NJ VS NV

For many of us it’s not until you leave something, its then when you realize how much you are going to miss. I have tried not to think of these things for the past few months. When I knew Josh and I were going to be leaving New Jersey I didn’t want to think of the things/ people I was going to leave behind. I didn’t want to face that reality until it was totally and completely necessary. Now, sitting in a bedroom of one of the church members house after making a 5 day trip across the beautiful United States, I have to think about it. Some things are small and will seem silly. Others are more important and irreplaceable. So in no particular order… here goes


Ocean City NJ- Last year I wrote a blog about how much I loved ocean city. Maybe its just out of ignorance because my family never vacationed on any other beach (other then a few random times in Florida). But OCNJ has some of the best memories of my life. Just the smell coming over the 9^th st bridge is enough to make anyone fall in love with the town. The beaches are beautiful and the company you keep when you’re there is never disappointing. You’re always surrounded by friends and family. The board walk is another perk to the town. It has tones to do no matter what your age. The mini golf will be missed. And of course there is always people watching. If you’ve never done people watching you can probably figure out what it is by the title alone. But its one of the best things to do on the boards while you are finishing off your Kohr Brothers Ice Cream or your nice and hot bucket of French fries. I’ll have to figure out a way to get a sweat shirt from the “Shirt Shack”. It because a traditions for me and Josh to get a new one every year. Now that we have a baby on the way he/she will need a matching one as well.

Driving convenience – I’ve heard people joke about NJ saying that it takes 30 minutes to get anywhere in NJ. It’s kind of true. When josh and I lived in Lawrenceville it took 30 minutes to get to work and my parents. Josh also worked 9 miles away from our apartment and it took him about 45 minutes. On the other hand everything you need is within a 30 minute. Sometimes there is more than one of the same store in that 30 minute radius. Sometimes the big question is “where do you want to eat?” and it’s too hard to decide because there are way too many choices. Plus there are a lot of city’s close by to go hang out in. That is not the case out in NV. One of the biggest adjustments is the convenience of food. Every morning (so far) I take josh to the church and he wants something for breakfast. How many places can you think of off the top of your head that you can eat for breakfast? Was Duncan donuts cross your mind? It does mine… every morning. Instead I have to go to the grocery store to get food. I think they are learning me by name which I thought would have taken a few years.

Dry!!!- it's so dry out here. I had a problem with dry skin for a while during the winter months like most people do. I think it was worse this year because of being pregnant but it was under control. NOT ANY MORE!!! I can put a bottle of lotion on and BAM I walk outside and I start cracking all over the place. There is just no moisture in the air. I guess I have to be one of those people that keeps lotion in there purse. Just something else to get used to.

Job- Right now I do not have a job. I've always had a job. Even when I was on College... I worked for the athletic department by washing the sports uniforms. Then after college I was a Nanny and then into retail. I have done a lot over the years and have had a lot of experience. Apparently that means nothing out here because I can't get a job. No one is hiring. I don't even get to tell anyone all the fun stuff I have learned or done. This is a humbling and faith building time for me. I am a hard worker and I can do anything you train me to do. This is a God thing. I have to trust that He is in control and that he has not forgotten me. I have to suck up my pride and understand that things are going to be different for me out here. You know when your at work and you day dream about what life would be like without having to work everyday....ummm not as great as my day dreams. Maybe if we were in our house or the baby was here.... but right now I travel the same three roads. The road to church, the road to the house where Hugo is staying and the road back the our temporary place. I am SOOOOOO grateful for God providing this Job for Josh. It is soooo great to see him in HIS office. And to know that he has a support system at the church. That he is happy being involved and getting the ball rolling with lessons and activities. I know he has a lot of work to do and it is going to take a long time to make this group of students his group but this is great for him. He is going to thrive because he is in his element and in the will of the LORD. We will always have a special place in our hearts for the students we left in NJ. But this is part of transition. This is part of Gods plan. I look forward to posting blogs of these kids so you all can get to know them. The Lord will provide for us.... this I know in my heart... it's my head that needs convincing.

City papers- I’ve never been a big reader of the paper, but I do know that my dad loves reading the paper. It was a good source of information and kept him in the loop as to what was going on. ESPN has better shows on while the news is playing (in my opinion). Anyway, it is nice when the paper is delivered to your door step every day or you can just swing by a store/coffee shop/gas station basically anywhere. Plus you have the option of many different kinds of papers; the local paper, the Wall Street journal, the Philadelphia inquirer ect…. Here in NV there is a paper called “The Humbolt sun” and it comes out on Tuesday and Friday. The paper is chock full of hot happenings of what’s going on in town. Most of the paper consists of about 3 main stories and lots of school sports. Then there is a page for jobs (which there are none) and places/ pets/ livestock and cars for sale. This paper is such an informative tool that Josh and I will soon be featured in it. Apparently we are hot news. They would like a picture of me Josh and Hugo to be added to the article. Yes there will be an article.

Family/Friends:-This section can be left unsaid because its so understood. But at the same time, it’s something that I need to say. With having spent 23 years of my life in NJ, all the people I know and love are there (or within driving distance). There is a small part of me that wants to cry everyday because being in Nevada is more then just a vacation or a visit to a church. This is my life now. I know that God brought us here and I do not regret it or question His will, but I am still human and I am still an emotional person. When we first got here one of the members on the church said "welcome home". I smiled politely but suppressed tears at the same time. Later I asked Josh if it was OK if I didn't think of this place as home yet. He reassured me that that was fine and I felt better. It's not that I don't want to make out here Home... I just have to much back in NJ to just drop it like that. Maybe I'm just a way to attached 23 year old but I don't care. I love my family and friends back east and I don't think that will ever change.

Mom and Dad- thank you so much for everything over the past 23 years. You have been such an example to me! I hope you guys know what an intricate part you have played in my relationship with God. With out your support and His leading I don't know where I would be or who I would be married to. I love you both and I can't wait for you guys to get out here!!!! I love you guys and miss you tons!

Crisp family- Leave it to me to move away right when you guys get back to NJ! I'm so glad that Lord has lead you back to NJ. This is a new season for you and your family and I hope I can still be a part of it just in long distance. Make sure you keep blogging even though the Entwistle family is around I still need to know whats going on.

Hulfish Family- Thanks for always letting me have a place to eat my lunch when I could not stand at being at work. Thanks for being an encouragement to me in ever aspect of life. I'm glad we have had more things in common over the years. Thanks for caring so much.

Entwistle family- You guys are so awesome! You have been such an instrument in my life. I love you guys so much and I miss you everyday. Thank you for all the words of wisdom and for being there for me whenever I needed a good cry or gross medical advice. Hope you guys can make it out here for some awesome snowboarding!

Like I said before... I look forward to blogging about all the fun happenings here at church. And then once the baby comes I'm sure you'll all get so tired of just looking at pictures of our new one. I miss you all and you are in my prayers.