A New Rhythm

The last two weeks have been spent settling in and finding our routine— our life is a mix of work and play, part real life and part vacation.  It’s an unexpected place, one a few months back we could have never imagined, but thankfully we are finding our way as a family. 

Leah began work this week, semi-gracefully making the transition to life as a working mom and wife. She is now the assistant to the incredible Valerie Rice (www.eat-drink-garden.com) and also has a sales and marketing client for an estate property.  Mark has been meeting with Santa Barbara based contacts and mentors, beginning the work of finding his next step. He also has become a daddy day care rock star, taking the kids on (dirty) adventures all over town. David and Judy are in Santa Fe for five weeks so we have the chance to settle in and find our routine at the house without getting in their way as we figure out our rhythm. We are in a constant state of bewilderment that we have this beautiful house to call home and also that it feels so normal to be here.  It’s a big change-up for all of us, but so far it’s going well and most importantly, the kids are happy. 

Last night we had our first pizza picnic at Butterfly Beach. It was magic to sit together, looking out at the waves, Rusty’s pizza (yes!) in hand…after dinner we walked along the gorgeous stretch of sand, peace and joy filling our hearts.  Walking back to the van, Ben held my hand and sighed contentedly, “I just love California.” Mark and Leah have dubbed Saturday nights Date Night on the Deck. After the kids go down for the night, we take a glass of wine (or two), a snack plate (Trader Joe’s is a couple miles away!), a few bites of chocolate (of course) and enjoy the incredible view of the city we love— together.  Leah has had the chance to connect with her Westmont girls and all the kids are becoming fast friends. It is a special season that we are embracing and cherishing.

It also is a season of healing. We have found Sundays to be difficult days for us, sort of a lost at sea feeling. Right now, we like attending an Episcopal church where the kids will be starting preschool next month. It gives us a chance to be semi-anonymous as we work to sort out complicated emotions and discern where our hearts are leading us in life and ministry. We are discovering ways to make Sundays less melancholy, but it is definitely a work in progress. Our challenge with this season is to balance the fear of the unknown and supporting our family, with the unique opportunities for joy that exist for us here and now in Santa Barbara.  Some moments we are dancing in the waves and some moments are spent in wordless prayer waiting for answers.  The support, love and friendship that surrounds our family leaves us humble, grateful and feeling safe.  As Ben and Clara like to say, “Cuddles and kisses!  Cuddles and kisses!” to all of you who keep believing in us.