Hi there! (waves) It's been an interesting few months in the Money household. Actually, maybe I should back up a year or so...
As I've mentioned before, I planned to go back under appointment in July 2012. I met with the District Superintendent, I had an interview with some Annual Conference officials, I was approved to resume full-time ministry, and then I waited. I had asked for (and was praying for) an appointment within a reasonable distance so that I could commute from Chesapeake. I had VERY SPECIFIC ideas of what this appointment would look like. Last March, I received news that I was being appointed to a two-point charge (that means two churches sharing a pastor) on the Eastern Shore, in a lovely town called Cheriton, about 10 miles north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. And for a variety of reasons, we would need to move into the parsonage and live in the community.
The churches sounded like a really good match for me, but we hadn't expected to ALL have to move, and...let's just say our minds were blown, and we had two days to pray and make a major decision about whether I/we would accept the appointment or turn it down.
We prayed. We cried. We consulted with wise and loving friends. We prayed some more.
And we took a huge leap of faith and accepted the appointment. I say "we", because while I'm the pastor, I would not and could not have accepted this appointment without James' agreement and support.
When I met the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee last April, I had a strong sense this was where God was calling me.
After my first month, as church members embraced me, my husband, my children, and even my DOG for who I am/who they are, I was certain that this was where God had called me to be.
Eight months in, and I am still amazed at how God was worked in and through this appointment to teach me about grace and trust and love and the transformation that can happen when we open our minds to the possibilities God has for us.
In other words, things are going well. So well it's kind of scary.
Susanna is in kindergarten at the local elementary school, Greg is attending preschool, and James is commuting ATB (Across the Bay) and just left Booz Allen to begin a new job. Simon is adjusting to being the "pastor's pooch" again.
We like the Eastern Shore (although I will confess to missing having three different grocery stores within 5 miles, and Target, and our friends), and are looking forward to this spring and summer, so we can further explore the beach, the town of Cape Charles, and some of the festivals that occur. And did I mention the FRESH SEAFOOD?
Life is good. Come visit. There's a fantastic place in Cape Charles that sells homemade ice cream. And cute shops in Cape Charles. And some good restaurants. And the BEACH.
Stay tuned for more reflective blog posts. I have discovered that I need an outlet to process my thoughts. Be prepared, for they are many.
