I Miss My Family.

There is no sugar coating, I'm not that kind of person anyway.  I do, indeed, miss my family quite a lot. Probably more than most other married, "normal" functioning 22-year-olds do. That is my reality. Maybe it's because we are Mexican. I don't know, but I'm guessing that has something to do with it. There is always cooking, laughter, children, dancing, counseling, and some yelling even. Not the aggressive kind, usually, just the kind you grow up accustomed to if you're Hispanic. I love my heritage and I'm even going to make my mom's delish caldo de pollo (chicken soup) and ATTEMPT homemade tortillas. It's been way too long.

Anyway, back to the subject of missing my amazing family. I do and I want to talk about it. Bolivar is a quiet town. Very quiet. Too quiet for this half Mexican, noise loving girl. We have our first house and love being in it, but it's so incredibly quiet. That makes my self-diagnosed separation anxiety worse. I understand some people haven't see their families in years and some do it by choice. That's fine, we're all different. That is not me. If there was any other, better, closer option for us, I guarantee that we would be there. Bolivar for me is a huge sacrifice. It is for Josh too, definitely. But he is so much stronger than I am. Resilient, too. I know that's what has drawn me to him even before I realized that he was for me. However, my family is everything. Each family member plays a certain role that no one else can fill. I wish I could list everyone individually, because they each truly play such an important part in who I am today. So yes, I miss them- or you, depending on whose reading this.

However, I am making the best of our living situation. I love our new ward so much. The people are so friendly and unbiased. It's so nice to be apart of that again. Josh has a job at a facility called Home Court Advantage. He mainly works with preteen and teens (boys only) with autism and other difficulties that have committed various crimes. Basically a step up from juvenile detention. I can't express my shock and respect for my husband. We arrived Friday night and he started working and training this week, days later. This is a tough job mentally, emotionally and physically. But Josh always finds the good and seeks out the tiny rewarding moments. Yesterday, a couple of boys asked him to tuck them in. Kind of strange, but if you knew some of the horrors these kids have seen... all they really need right now is a little compassion. I am sure proud of the man Josh has become.

As for me, I'm moving a little slower than my hubby. I've been taking some time at home with the dogs and it's been really enjoyable. We have a big backyard and the weather is SO NICE. Almost every morning and night it is COOL and BREEZY. Notice that I didn't include humid. Ahh, my frizzy hair rejoices.

Family, if you are reading this, thank you. Every single one of you guys are the glue that keeps my crazy contained. Dad hates when my sister Sarah and I refer to ourselves as crazy. I don't think there's anything wrong with accepting that side of yourself. I know I can get crazy sometimes, but I do my best to chill. Not always possible, though. I will add pictures to my next post. I love you all and pray for your safety and well being! Till next time.