A Breath of Fresh Air 🤍

Out of the weeds and into the garden. Simply put, feeling thankful & blessed.

If you have followed along our journey at seminary, you know that we have had moments of feeling quite strangled by the weeds. Seminary is full of humanity, and nothing feels more confusing than coming to such a holy and spiritually developmental place and wrestling with the dynamics and shortcomings of all of us here.

I wouldn’t say I was shocked by this, but I was surprised by the intensity of the struggle. A while back I wrote a blog entitled, “Embrace the Suck.” Well, funny enough, at Alexis’ ordination, Archbishop Daniel of the UOC of the USA (our Bishop), made the same commentary, and used the same verbiage, “embrace the suck.” I chuckled to myself at that full-circle moment, and it was in that moment, that a breakthrough happened… I suddenly felt out of the weeds and in the garden. FINALLY!

The days that have followed have been full of optimism, excitement, and joy. Don’t get me wrong, I am nervous about what our future holds because there will be many unknowns we must navigate, but I feel ready for this. I know we will face struggles in this ministry, but I have never felt more ready than I do now. And frankly, excited.

God has blessed us beyond measure. We have so many incredible people, so much support, and an amazing cocoon of safety, love, and care surrounding us. I didn’t know what to expect when we started this journey, and it has been a wild ride! Two additional kids and a whirlwind of emotions… I can’t believe I can breathe again. It’s an utter joy and gift to have gone through this struggle.

I know it has been a while since I updated this platform, and I am sorry for my inconsistency. With that, I wish I could share more, but there is just too much, and well, as I sit here on this crisp yet beautiful day, baby Cecilia is patiently waiting for my attention, so I’ll finish with this…

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your love, support, & prayers (sometimes I feel like a broken record, but I mean it). There are too many of you to name so I won’t try, but thank you for your prayers and encouragement. Thank you to those who have helped us get through this time financially. Thank you to my parents who are continually eager to be present. They have flown across the country multiple times a year during our time here, and they have flown us home during the Christmas holiday so we can be with loved ones, among many other blessings they have given us. I am also thankful for the friendships that I have cultivated here. They have been a saving grace. And to the monastery, the monks, and our supportive parish family in Allentown. You're a gift! I can’t say it enough.

To recap, highlights from these past several months have included:

·        Alexis’ ordination to the Holy Diaconate

·        The birth of baby Cecilia & her Baptism

·        Lots of family visits, including Cecilia's godparents from Georgia

·        The growth of friendship & the best Thanksgiving I have had in years!

·        Me becoming an author… “Crowned” you know the one 😉

·        And soon enough, a month in Alaska

When I look around and see all we have, and know the struggles of others, I can’t help but feel selfish for having lived a moment without utter joy. I know I am human, so those negative emotions are bound to creep up, but it sure feels good to be on the other side of what has felt like a very long spiritual and emotional journey/preparation… (that journey continues, of course). 😉

Anyway, before I go off the rails and tangent too much… thank you.

We look forward to AK very soon, God willing.

Happy December & Blessed Feast of St. Nicholas!

Lots of Love,

The Clod Crew