Most of you know that Justin and I are planning to relocate to L.A. in April/May of 2006. We are saving, hoping, and downsizing in preparation for this move. If you visit our home during the next few months, you will see our material possessions paring down to only those things which matter most to us.
We are simultaneously very excited about this adventure for our family, and very sad to leave the people we love in Michigan. We have spent a great deal of time praying about this decision and weighing the possible outcomes, and feel that part of our God-given role in history is to intersect with what He's doing in urban LosAngeles.
The reaction of the friends and family we have spoken with directly has been mostly supportive, but it has also been our impression that some of you who have concerns(coming from a loving heart toward us which we are so grateful for) may not be bringing them to us personally. Guys, we can take it! ;)
Please understand that I'm not saying that our decision to move is going to change. We are very clear about what we feel God's direction is for our family. But we love you, and care about what you have to say...so call, email, comment..
I plan to post more about our reasons for moving West, what we plan to do there, etc. in the coming months, but here's a very brief summary so far(details subject to change without notice) :
When we arrive in LA, we will be either A) in married housing at one of several schools Justin is considering, or B) in a small apartment in Los Feliz, or C) doing something we haven't thought of yet.
We will be getting very involved with Mosaic (www.mosaic.org), and I plan to develop relationships with other moms through involvement with SHE,(www.mosaic.org/she/) their women's movement. It's nice to know there's an already established community of people waiting for us there..for me, that will make the transition so much easier("church-shopping" is one of my *least* favorite things to do).
I hope to start classes at Playhouse West (www.playhousewest.net) as soon as possible once we're there. Both Justin and I will work, but my job will be part-time ideally to allow time for auditions and classes.
Finding the right school/childcare is our main priority, and one I'm already researching.
One more thing.. I am sipping hot fresh-brewed chai tea with milk & lots of honey from a mug made by my own Aunt Anne ( a seasoned and gifted potter), my favorite mug that's glazed with beatiful mottled blues, and says on the side, "HOPE". As I breathe in the scented steam, I think : I always feel beautiful when I drink from this piece of clay.
