Why Pennsylvania

Well, here it is. I am writing words for others to read. It makes me a little nervous because --who am I to think that my words are worth reading. But, here I am. The Hunt family is going through a big move, and this will be a great way for me to document the craziness. (One thing I have learned in this process is...we are a little crazy!)

So, why Pennsylvania? This is the question I get most often. And my answer....I don't know? At the beginning of June I was interviewing and eventually accepted a position as an Assistant Principal in my district. At the same time, David got a call from Immaculata University in  Malvern, Pennsylvania. So, I just got a job as an AP and Daivd was like...we might move. I thought, NAAAH  and just kept going. He went to the interview, and came home all smiles. I couldn't say it out loud, but when he got home I thought "I'm about to move to Pennsylvania". So, I grabbed a map and found out where exactly Pennsylvania was because, let's be honest, I never thought I would be moving there and knew it was up there somewhere but not really sure where. :)

So, we had a decision to make.....Do we stay where I have a great job waiting, we have a great community, and our kids are flourishing and happy. Or, do we move across the country for less money but an incredible opportunity for David, where we don't know anyone, and we think I will get a job but aren't really sure?!? (That's an easy decision, right?)  So, we began hashing it out, making pros and con lists, calling people, and I cried...a lot! :) Then, like any loving wife I said I just can't. My husband understood the sacrifice he was asking me to make and accepted it. It was hard for him, but he understood.  So, that was the plan....but then something hit me. I can't really explain it, maybe it was the Holy Spirit, maybe it was guilt, maybe it was a little of both. But, it was hard and I couldn't talk my way out of it. So, we decided no. Then, the next day I said, "WAIT". "Let's keep talking". David said "Maggie, this is like a bad breakup, you can't keep doing this to me!" I was like, "I know, I know" but I think we need to go".  (Cue: tears....lots and lots of tears as I was saying this). David, being the understanding, loving guy he is said. "It's ok if the answer is no. I just need to be sad for a little bit and you can't make a decision because you feel guilty for me." But, that wasn't it....it was something I can't explain.

You see, I needed time to mourn what I was leaving. I needed time to process that this is probably going to be my reality. I am still processing all the moving pieces that are happening to make this a reality. (moving trucks, and jobs for me, and housing, and schools for kids...etc...so MUCH!)

I also had to mourn the community I was losing. First, FAMILY. Ya'll that is the hardest! We have family in TEXAS and a few in Oklahoma and that is it. Why would we move 24 hours away?!? I know lots of people do it but, not me! Second, Community here. Seriously yall! I have some of the best neighbors, friends, and colleagues.  When I moved here, I though there is no way it can be better than my people in Abilene. (Abilene peeps, you are still some of the best...don't get me wrong) But, the point is, I was surrounded by people like you. People I called at 3 in the morning to go to the store for me when everyone in my house was throwing up. People at work that became some of my best friends! People at our Texas State community that took our kids and made them one of their own. Seriously, it can't get better..

But, you know what??? David and I just got back from a trip to Pennsylvania for me to interview and find a place to live. And...the people there were welcoming and awesome and made us not feel like we aren't crazy for deciding to leave what we know and move across the country to a place we don't know ANYONE! (Seriously, we are crazy!) They took time to talk to us and process about living and jobs and time.

So, I'm still scared to death. We have a lot that needs to fall in place in the next two weeks. Like, where are we going to live????? Seriously, we still don't have a place. I have a second interview next week for a job I'm trying not to get too excited about but would LOVE.  And, we want to soak up the last few weeks we have in Texas with our family and friends.

It is coming together. It is hard, crazy hard. But, it is good. If you've read this far, thank you! I will keep writing and hopefully post some pictures of this beautiful state we are moving to. Seriously, our visit was beautiful. Last week I was talking with a friend and I said, " I need to just get over it, people move like this all the time and I need to suck it up and do it, it's not that hard." She said, "Yes, but you are allowed to be sad, and stressed, and overwhelmed. You are allowed to feel those emotions and that is ok" (Thanks Kaye :) That was the best advice I could have at the time. So, I'm going to be sad and excited and scared and feel a little crazy most of the time. But, things are falling into place and I'm thankful we are about to take this adventure!

Ok...I'm going to try and find us a place to live. Seriously....this is stressing me out!!! Where are we going to move our stuff?!?!