We’ve already been in Oxford, England for over a week… I can’t believe that! The Lord has really sustained us throughout these first days here.
We left from California in the evening, around the children’s bedtime, with hopes that they would sleep on the 10-hour flight to London. Thankfully, that was the case and our flying time was filled with “restless dozes” as my 7-year-old put it. 🙂 We grabbed some salad and protein from a Farmer’s Fridge in the airport and ate that along with a full fruit platter for our on-flight meals… it was pretty good!
I was a little nervous to fly while pregnant and on medication to prevent blood clots, but all was well. I did travel with compression socks on and made sure to walk around any chance I got. Whenever the kids were happily sleeping, I got up!
Upon landing, a couple of our friends picked us up with a large van and drove us to our new home in Oxford. Though we were tired, it was so nice to see the familiar sites and the new sides of our home that were not in the rental listing. I’m excited to truly make it home for the next few years. It was not furnished, but friends had beds or mattresses ready for us and we’ve stayed in our house since the very first night. We have had many sleepless nights this week due to jet-lag (and several rounds of tea and biscuits at 2AM). But I think we’ve made it through the worst of it and managed to pick up some furniture and groceries and home goods along the way. We even snuck in some nice, albeit rainy, walks. Attending church yesterday was definitely the highlight of the week! We got to see and reconnect with our friends from before and worship together.
Having moved here once before from the US, there is so much that I already know and that has put me at ease. A friend reminded me that I at least know all the stores and the right places to go to get what we need… what a blessing!
As we continue to settle into life here, my husband will start work and we’ll start with homeschooling again. And, before we know it, it will be time to welcome our third baby into the family. As the seasons change and seasons of life change, especially for our family, I am always reminded of our steadfast Savior with whom “there is no change or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17). And that brings me peace… yes, even in the midst of an international move. That truth is one I will keep holding onto in the weeks and months ahead as I strive to make this house a home and serve my family well!
