Officially a New York Resident

About three or four weeks ago I exchanged my Georgia license for a New York one, and registered to vote in this the Empire State, officially making me an official resident of New York: 1 Chapman Parkway, Stony Brook, NY, 11790. However, I didn’t really consider myself an official resident until I got my car registered (finally) last Monday (and got it inspected for emissions and such today). I have mixed emotions about this.

Firstly, there is not one doubt, not even the room for doubt, in my mind that God wanted me, and made it possible for me to be, here at The Stony Brook School. I have felt this way pretty much since I was accepted for the job, but in the last several weeks, I have had a very strong sense that this is true, and of God’s presence in and guidance over my life. This assurance, I believe, has made it seem quite easy to acclimate to my new environment and in many ways feel at home despite all of the challenges I’m facing. I just “roll with the punches” knowing that I have much to learn, that I want to learn it, and that God is with me through it for his purpose(s). It’s really quite cool 😀

On the other hand, I’ve had a growing sense of homesickness. I miss the familiarity of my family (redundancy intended) and all the fun times we had together. Though I would not have said I felt at home at my Chattanooga church, I find myself missing all of the people there, especially those that were in our small group. Living in a heavily wooded area reminds me of the rolling green hills (or brown hills, depending on the season) of the Tennessee valley and the South in general, reminding me of all the wonderfully fun times I’ve had with my family, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins throughout most of the South (and Pennsylvania) for the past seven years–what a treat! Also, speaking and teaching Spanish has reminded me of Chile and awakened a longing for the Andes mountains, the raging Pacific Ocean, Chilean cuisine, and all of the friends that I left there.

I’m not overwhelmed with homesickness, as the previous paragraph might suggest, but rather with thanksgiving and praise to God for the family, extended family, and friends I have and the experiences I’ve had, all of which are often bringing me a smile of joy or a chortle of delight (audible or not)–together with a sigh of longing. As my dad aptly wrote, “Sometimes joy and sadness walk together hand in hand…but what a banquet we shall have when we meet again; and our communion will be ever sweeter for increasingly reflecting God’s glory.”

In short, I’m enjoying living in New York, and I love and miss you all, and I look forward to seeing you soon (as soon as they give us a break long enough 😉 )!
Love,
~Micah