Big Things Over the Horizon
Well, we are doing it! We are packing up our stuff and our two boys and taking them to paradise!! Most of you know that we have always loved Hawaii and dreamed about living there someday. Now that dream is becoming a reality! Chad got a job offer we couldn't resist and we listed our house and went into escrow within a couple days! God has swung the doors wide open for us, and we are so grateful for his faithful hand guiding us into this awesome adventure!
Our boys are already barefoot, shirtless wanderers so we know they will fit right in on the Big Island. As most of you know our parents live there so we will be staying with them for a short time as we look for a home. We will be on the Kona side of the Island, hopefully in a town called Waimea/Kamuela which is "paniolo" or "cowboy" country. It looks like something out of Montana, with rolling hills and open pastures, horses and cows and lots and lots of land for our kids to run around wild and free. We can finally live the life that we often sign along to about country living, we'll now be living in "backroads" and "small towns".
I am beyond thrilled about this, living in Orange County for almost all of my life has been a blessing. It's a wonderful place to live. It is also a very expensive, pretentious place to live. Ever since having kids I have had a strong urge to get them out of this crowded place and to somewhere more secluded and simple. Sure we will miss all the amenities here like the shopping and the close proximity we are now to every type of store or restaurant we could ever imagine. And that will be a sacrifice. And we are definitely feeling a little crazy for leaving an area with outstanding schools and going to a place with less then ideal schools. However, we will live without Trader Joes (barely), we will be much happier without the 5 freeway and all the traffic it presents and we have planned to homeschool regardless of where we live. And let's face it, the beaches just don't compare.
But, the most tragic thing about this moving thing is leaving behind our church, family and friends. We have grown up here and in our adult life have settled very comfortably into our support system of friends we have here. I know Kai and Eli will miss their playmates, I'm going to miss my group of girlfriends who have been with me through thick and thin, and we will miss our coworkers who have become like family over the years. We have gotten so plugged in at Compass Bible and it has done wonders for us and our marriage and family life and that is going to be really tough. But we know God will provide for us and give us peace. Besides, we will be back for visits and we are excited to open our home to anyone willing to come and visit (probably don't have to pull your leg too hard on that one).
We are so excited to live Aloha! We really appreciate those of you who have been praying for us through this whole (fast) period, and we ask for prayers as we make this huge move and major transition. This month is going to fly by, and we want to see as many of you as possible as often as possible so please let us know when you are free and let's set something up! We plan to keep our blog more regularly updated with our adventures in the tropics so keep your eye out for more to follow! Love you all!
The "Hale" Riley's
Bringing Lijey home to our house...
We are really going to miss our house and our neighborhood.
Our boys are already barefoot, shirtless wanderers so we know they will fit right in on the Big Island. As most of you know our parents live there so we will be staying with them for a short time as we look for a home. We will be on the Kona side of the Island, hopefully in a town called Waimea/Kamuela which is "paniolo" or "cowboy" country. It looks like something out of Montana, with rolling hills and open pastures, horses and cows and lots and lots of land for our kids to run around wild and free. We can finally live the life that we often sign along to about country living, we'll now be living in "backroads" and "small towns".
I am beyond thrilled about this, living in Orange County for almost all of my life has been a blessing. It's a wonderful place to live. It is also a very expensive, pretentious place to live. Ever since having kids I have had a strong urge to get them out of this crowded place and to somewhere more secluded and simple. Sure we will miss all the amenities here like the shopping and the close proximity we are now to every type of store or restaurant we could ever imagine. And that will be a sacrifice. And we are definitely feeling a little crazy for leaving an area with outstanding schools and going to a place with less then ideal schools. However, we will live without Trader Joes (barely), we will be much happier without the 5 freeway and all the traffic it presents and we have planned to homeschool regardless of where we live. And let's face it, the beaches just don't compare.
But, the most tragic thing about this moving thing is leaving behind our church, family and friends. We have grown up here and in our adult life have settled very comfortably into our support system of friends we have here. I know Kai and Eli will miss their playmates, I'm going to miss my group of girlfriends who have been with me through thick and thin, and we will miss our coworkers who have become like family over the years. We have gotten so plugged in at Compass Bible and it has done wonders for us and our marriage and family life and that is going to be really tough. But we know God will provide for us and give us peace. Besides, we will be back for visits and we are excited to open our home to anyone willing to come and visit (probably don't have to pull your leg too hard on that one).
We are so excited to live Aloha! We really appreciate those of you who have been praying for us through this whole (fast) period, and we ask for prayers as we make this huge move and major transition. This month is going to fly by, and we want to see as many of you as possible as often as possible so please let us know when you are free and let's set something up! We plan to keep our blog more regularly updated with our adventures in the tropics so keep your eye out for more to follow! Love you all!
The "Hale" Riley's
Bringing Lijey home to our house...
We are really going to miss our house and our neighborhood.
Rachel n Chad, I'm so happy for you both. I have been praying for God to lead you n your family n without suprise, He opened the doors for you! Everything in God's time. Rachel I'm so glad we had our day together n shared our hopes n dreams with eachother. I'm so thankful for our friendship. I will truely miss you, but know that we will stay connected regardless of the miles or ocean between us. Love you my friend in Christ! Xoxo Tina
ReplyDeleteWoooooo Hooooooo
ReplyDeleteHoly toledo batman! This is huge news Rach. :-)
Congratulations to you and the fam, can't wait for more visits from you to Maui :-)
Be sure you get a big enough house for all the guests that are going to be coming your way! wink wink
What!?!? How awesome is this!! your blog is awesome too :) I wish you guys the best of luck and it will be all worth it in the end! Aloha Family!!!! XOXOXO
ReplyDelete