It's been 2 years since Dave and I made one of the biggest decisions of our lives and moved to Mandeville, Louisiana. When I look at it one way, I can't believe that it's been that long, but on the other hand, it seems like we've been here forever.
Looking back, the movers packed us up on September 22nd (the day after Dave's birthday) and it was one of the hardest days of our lives… until the next day when they loaded everything into the moving truck and left our first home empty. Empty. That's how we felt that day. We were so scared of what was ahead and we were mourning for what we were leaving behind. For the next 3 days, we were without a home to call our own while we drove to Louisiana and waited to close on our new house. That was hard -- knowing that all of our possessions were in a semi truck and we didn't have a place to call home. But we arrived in Louisiana, closed on the house, waited for the movers, unpacked and started building our life as it is today…
The life that Dave and I have built for our family in the 2 years that we've called Louisiana our home has been surprising, unexpected and pleasing. First, the obvious: a larger, newer and arguably nicer home, new neighbors and friends, a beautiful, vibrant church community, good schools and the reason for moving, Dave's wonderful job. But beyond what the eye can see, I think our move has made our family stronger and more independent. We don't have our parents just down the street to fall back on. We don't have the same friends from high school to call and make plans with (not that we wouldn't want too!). Everything has changed. With that change, we've gained new perspectives on our relationships between ourselves and others. We've learned how to make new friends and how to trust people that we haven't known since the beginning of time. Dave and I lean on each other more and our marriage has grown stronger. This move has been quite a lesson in life. And we are so much better for it.
I also think we are very blessed to have come to such a strong culture in Louisiana... it has made living here something special. New Orleans has an amazing culture that absolutely sucks you in. Sight-seeing in the city is fun: the street cars, the parks, the zoo, aquarium, Children's Museum, the French Quarter. The food is indescribably good: seafood, po boys, muffalettas, bananas foster…. Mmm. And don't forget Mardi Gras… nothing compares. But it's the citizens' love for their city (and their Saints) that really gets you. There are a few things about New Orleans that will always keep us as "outsiders". Particularly the Hurricane Katrina experience, for which we will never be able to relate to. However, none of our friends makes us feel like an outsider and like we don't have a right to be a fan of New Orleans, football or otherwise.
In two years time, this place once foreign to us and fascinating in the differences from life in Detroit, has become our home. It may not be home forever. Only time will tell. But one thing is for certain, the pros have outweighed the cons when it comes to our life-changing decision to move to New Orleans. We were hoping for that two years ago and we know that to be true today. Good move, Smiths :)
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