Modest Monday: Saying See Ya Later To Washington

Saying See Ya Later To Washington

One thing that military wives learn early on is how to quickly jump in, get connected and make friends fast. While I will admit that Washington is not my pick of states to retire in, and I also still ~~hate~~ strongly dislike the 9 months of rain, I have learned to love many things about Washington. When we first arrived, we immediately plugged into AWANA and Cub Scouts (we are no longer part of Cub Scouts and you can read why HERE; instead, we are now involved in Trail Life USA). Connecting and jumping right into activities gives us a chance to get to know people and develop friendships. It also gives the kids a sense of normalcy, even in a strange area.

As I previously touched on earlier, it rains in this part of Washington about 9+ months out of the year. During the first few months of us living here, I often wondered what so many people found to love about this state. I also wondered why so many who were not originally Washingtonians would choose to live here for the remainder of their lives! Actually, I still wonder that…lol. However, I have found many beautiful things here that I will miss.

(walking on the trail behind our house)

(the view of Mt Rainer)

(Hiking on Mt Rainer)

(Tumwater Falls)

When we move somewhere new we always make a bucket list of things we want to do before we move again. I know that sounds silly, but when we know a place isn’t forever, we want to do as much as we possible can. However, Clay’s work at this assignment kept us from doing as much as we normally would do. As I mentioned before, we experience rain for 9 months out of the year. During the months of June through about August, rain is limited. During the months of June through August is when the Army sent hubby away for training. Did I mention it rains here 9+ months out of the year? Yes, hubby had to go away during the dry months. Here are some of the things we did that were on our Bucket List:

( Seeing the Caves at Mt St Helens)

(Drinking coffee for Clay and tea for me at the original Starbucks and going to Pikes Peak Market)

(View of Seattle from atop the Space Needle)

(Going to Leavenworth which is like a mini Germany)

(Oregon)

During my time here, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend a PWOC conference in Tennessee with some of the ladies from the Ft Lewis PWOC. I had recently had major surgery and was sicker than a dog most of the trip, but God still moved and I was blessed so much by these wonderful ladies. One thing I loved so much was that I was able to connect and see ladies from other PWOC chapters that I had been a part of at various posts across the country!

I also took advantage of a homeschool connect for a season and I met some amazing ladies. In fact, if it were not for us going there we wouldn’t have found the church we are members of! I am thankful for the memories and those who worked with my kids during that season in our life. I was extremely lonely and closed off in a new state, a new situation, a new area, with lots of rain and just didn’t know anyone. God does amazing things in our lives when we follow His lead. It was a blessing for us to be there. We left the connect because of the addition of common core into their curriculum, but we had a wonderful experience during that season!

Clay and I attended a few military balls. My favorite memories are of this guy and my fur coat. LOL! Don’t ask….funny story though! 🙂

When we arrive in a new place, one of our top priorities is to find a good church to get plugged into. We had a somewhat difficult time finding a church we could call home in this state. We finally found an awesome Godly Bible believing church after about 18 months that we could call home. Because we love our church family so much, I was at odds on whether to stay or go back home when Clay received his orders to go overseas. I was in an emotional tug-of-war. We love each and every member of our church so much! Please keep us in your prayers as we leave not just a church, but a family. I feel like a piece of my heart is being left at that church. Here, in the most unchurched state in the US, sits a wonderful church full of amazing people. This church is where my husband accepted the call from our Lord to go into all the world and preach the gospel, where our middle son was Baptized, where my husband preached his first sermon and was given his license to preach. It was where all of us have grown in Christ and learned so much from so many. Where I saw first hand the hands and feet of Jesus. They walked the walk. For those of you who read my blog from our church, we will never forget you. Never. If we do not meet this side of heaven again, I know we shall see each other again.

Various other WA pics

(We love our Tae Kwon Do family and will miss them so much! My kids have been truly blessed with wonderful leaders in so many activities)

So with all that said, even though Washington is not my pick of states to reside in, our time here was led by God. We chose to bloom where we were planted for a season. While we were here, our marriage grew stronger than ever before. Clay and I both grew closer and stronger in our walk with God. I have watched my kids grow in the Lord and literally grow up while we have been here. They have made many Godly friends whom we all will miss. We were blessed in so many ways that it’s impossible to count them all! Washington, you were pretty good to us during this tour and we will always be thankful for the memories. Maybe someday (in the summer when it isn’t rain season lol) maybe we will be back to VISIT 🙂 again.