As Austin and I pack up our first ever home, our living room is filled with boxes and our hearts are spilling with memories as we unpack this whirlwind journey.
After 6 short months of dating, Austin proposed and we decided to get married 3 months later during my semester break. Waiting to marry my love, I remember the anticipation. We got married on New Year's Eve and moved to Ann Arbor 2 days later. As we drove to Ann Arbor, our cars were filled to the brim and my parents were following us with a trailer that contained hand-me-down furniture and Craigslist steals. We couldn't wait to unpack all of the gifts from multiple showers and the wedding. Our first night we slept on air mattresses next to the fire. Settling into our first home, I remember the excitement. We did community development for a non-profit organization in exchange for free rent at the apartment complex we moved into, which was ideal for two people who were flat broke and living on love. The next week, Austin and I returned to our jobs, and classes resumed. Austin was working second shift at a warehouse and I was working a few hours a week as a nanny. Working so hard, I remember the exhaustion. Looking back, our first fight was hilarious (it is more of an in-person story, ask us sometime!). Adjusting to marriage was hard, I remember the tears and confusion, and I remember the forgiveness and grace. Austin unexpectedly lost his job in March. I was terrified that we were not going to be able to continue living in Ann Arbor with a gap in income. Austin got a new job within 24-hours of losing his previous job. Waiting for provision, I remember the fear. Spring finally came and we planted our first square foot garden. We had absolutely no idea what we were doing, but we planted a few things and recruited some help, mostly from Google and a green-thumbed neighbor. Watching the pumpkin take over the garden, I remember the laughter. I trudged through summer classes and graduated a few weeks ago. Attending the University of Michigan and living a mile away from the Big House was nothing short of a dream, I remember feeling a sense of purpose and privilege to be a part of Team 93. Throughout this season, we planned community events for the apartment complex. Living in a diverse community, finding a baby to hold at every event, and preparing breakfast at midnight twice a month, I remember the beauty of people. This morning we started our last week in Ann Arbor. My husband came home from work tonight with this song playing softly. Dancing in the living room with my husband, I will remember that, something there are no words for. I will forever remember this season. Anticipation, excitement, exhaustion, tears, confusion, forgiveness, grace, fear, laughter, purpose, privilege, the beauty of people, and that, I will remember you.
4 Comments
Nikki
8/11/2014 09:17:03 am
We will miss you both, but we wish you All the Blessings God has in store for you. Keep loving each other and let nothing crush your dreams.
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Kati Wheeler
8/11/2014 10:08:21 am
Love that song! And I love reading your guys story!
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Brooke Bell
8/11/2014 11:34:32 am
Love following your life story! I can't wait to hear more.
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Steph Sytsema
8/11/2014 12:14:04 pm
Love you guys! So proud of the way you are doing life together!!
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Hi! I'm Haley. Archives
May 2019
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