Since I announced over the weekend (Monday on the bloggity blog) that I'm moving back to Charlotte in a few weeks, I've received quite a few questions as to why I'm moving.
Frankly, I was surprised at how many people wondered if something had "happened" or that there was a "story" behind my move. There is no story. Well, other than the fact that God's timing is absolutely perfect.
The "Story" Before the "Story"
Many of you know why I moved to Wilmington, but many of you don't. I wanted a change. I followed my (then) boyfriend out to Wilmington for a change of pace, friends, job, etc. I just wanted to see what it was like to live somewhere OTHER than where I'd pretty much grown up.
Shortly after I moved, things with the boyfriend went downhill and ended. So, there I was in a city all by myself. But, I survived. (cue Gloria Gaynor song) Some might even venture to say that I thrived. I made friends, I started attending a church and got involved with their music program. I even worked as an interim worship pastor for my church when their worship pastor resigned.
Things were going well.
The "Story"
If the truth were told I missed my family and my friends...a LOT. I missed the town I pretty much grew up in. It sounds dumb to say, but I missed little eateries and shopping places that aren't in Wilmington.
However, with all of that, I wasn't really looking to move back immediately. Sure, it was on my radar, but I'd just joined a church and settled into my job at the Aquarium, so I wasn't thinking things would happen so quickly.
The Spark
Remember those old song lyrics, "it only takes a spark, to get a fire going"?
I got a call from a company that I'd applied for a LONG time ago in Charlotte. They had a position that they thought I'd be a good fit for.
Turns out, I knew 3 people who worked with this company AND they all recommended me for the job. I did the whole interview thing and figured, what the heck, it's kind of a long shot anyway.
Then I got an offer.
The Decision
Wilmington, though a great city, never truly felt like home, but more like a temporary residence. I had nothing (permanent) holding me in Wilmington because I was working two part-time jobs, renting and not dating anyone seriously.
So, when I got the offer, I accepted it.
Providence & Lessons
I realize that none of this happened because of anything I did or could do. It was all part of God's timing. How do I know this?
The new job is a perfect mix of BOTH of my part-time jobs in Wilmington. I wouldn't have been offered the position had I not worked BOTH of those jobs.
Moving to Wilmington allowed me to experience a TREMENDOUS season of spiritual growth and understanding. I am not the same person I was when I left.
With that, I know that I cannot go back to being the same person I was when I left. I know more about myself and my abilities than I ever did before. I consider this a move FORWARD and not a move back. (even though, technically, I am moving back to the city I came from...but you know what I mean)
I don't regret moving to Wilmington, nor do I regret anything that happened here. I know that all of it (being broke, getting dumped, being lonely, finding my church, meeting new friends, gaining new skills) happened for very specific reasons and were orchestrated by a very precise God.
Being single rekindled my first true love relationship...Jesus.
Being broke showed me how much I was spending on frivolous things before.
Being broke taught me the importance of tithing.
Being separated from friends and family allowed me to go through what I think was a time of sanctification.
Being on my own made me realize just how strong I really am.
Being apart from friends made me re-evaluate relationships.
I intend to take these lessons with me as I make the transition to Charlotte.
I'll close this lengthy and personal post with the lyrics to a part of a song we sang in church on Sunday...just hours after making the decision to move.
It's a new season, it's a new day.
A fresh anointing is flowing my way.
It's a season of power and prosperity.
It's a new season coming to me.
Thank you for the insight into your life. I'm glad that your time in Wilmington was so meaningful, even though I know it was painful too. Congratulations on the new job! Welcome home!
ReplyDeleteThanks Selah. I'll be so glad to be home. :)
DeleteSo happy for you April. Wish you all the best. I'll keep up on your life via the blog :)
ReplyDeleteKAYLIE!! I'm glad you commented. I just heard about your decision and I am SO happy for you as well. Sometimes, babies just make you realize that what used to be important isn't so much anymore. I wish you the best of luck as well and I'll keep reading your blog to keep up with you and the boys. ;)
DeleteApril, thank you for sharing your intimate details of precious fellowship between you and our Father. Thank you for your spiritual focus instead of the earthly one. I am hoping and anticipating that God will call you back to our church family. We miss you and your great talent terribly! Brenda
ReplyDeleteBrenda, thank you for your kind words. I'm not sure where God will call me, in terms of a church family, but I know that where it is will be exactly what I need.
DeleteAMEN! -ash
ReplyDeleteHewitt is also very excited to see his aunt on a more regular basis. ;)
DeleteWhen life throws you lemons, you make lemonade! :)! We are all glad to have you back in the queen city. Congratulations on the new job and welcome home! -AF
ReplyDeleteThank you! Who is this? AFSB? The "AF" threw me...
DeleteA great post and I'm glad I got to hear the whole story! Can't wait for you to be back.
ReplyDeleteYay! Friend, I'm looking forward to getting to hang out with you more. I'm so excited!
DeleteHolden is ecstatic!
ReplyDeleteThanks, friend! I'm excited to see the Worzella fam too! :)
Delete❤❤❤-m&d
ReplyDelete<3
DeleteYaaaaay! April is coming home! Loved your blog today, and love you much!
ReplyDeleteGlad you are my friend and niece. Aunt Becky
Thanks Aunt Becky! I gave you a shout-out in a blog post last week. I made Hershey Bar Pie...the recipe you gave me. ;)
DeleteWelcome back, Apes!
ReplyDeleteWow, a comment from JMS? This is a big deal! :D
Deletewow girl! i will definitely admit i was curious of your story. :) I am excited to follow as you return back to Charlotte. But kinda sad you wont be at the aquarium anymore :)
ReplyDelete:) Well, I hope my "story" or lack thereof, satisfied your curiosity somewhat. I'm sad to not be at the aquarium but this is such a huge step up that I can't help but to be excited.
DeleteAAG - So happy about your news that it doesn't matter "why" to me! But I am so grateful for this post as it shows how faithful you are and how very, very good our God is. Cannot wait to have you back in CLT! Would truly love to host a drop in to welcome you back. Let's chat soon. Love always, KLB
ReplyDeleteThanks KLB. You're a true friend! I'll email you soon.
DeleteI heard you were coming back, but didn't know the details...now I do. Welcome back.
ReplyDeleteThanks Colbey. :)
DeleteI am so happy for you April! I'm sure you're thrilled to be among all your friends, family, and of course the church you grew up in :) Looking forward to hearing about it all. Hewitt earned his sea legs for sure!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tawny. ;) I think he did earn his sea legs...or at least his sand legs. HA!
DeleteSounds like the move was meant to be. can't wait to hear about your new adventures :-).
ReplyDeleteYay, thanks Kelly!
DeleteSo excited for you! Congrats on the new job and there's nothing like being surrounded by friends and family!
ReplyDeleteI agree!! :)
DeleteI feel as if my heart will burst with joy when you return! Best friends should always be in the same town!
ReplyDeleteP.S. That AF was not me!
Amie
HAHA, I figured out who it was. ;) It's just not right to be 4 hours away from you!
DeleteWelcome home.
ReplyDeleteThanks Don!
DeleteTotally meant to be. Adore this post, love. If you get a second, I'd love to hear your thoughts on my latest post for Lauren Conrad. xo
ReplyDeletewww.fashboulevard.blogspot.com
wahoo girl! that's awesome! i know that change is tough and it's encouraging that you put yourself out there and got involved in your local church (that's such a great place to find friends and support)! i hope that your move back to charlotte will be full of new beginnings and joys. being closer to family & good friends is highly important.... CS Lewis once said "sacrifice as much as you can to be close to friends/those you love"
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, there's so much similarity in our stories! I think we could totally be real life BFFs lol! Good luck with everything!
ReplyDeleteOh that's awesome, Lauren. Thanks so much!
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