Moving

I've decided to move back to Maine, at least temporarily, to try to save some money and be closer family. Like the decision to take another year leave of absence from teaching, this was a very difficult decision. I've loved living in Illinois and will miss my church and friends, but I am excited to be around my family more, especially my niece and nephews. 

I found a temporary "winter" rental in Old Orchard Beach that is pretty affordable. It's basically a studio apartment, but it's a good deal and seems like a nice place. I should be moving in during the second week of September.

That said, I am disappointed to be leaving Illinois. Unfortunately, there really weren't any apartments at my price point that met my needs out here. I'm hoping that I might be able to return next year, but will have to wait and see. In the meantime, I hope to see many of my Illinois friends before I leave in a couple of weeks.

Thank you for all the encouraging words after I made my decision about work. It was a difficult decision, in part because I knew it would probably mean leaving. Thank you to all of you who have supported me financially this past year, including through the Go Fund Me page that my sister established. It enabled me to stay out here this last year, while still being able to see family in between treatments. It means a lot to me that you have sacrificed in this way on my behalf.

Please continue to pray for me as I make this transition. I know that there will be really good things about the move, but leaving behind the relationships that I've built over the last 21 years and my church won't be easy.