I Do Not Know but I Know

Well, I promised myself I would start the month of April back in the blogging world. Yesterday, Husband brought out our spring and summer clothes just in time for a fresh blanket of snow to fall this morning. Today is April 1st, April Fool's Day, and I'm back... unlike the weather, this is not a joke. 

In mid-February I decided to take a break from blogging. I was really struggling with balancing all the different plates that were spinning in the air so I decided to take some time to get refocused.

Husband and I are in the midst of a move out of Munich, Germany back to our home in Texas.

I have no idea what God's plan is for my future and as a self proclaimed planner, it is a bit scary not knowing what is next. What is next?

While I might know yet His plan for me, here is what I do know:

I do know that Husband has received a job offer that he is thrilled and anxious to start. Back in 2012 Husband made our dream a reality to live abroad, and now in 2015 he has made it possible for us to return where our roots run deep. 

I do know that it was extremely emotional saying goodbye to the staff, families, and children I had the privilege to serve over my last three years teaching. Reading that last book during my favorite time of day was hard. 

I do know I already have a home project list with goals spread out until May 2016. (See, I told you I was a planner)

I do know we have a few more places to see and adventures to embark upon before we say our until-next-time goodbyes to the friends we have made halfway around the world. 

With these things I do know, I also have the unknowns circling around in my head:

MainlyMaren was created to document our time living abroad. I have loved writing about these adventures in Europe and somewhere out in the world people are reading. I know I want to continue to share stories because I find enjoyment in writing but in which direction the blog will now head, I do not know. Perhaps somewhere near that home project list?

I always looked forward to the time of day when I could share a story with my class. I just didn't realize how much I loved story time until Friday when I read that last book aloud. The character accents, the observations, the voice fluctuation, the predictions, and the suspense make it all so fun when I look out and see eyes bugged and mouths hanging open as little ones are completely engrossed in the pages held between my hands. Do people still volunteer for read alouds at the library or in the schools?

And of course, the wonders moving back into our home...clean the carpet or replace? Greige walls or white? Chalk paint the cabinets? Slip cover couch or not? Sectional or standard size?

So friends, I promise to spend these last 8 weeks filling you in on our move and sharing some stories from our last few road trips.  If there is something in particular you would like me to cover, please let me know. I would love a request or assignment!

Laughing Without Fear (or trying really hard to do so),