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It seems like ever since Chuck and I have been married, we've been struggling to settle in somewhere. We lived happily in the Mill Village (Alabama City, Alabama) for 5 solid years. A year after Charley was born we knew it was time to move on from the shambling city around us. We sold our house after 2 days. To me, it was an affirmation from God that we were doing the right thing.
Since we left our quaint little cottage in Alabama City, we've lived in 5 different locations. SEVEN if you count living with Mom and Craig for 3 months, while Chuck was at the Bald Eagle Ranch. And we aren't through yet. We decided (long before the new year rolled in) that while we think Alaska is gloriously beautiful, this isn't it.
Even still, I believe with all of my heart we are on the path set forth for us by God. Sure we've made mistakes along the way, but God is helping us work those out. We knew before we left, Alaska would not be our life. It would an adventure. It would an opportunity for growth, but it wouldn’t be where we settled.
Before I left, I knew I’d miss home and all of our family there. But not only do I miss home, I miss the entire southern region. I miss big, thick oak trees and tall pines. I miss thunderstorms. I miss being able to run to the mailbox without shoes on, even in the winter! I miss being able to take a casual stroll through the woods without practicing my quick bear spray draw first. I miss being able to stare into starry nights for long periods without worrying about loosing any digits to frostbite. I miss the Coosa River. I miss riding my bike. I miss driving around with the windows down. I miss taking long walks while pushing an extra large kid in the stroller. I miss my MOMS Club. I miss the normalcy of having a Wal-mart within 20 miles of home. I miss paying reasonable prices for milk and canned goods. I miss having the security of a hospital within pre-bleeding out distance. Heck, I even miss hot summer days! (but just a little teeny tiny bit)
And since our renters moved out of our house in Southside, Alabama last month without giving us a lick of notice, we’ll be back a lot sooner than we thought. And when I say we, I mean me, Charley, and the dog. And when I say “sooner than we thought” I mean on Sunday evening. This Sunday evening.
We’ve been struggling to pay the rent here (a whopping 1350 a month with NO utilities included) with a full on mortgage in Alabama for 2 months now. Throughout these 2 months we’ve had a plan. Rent the house. Get somebody in there as soon as possible.
I tried advertising on facebook. I posted the details so many times I may have lost a few “friends”. I tried craigslist. Dang craigslist. I even tried a listing it with a realtor.
Our Plan Continued: If no renter is secured, send Charley and Hayley home to beginning living as inexpensively as possible. Chuck would remain in Alaska for the sake of remaining employed, and for the sake of fulfilling his obligation to his company. He will stay somewhere. Cheap.
So anyway. I bet you got the idea by now. We didn’t rent it. It seems people aren’t really interested in moving in the dead of winter. Keeping up a family of 3 in Alaska and paying for a HOUSE for a family of 3 (or more) in Alabama isn’t in the realm of financial possibilities for this family.
So, mine and Charley’s Alaska adventure ends here. Tickets have been purchased. Our ride from the Atlanta airport has even been arranged. A storage unit in Delta Junction is being filled with all of the worldly goods I hold dear in life. Most of few remaining pieces of furniture that I hold dear in life are being sold via Delta Junction News Web. Chuck’s adventure will continue for now. He will fulfill his obligation with his contractor while seeking employment in and around Alabama. We pray God will allow us to be together again soon. Not knowing when is the hardest part. No, I take that back. Seeing Charley cry about the prospect of leaving her Daddy is the hardest part. She is excited about going back to Alabama. She is looking forward to SO much. Her heart was never in Alaska. But, she wants us all to go home together. She loves her Daddy. She isn’t looking forward to saying good-bye. Neither am I.
Hayley,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that your Alaskan adventure has ended this way. It is so hard to be separated from your spouse, so hard on the little ones. We will pray for employment for Chuck and peace for you and Charley.
Safe Travels!!
Please keep your blog going "Bama Ventures"
Miz Liz
I hope this isn't strange for me to say, having never met you personally, but I am so proud of you. You've taken the bull by the horns and tried something you've never done before. Most people think about trying something new, then never do it. But you did. THAT to me, is major. In addition, you've written this blog to recount your adventures and, while it may have not been your intention, you've inspired your readers to set new goals for themselves and step out of their comfort zone. Moving to a new place, learning to knit, riding a bike, whatever someone wants to try.
ReplyDeleteThat said, you are also realstic, and paying for two places of residents is a strain on anyone.
Everything happens for a reason. I believe there was a purpose to you being in Alaska, and a reason you're returning home. Life always has wonderful surprises for everyone. I hope your Alaskan friends keep in touch. Well wishes to you and your family Hayley, and onward to a new adventure!
I also want to add that I'll say a prayer for safe travels for you and Charley, and for your husband to return soon.
ReplyDeleteWow. What a surprise! It isn't for everyone, and at least you tried. I wish you well on your next journey...Godspeed. Hoping your family can be together soon. Alaska will miss you. :) Stay in touch!
ReplyDeleteI finally broke the news to Jordan tonight. I was not going to tell him, but we got out the map to look at where Guy is staying this week (he had to go to Florida for work). Anyway, we have looked at the map before to talk about you guys being in Alaska & he started asking about where ya'll were now. So, I told him that you will be back soon & he is so excited. He does not understand exactly when he will see you guys, but he knows it will be soon. He can't wait!
ReplyDeleteOh - I forgot to say, one of the funniest things about telling Jordan about this - he gets cousin a little confused with husband, so he keeps saying 'I am going to get to see my husband soon'. Then he realizes that maybe he said it wrong, and he will ask me, what is Chargie again? I will say cousin, he will say OH, YEAH, MY COUSIN (like, silly me...). It was very cute. If he does it again in the morning, I am going to try to film him:-)
ReplyDeleteWords cannot express my joy!! My babies are coming home to open arms. I've seen them once in a 7 month period. That makes me very sad at how much I've missed of Charley growing up not to mention my daughter and not to mention how much they've missed spending time with me!!!! Heck Fire. Gone forever. I'm not getting my hopes up that they will be in the same city with me once all is settled and their sweet family reunited but I feel sure I'll be seeing them a lot more. Can't wait until Sunday.
ReplyDeleteGod leads us all where He wishes us to be. It was definately an adventure worth having with memories to carry forward. Sent you a private message on fb about it too. Travel safe!!
ReplyDeleteNow I am sorry that I didn't knock on that fishing shack door and meet you before you left. :(
ReplyDeleteBut I do understand this decision of yours, and I know that while your don't relish being separated from your husband - you WILL get through it and all will be well in the end. Life is about making sacrifices for the good of the family, and this is a big one for you to make.
I am happy that you came to AK, to experience this great state and make some memories that you will never forget. And oh, the stories you will be able to tell your grandchildren someday!
Safe travels to you and Charley, and many prayers that Chuck is able to find work in the south. I hope the time passes quickly and before you know it, you are all a wonderful family again.
Good luck! I hope you'll continue to blog. :)
Susan
Oh, Hayley, I'm sorry...not sorry that you'll be back in 'bama, but sorry that you were sorta manhandled into the whole thing by the rental situation. You guys have stuck it out far longer than I would have been able to (gorgeous, breath-taking scenery & wonderful new friends, but $1350 for rent alone on top of your AL mortgage? no ma'am), & if nothing else, it WAS an adventure.
ReplyDeleteThis is a drop in a bucket compared to what you guys have done, but it took moving to TX to convince us that we belonged back on the east coast. It didn't have to be Alabama ('cause, you know, some of our relatives are full of crazy sauce), but it would have to be somewhere within easy DRIVING distance of "home," & that's what we have now.
You'll find your niche...& in the meantime, you're really living your life. I don't know one other person that has done the things you've done, & even though I haven't seen you in eons & this may sound weird to say, I really respect you guys for taking this chance.
Good luck with the move...I'll be praying for you guys...
I don't have time to write much right now, but I will say I'm very sad reading this, but more very happy. Very very happy. But sad about y'all and CHuck being apart. Think about what I said about meeting in LA, him coming down from AK with the stuff, and y'all flying here to ride back with him with all the stuff. It's definitely more fun this way. I'll keep thinking of alternatives.
ReplyDeleteDear Hayley,
ReplyDeleteAt first when I read Monday's entry in your blog, I felt so, so sad - but I was being selfish - I've really enjoyed reading your blog because that's just something I've recently enjoyed doing this winter - reading Alaskan blogs to find out what it's like to live there.
Then I thought - geeze, I'm a mom and a gram - I would be so very happy to know that my daughter and granddaughter were coming back home. As a grandmother, I felt sad that your mom was missing being there to enjoy in person Charley's growing up.
My daughter lives a half hour away from us. She just had a baby girl two weeks ago. I couldn't even imagine only seeing "Berby" once in seven months!
Please don't give up blogging - you have such a knack for it - your posts are so enjoyable to read.
Sending prayers and good luck wishes to you all that everything will fall into place for you and your family as you move forward to the next exciting chapter of your lives! God bless!
Connie in PA
Oh wow. I just love ya'll!! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. By doing so, you've encouraged us SO much. Thanks for the prayers too! They are MUCH appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI do plan to continue the blog. I hope I won't loose too many readers by leading a less adventurous life in Alabama! We'll keep it interesting I'm sure.
I am so glad that you are bringing your adventuresome self back to Bama. I hate that it's under these terms, though. Every time I even think of taking the kiddos to the library, I think of you and what you must be doing. I can't wait to see you again. I should make you some laundry detergent to welcome you back! lol
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for Chuck to find a GREAT job here QUICKLY!
Hayley!!! I hate that you are having to come home with out Chuck...but I'm so glad you are coming home! I can't tell you how much I've missed seeing you and Charley! I think about you both so often, especially at MC events! We are actually in the process of moving to Atlanta, but I will be so glad to spend time with you before we leave! Praying for safe travels for you and Charley and for a great new job for Chuck! **Hugs**
ReplyDeleteBig wheels keep on turning
ReplyDeleteCarry me home to see my kin
Singing songs about the Southland
I miss ol Bamy once agin.....
Girlfriend,
If I could I would close the streets and have parade. I am having a parade in my heart right now. I am sorry that you and Strawberry Shortcake will be separated from Chuck but that too will pass. The Lord is using every bit of this journey for y'all's benefit and His Glory. You may not know all the whys and why nots until you get to Glory. In the meantime just keep on keeping on and doing that thing whatever He calls you to do.
Sunny has a good idea. Aren't Big Sister's smart???
See you in Dixie!!!! The rocking chairs and porch swings are awaiting your arrival. As always, Psalm 91:11.
Blessings and Love,
Aunt Janice