We are back in South Carolina, energenic newlyweds, thrilled with work and taking on the adventures of caring for a house. And so the Updates begin.
Our Summer and the opportunity to live in the fun and beautiful city of Chicago was such an impressive way to initiate our life together as Mr. & Mrs. We both experienced a culture, Philip more than myself, of an incredibly diverse population. His time was spent on the job site from the early darkness of the morning to the early evening heat of the Illinois Summer. The opportunity to work for Holder, a construction company, was an outstanding foundation set in the world of General Contractors. The job site was large and constantly full of action, but he soaked up every minute of this form of education and experience.
His stories will be full of much more excitement compared to my days of reading, running, post-wedding organization and shopping (groceries and "needed things," of course). Now, don't get me wrong, my running was intense (from my standards) - some days when I was soaked from head-to-toe in sweat from 8 miles completed, I conquered goals in speed and self-success that I assumed would be practically untouchable from these short legs. So my interaction with the surrounding community was casual. I loved a specific grocery store for our veggies and fruit, but quickly learned that even though people are nice, they do not smile like my grocery store population in the South. But the best time spent was our visits into the popular city just to be tourists.
August came very quickly, and before we knew it we had to move me from my unmarried life/townhouse to the house that would be our home, right outside of Clemson. The move back to the Upstate is so satisfying. First, we are comfortable here. We have outstanding family and fantastic friends with a wonderful church and a great community. Am I attempting to be an inspirational speaker for Southern Living? False. But we do know where our hearts swell, and that's here!
This house has been a blessing and an adventure as we sort through what we need as a couple now joined by marriage. Wedding gifts are making there way out of boxes and organizing is taking place. We have started decorating while being frugal and enjoying the experience of Do-It-Yourself projects.
Most importantly, we are getting quality time together. Oh how I love the South!
As we can post some fun pictures from our crafting adventures, we will share them.
At this point you may be wondering what is going on with this move. What are we doing back in the Upstate? Philip is still with Holder but working on a project that had started about a year and a half ago on Clemson campus. He has this opportunity to take a few courses and work a full time job, which is so significant for him. Such an awesome transfer in location - wouldn't you say? Thank you Clemson for hiring Holder to do this job! His job site is actually the same building his classes are in - they are expanding, updating, doing things that, to me, look awesome - it is a huge glass building - and all he has to do is grab is stuff for class and take off his hard hat and vest!
While Philip remained with the same company he had started with in May of this year, upon returning, I was first attacking the house - getting it cleaned and organized and adding those little touches that would make it our home. But that lasted about two weeks - not complaining. For a few years now I have had the opportunity and heart to serve within the children's ministry production at our church, NewSpring. While parents go to big church we get to teach the children "Jesus on their Level" through the outlets of a Large Group and a Small Group time. Large Group is Worship, Skit with a Bible Story + specific message, Worship again and a Game. I get to do this as work now! While I am just about to get to the 1 month mark from the start date, I am so humbled and ecstatic that I get to do this! I work for an exceptional pastor, extraordinary leaders and great volunteers. Did I ever think that my time with acting and talent agencies and auditions would put me anywhere other than Hollywood? No. But we have a God who can pattern such a path for your passions that, if your willing, will exceed all that you can imagine to be good.
So life is good. We are very thankful for where we are right now in life. We have a lot of adventures ahead of us.
We appreciate all of the support from before, during and after the wedding. We love the gifts and we are using most of them already to make this our home! Thank you.
We apologize for a lack of mass communication and personal communication if we have not had the opportunity to catch-up, but we are excited that we have started to settle into a schedule that will allow for that to change.
Sending love and needing to get back to the game!
Go Tigers! #21 Clemson is having a lot of FUN with #11 FSU! Fight - Fight - FIGHT!
