan for us, but it sure felt like we were being dropped in the middle of some strange town, with none of our "comforts" of home. I can remember a few months after the "newness" had worn off, I just sat in a hot bath, doors closed, everyone asleep, and cried.
Soon after that, I realized I had a choice. I could choose to bury myself in my loneliness, or I could choose to embrace where God had planted me. I choose to embrace it!! It was at that moment, God picked me up and showed me the way. It wasn't about how far God had brought me from home, but how much I was going to take away from this experience.
Memphis has been home to us. After three years, we have made friendships to last a lifetime. Our kids have grown up so much here. We have put down roots here, roots that will always run deep. We have been through many "growing" experiences in Memphis. God has been with us through some pretty dark times, but has brought us into the light of His unending faithfulness every time! When the time comes to say good bye to the good ol' Bluff City, it will be a goodbye filled with tears! We love Memphis and the Memphians that are a part of our "family" now and forever!
My Top Ten Favorite Things About Memphis
1. BAR B QUE!!!!!!!
2. Elvis, who can't love Elvis??
3. Memphis Zoo
4. Blues
5. Gorgeous sunsets over the Mississippi River
6. The fact that in less than 10 minutes, I can go to 3 states.
7. One or two good snows a year.
8. Memphis in May
9. Peabody Ducks
and most importantly
10. some of the greatest friends and "family" in the world!
1 comment:
just saw the link to your blog and read your last post. tears friend...miss my Pam...can't wait to see you next week!!
Julianne
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