Anthro Awakenings + Appointment

It was a rare child-free afternoon a week or so ago.  Somehow, Matt and I wound up at the mall, and SOMEHOW my legs navigated us straight to the mecca of all things ridiculously cute and entirely-too-expensive-for-me: Anthropologie.  Funny how that happens.  As I ambled aimlessly through the flowy dresses and funky home decor, I glanced at Matt and broke out in laughter.

“Welllll, here I am.  Walking around the mall with no house to decorate.  No space in luggage for extra clothes.  Hey Matt, check this out.  We’re JOBLESS 35 year olds living with PARENTS!  What even is our life?”

Clearly, we’re the precise demographic Anthropologie is aiming for.

A week and some change later, I’m happy to report that, while we are indeed still 35 year olds living with parents- down to one car, no house, and nary an Anthro knob- we are once again gainfully employed.  Yes, my friends, after a LONG application process, millions of pieces of paperwork, hours of interviews, so. many. medical. appointments., and bidding an impossibly difficult adieu to our lives in North Carolina, we were officially appointed last week as missionaries with the International Mission Board.

Y’ALL.

We’re stoked.

Last week was just another reminder of God’s faithfulness in bringing us to this point.  Talking with trustees- many who are seasoned missionaries themselves- who care deeply for us and are praying for our kids by name.  Sharing meals with other new missionaries who get it – who have an actual framework for the nutty up-and-down rollercoaster we’ve been on.  Looking out into the packed-out appointment service and catching glimpses of so many people who have loved and prayed us to the point where we find ourselves today.  Such gifts.  We are insanely grateful.

So now?  Now we rest.  Ish.  We carry on with normal(ish) life in Richmond for the next two and a half weeks until we move just down the road for a six week intensive training with over 120 other people soon to be spread to all corners of the globe.  We’ve consistently heard that, while these weeks will be crammed with learning and doing, FPO (“field personnel orientation”) is a highlight for many… particularly for the kids who are convinced that they’re at a six week long summer camp.  WITH a cafeteria boasting all-you-can-eat Lucky Charms and lemonade on-tap.  And all the Allison kids shouted a resounding “AMEN.”

If you’ve been praying for us, thank you.  Just the other day, I was telling Matt that never have I ever felt more prayed for in my life.  It’s true.  Thank you.  And, at the risk of sounding all bossy and everything, keep those prayers coming.