From “The hill” to the mountains and the Valley

It was early Spring of this year when a collection of boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap began to accumulate around our home. From the minute the first roll of bubble wrap hit the bottom of our shopping cart I could not hold back the overwhelming urge to begin bursting each bubble between my fingers. My OCD was about to be put to the test. No! Not Obsessive Compressive Disorder (The irresistible urge to burst every bubble on the role), but my need to have everything neat, tidy, and of course, to know where everything is. Change was coming so disruption and a little (nope .. make that "a lot) of discomfort would soon be inevitable to get us into shape. The horizon of new endeavors meant that we needed to make space for it all, on every level if progress was to be made. The purge was radical and necessary to lighten our load.

After seven years of living in the USA's bustling capitol region (Washington DC metro area or DMV), which included five uniquely beautiful years on Capitol Hill, the day dawned for us to relocate to the mountains of Central Virginia. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley is now our new home. The town we chose is called Waynesboro VA. The call to the mountains came as no surprise and was long anticipated. Admittedly, there were moments when I thought this may never happen.

One of the most beautiful and iconic parts of the American landscape is now home sweet home, the new base where we will continue to ascend to the heights of our Kingdom purpose. We have moved from "The Hill", to the Mountains and the Valley"

Indulge me for just a moment more as I boast a little about this place. With no shortage of things to do, the area caters to every season, or interest. From enthusiast to curious dabbler, the most exquisite hiking trails, vineyards, breweries, orchards, waterfalls, caves, ski slopes,  river rafting adventures, mountain biking, and hot air ballooning are a few of the things that are on the menu. Also, peppering the region with the spice of their charm, historic Virginian towns dish out generous portions of hospitality.

“America's Favorite Drive”, the Blue Ridge Parkway begins from Afton Mountain no more than 10 minutes from our home. It meanders for 469 miles southward from us. The famous Skyline Drive meets the Blue Ridge Parkway at Afton Mountain and heads north of us for 105 miles through the Shenandoah National Park. They are both spectacular.

Two great rivers serve as arteries of life and fun to the region. To the south the James River, and to the north the Potomac River.

Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe, (3rd, 4th, and 5th Presidents of the United States) are names that echo audibly through the region, seen and heard everywhere, from street names, highways, statues, schools, and more. Their homes, Monticello, Montpellier, and Highland, stand with stately posture as landmarks eager to welcome visitors to walk the grounds.

So when are you coming to visit?

It's been a little over two weeks since we moved, and each morning as I watch the sunrise, it's as if God has perched an easel before us providing a backdrop for us to interpret and participate in the creation of countless opportunities.

Our home is charming. We look forward to hosting family and friends and having countless conversations about life and the Kingdom. You are most welcome!

Ilana has started a new role at a beautiful school called The Covenant School in Charlottesville VA. Ben joins her at the same school stepping into 5th grade. On their daily commute, they enjoy each other while taking in the glorious scenery as they pass over Afton Mountain, engaging in conversations and audiobooks.

For me, it's focusing on the launch of "The Search for the White Picket Fence". My new season has started with working on marketing the book and building out my calendar of speaking engagements where I plan to get the "show on the road."

I do not want to ignore the significance of the season before this, so I plan to dedicate another update to it. it deserves a platform of its own.

Until then.