Post Palau, One Month

The month of June was a whirlwind. There were so many exciting things that happened on both sides of our families and in our own little one. It feels like life has been moving at the speed of light for the last 30 days.

Here's a snippet of what we've been up to:

• Traveled to Florida, New York, Tennessee, & Maryland 
• Rented our 1st apartment (Yay!)
• Went furniture shopping for the first time
• Went to my childhood friend Joy's wedding!
• My niece was born!! 
• Celebrated my brother's birthday 
• Bought a car (Praise the Lord!)
• Saw LOTS of cousins
• Road tripped well over 1,000 miles 
• Got iPhones after being phone-less for 2 years! 

Jet lag completely kicked our butts for like 2 weeks, but Joey and I finally adjusted to the time change and have enjoyed Chipotle, our new iPhones, and hot water showers thoroughly. My niece is also getting a kick out of teaching me how to use snapchat. What in the world.

We were also super thrilled to move into our very first stateside apartment. We struggled on our first day of apartment hunting and after some serious prayer, the second day brought us just what we needed. I even have a window in my kitchen and a little porch outback. Both were things that were not on our "needs" list, just a purely selfish want, and yet God saw it fit to give it to us! So happy. I love our little place and can't wait to crash there once all our traveling adventures end. Pics of Casa Frescino to come in another post. ;)

The best part about this past month have been the sweet reunions. I've loved the exciting moments where we get to hug friends and family we haven't seen in a long time. There's nothing like it! My heart just fills all the way to the top when I spend quality time with the people I love. And there's still more to catch up with!

We are especially enjoying our nieces. We are finally getting to know our sweet and sassy two year old niece on Joe's side and are absorbing the newness of the new baby niece on my side. Being an aunt is the best thing ever. I love all my nieces to pieces!

Over the past month, I've made a few observations about myself. Life has been too crazy to journal, but I still try to make mental notes when I can to help with the re-entry process.

Some things I've learned about myself:

• I'm not as good at doing makeup as I used to be two years ago. Darn. 
• I'm not really sure what my "style" is now that I don't have to wear long skirts all the time. Shorts and a scoop neck are my current go-to. That's all I know. That's also why I haven't rushed to buy a new wardrobe yet. I guess I'll get around to that. 
• Life in America is very fast-paced. Sometimes it gives me a headache. I kinda get overwhelmed easily. 
• I don't like my phone on ringer.
• I also don't leave the data on my phone on. I purposely turn it off. Instagram is way too addicting for me. 
• I have to fight for my time with Jesus every day.

There have been days that I rushed my time with Jesus in the morning, or maybe even tried to push it to the evening because of my day's busy demands, but those days are always the worst. I've been gently reminded again, that the fullest and happiest life is one that begins with Jesus.

So this has been my first month back. I think of Palau every single day and miss it tremendously. There are a dozen things everyday that remind me of my island home. In a way, I'm thankful that we've been busy. Overall, it's been a crazy adjustment, but we're getting there. One day at a time. :)

Xo,
Rachel