Leaving Lake Charles

The time between when Jarred found out he got the teaching job in Lineville until moving day (yesterday) flew by. We've been enjoying ever bit of our last few weeks in Lake Charles with our friends.

 

Tried out Paddle Boarding on the lake at sunset. It was a beautiful sunset, and then got cut short when a random thunderstorm snuck up on us. LC weather tends to be like that. So after that first strike of lightening, we booked it across the lake back to the beach. Kinda scary.

 

 

We had a fun night out with friends at MacFarlane's followed by a game of putt putt. The girls did have a few hole in ones ;)

 

And then the goodbyes began. . . . . .

Ms. Bessie has become a dear friend since she first visited Chick-fil-A at Grand Opening. We sure will miss her.

 

Our Sunday School class gathered for lunch after church. The tears started rolling when they all prayed for us and our move.

 

The goodbyes continued as friends stopped by the apartment on Thursday.

 

And I was pretty sad to pack up our first home. Although, I am so looking forward to having more space as we rent a house in Lineville.

 

Couldn't believe how fast the truck was loaded Thursday night! We had 6 couples show up carry boxes and furniture down the stairs.

 

This is what happens when you ask your brother-in-law to take a pic.  ;)

 

 

After the truck was loaded and we had showered and eaten dinner, we decided to get on the road (instead of waiting til the morning) and get past Baton Rouge to avoid morning traffic. Spent the night in Gulfport, then made it to Lineville by noon yesterday.

 

So since we've gotten here, we've had time for Jarred to show me the new school and HIS CLASSROOM. I'm so proud of Jarred and excited for him to finally be a teacher.

 

Didn't waste much time before we hit the golf course. Currently, I'm just Jarred's chauffeur with golf cart. But we're planning for him to teach me the game someday.

For now, we're crashing at the Griffin's house. So thankful to have a place to stay. In the next few days we'll be moving into the house. We're ready to get settled!

4th of July

Our 4th of July started out with a "lazy" morning. Jarred and I slept in (can't believe I now consider 8:30 sleeping in!!) and cooked breakfast. We were so grateful to have the day off together. Some lounging/reading by the pool made for a relaxing afternoon. Then, we headed to our friends Holly and AJ's house with David and Kimberly.

 

I am so blessed to have these two girls in my life.

 

 

Seriously, going to miss my dear friend Holly so much when we move!

 

Celebrating 4th of July always includes a good BBQ!



 

 

Hanging out at Millenium Park before the fireworks show!

 

Can you tell that Hubby loves taking pictures? ;)

 

 And the fireworks began!!

 

 

So thankful for our country and those who have served.

 

God bless America!!

Making the move

Two years ago, when we moved to Lake Charles, we planned on it being a "temporary move." Well, the last two years have flown by. We never expected that it was going to be so hard to say goodbye when the time came. In a few weeks, that's what we'll be doing as we load a U-Haul and head to Lineville, AL.

Here's the breakdown of the last few weeks:

A social studies teaching job opened up in Jarred's hometown. Jarred put in an application with high hopes. While we were in Hawaii, Jarred was sweet enough (well actually he's always sweet :) ) to let me do some shopping at the Ala Mona mall. While I was browsing, Jarred checked his email on his phone. I could tell, by the way he was looking at his phone, that there was some kind of news (couldn't tell if it was good or bad?!?). He had received an email from the junior high school principle at Central in Clay County, inquiring about setting up an interview. We got home from Hawaii that Friday, and two days later Jarred flew to Alabama for a Monday morning interview. He felt that the interview went well.

The next 10 days went by so slow as we waited for the phone call, hoping he got the job. Thanks to many prayers and the Lord's willingness, that next Thursday Jarred received the phone call he had been hoping for. He is going to be the junior high social studies teacher. Starting in August, Jarred will be teaching Civics and Early World History.

Before Jarred's interview, he had worked with professors at McNeese to figure out a way to finish his graduate studies online from Alabama (in hopes that we would get the job). All the logistics worked out, and even though he'll have to make a couple trips back to Lake Charles, it will work out for him to graduate in December.

We completely put our trust in the Lord during the process. We had to tell our apartment complex we were not renewing our lease, even before Jarred had the interview in Lineville. If he didn't get the job, we had no idea where we would live. We just knew and trusted that the Lord was going to take care of us.

So in 4-5 weeks we'll be making the move to Lineville. I am so excited to get to be a part of the community. We're planning on settling down in this small town, and hope to buy a house in the next few years. The location seems so perfect too: about 1.5 hrs from Birmingham (one of my favorite cities), about 1.5 hrs from Atlanta (where Lindy lives), almost 1.5 hrs to Auburn (where Joseph lives and . . .  war eagle!), about 3 hours from my parents and sister and her family, and maybe 5 minutes from Jarred's parents!

We're SO excited to be in living in Alabama again. We're ready to move on to this next stage in our life, even though it's so hard to leave this last one. We're so grateful for the love and encouragement from the Trinity family.

Be on the lookout for a name change to our blog. . . I'm thinking . . . Life in Lineville (creative, right?). . . .

 

(We took these pics on one of my visits to Clay County when Jarred and I were dating, a few weeks before we got engaged!)

 

And for anyone wondering, Jarred's beard WILL be returning after his last day at CFA :)

Aloha!

Jarred and I had such a great time in Hawaii. I liked calling this trip our "second honeymoon." We flew out of Houston early Saturday morning, arrived in Honolulu that night, retrieved our rental car, and headed up the northwest coast to our condo.

 

 

We visited the big mall in Honlulu. Four stories of fun. I could have spent a whole day checking out every store, but for Jarred's sake I just hit up a few of my favorites.

 

It was cool to see Diamond Head. This view is from our boat ride off of Wakiki beach.

 

This picture is from our morning walk on the beach. We stayed in a condo in the building on the right. We loved staying in a secluded area away from the busy, tourist area.

 

Jarred and I both picked an excursion to do while in Hawaii. Jarred's pick: a submarine tour. Honestly, I was pretty nervous about feeling claustrophobic, but it turned out to not be too bad. We descended 110 feet below the surface. A few of the things we saw: lots of colorful fish, a shark, an eel, and several sea turtles.

 

My pick: horseback riding. We got to see where the following were filmed: Jurassic Park, Lost, 50 First Dates, Godzilla, and several others. . .

 

The sunset view from our balcony was so beautiful every night. Jarred took this picture with his camera, no filter/photoshop.

 

We spent an afternoon on the North Shores in a little surfer town called Haleiwa.

While in Haleiwa, we had lunch at a fun little restaurant. . . loved the "décor"

 

 

The most memorable experience was visiting Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial.

 

 

 

We were told by some locals about this little hidden restaurant that does "farm to table." Everything was organic and so fresh! All the food we ate had been raised/grown right in their backyard.

 

An important part of the trip was visiting the Kona Mountain Coffee store. Jarred bought several pounds of the coffee. We both agreed that it is the best coffee we have ever had. The beans are grown in lava ash and then hand picked. They also had amazing chocolate, which was so delicious. 

 We spent an afternoon snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. It was a beautiful place.

 

Hawaii was such a fun and beautiful trip. The pretty, blue/green water and massive mountains on the island were a great reminder of the Lord's power. His reveals Himself in his beautiful creation.

 

 

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."

Romans 1:20

 

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."

Psalm 19:1

 

 

Graduation

Saturday, May 18th, was a gready day of celebration in Lake Charles. My Nanny & Grampy drove from Brookesville, Fl. My Grandma & Grandpa, Mom, Dad, and Joseph drove from Macon. Martha, Buddy, and Lindy flew in from Lineville/Atlanta. All for the big day.

 

I was completely overwhelmed with the love and support from my family and friends. It took quite a bit of time and determination to make it to graduation day. And I've been so blessed to have so many loving people praying for me along the way. I am so grateful.

 

 

Showing my family the diploma, I pointed out that when I began college at Samford, I would have never guessed that I'd graduate from a school in Louisiana. Never would have guessed that I'd graduate with the last name Griffin. Graduating from McNeese reminds me that God has a plan and purpose. Graduating as a married woman, could not have been a more wonderful blessing. Jarred has been an incredibly supportive and encouraging during the last few semesters.

 

(Thanks, Lindy, for being photographer for the day!)

 Me and Hubby.

His graduation for his master's degree will be coming up after fall semester. :)

Grandma and Grandpa are such amazing role models to me and so many others.

 

 

Nanny & Grampy have such a special place in my heart (many good memories of Canada trips with them). 

 

 

I look up to each one of these wonderful Christ-like grandparents. Blessed to have them at both my high school and college graduation.

Special friends on a special day.

 

Love them.

 

 

The Griffin family (minus David who was getting lunch ready). I'd say I have the best in-laws in the world! :)

Offically finished. . . . 

 



 

 

 

"...He who began a good work in you, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

 

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

 

 

Certified.

Friday was a big day. I took my Personal Training certification test. And praise the Lord, I passed!!

 

 

I spent three months studying for this test and was so relieved to pass it. I took it in Beaumont, TX and when I got back, we decided to celebrate at Olive Garden with David and Kimberly.

 

Next big accomplisment coming up . . . . . . . graduation!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

This is mine and Jarred's second Mother's Day since living in Lake Charles. We both miss our moms and wish we could celebrate with them today. But. . . . . they will be coming in town in 5 days!!!!! :)

To my Mom:
Thank you for always loving me, even on my bad days. Thank you for praying for me all my life. Thank you for leading a godly life and putting your faith and trust in our Father.

 

To Martha:
Thank you for raising an incredible son! I know that many of Jarred's wonderful qualities come from you. You are absolutely the most servant-hearted person I know! Thank you for your love and prayers!

 

And happy Mother's Day to all the mother's out there!!