Well, it has been a month, but I was trying to wait until we were in our new home before I started talking about our great move from the Lone Star State to the....Tar Heel state? It has been a very quick adventure for Chance and me, as we packed up within a matter of weeks and hit the road to NC. After lots of prayer and wisdom seeking, we decided to move to the east coast for a job opportunity Chance received with Epic Games. I was so hesitant at first (of course), but quickly remembered how gracious the Lord was in our move to Austin this time last year. I was overwhelmed with a feeling of peace about the situation. I am sad to leave sweet friends and family in TX, but I know things will fall into place here, as they did in Austin.
As you can see, it's no coincidence that we come from TX to NC with a flag like that!
I have already begun a relationship with a few women here, who I can see are amazing examples of Christ in their community and amongst friends. One of the hardest parts of relocating is experiencing that "college freshman" phase of making new friends. "Hey there! Do you want to be my friend? Can I sit by you?" It's a little intimidating when you are younger (and sometimes when you're older, too), but as I am now in my late 20s, I realize that it's actually pretty easy and you never get rejected. People are more often than not very welcoming and excited to make a new friend. So while I'm stepping out of my comfort zone and being social, I have been feeling a different pull from the Lord.
A little background: My husband and I are in temporary corporate housing for a full month before we move into our new house in NC. It's a little one bedroom apartment, furnished with someone else's things, and we have a couple of bags each with select outfits, toiletries, and my pillows. We have two small dogs and a cat here as well. It's a lot goin' on in this little apartment. Mind you, we have already had to call the cops on a suspected domestic dispute. There are college kids partying outside till all hours of the morning, and there is a street light right by the bedroom window, shining bright through the night! Okay, complaints done. I've had a load of free time piddling around at the apartment these last 4 weeks. I've researched everything udner the sun on Google: Essential oils, corruption of the FDA, Sex trafficking, child labor, ethical clothing, mission trips, gardening, etc. etc.
So, back to this other unexplainable desire. I had a friend invite me to a Noonday trunk show while in Austin. I wanted to go, but felt bad because I didn't really have money to spend and didn't really know much about the organization. In my time this month, I have done extensive research on the company and am overwhelmed with the good they are doing to help others! Those of you who know me know a couple of things. 1. I love unusual jewelry and clothing. I have people comment on things I wear all the time with, "I could never pull that off!" or "I'd look like a table cloth in that." Not sure if they are compliments or not, but I'll take 'em! 2. I am not a sales person. I worked in retail that was not commission based, and I was killer at organizing clothes! Selling them....not the best. I hate being pressured, thus I hate pressuring others.
I do, however, have passion, and when I feel passionate about something (education, art, children) I can talk your ear off about it. Because it matters to me! Noonday's motives and desires are the same as mine, and so I am moving forward in becoming a Noonday representative (called an ambassador). It's a direct sales company, which is so out of my comfort zone it's unreal, but the cause it what motivates me. I am an artist and helping other artists is a passion of mine! Helping other artists to support their families, keep their children from becoming orphans, educate themselves and their children, provide even more opportunities for their community, rescue women and children from sex trafficking, while providing sustainable jobs is super important to me! I never thought I could help, other than just donating cash, but now I see that I can help empower, rather than enable. I will write another post about Noonday specifically, including my launch and website. I'm praying others will see the opportunity to purchase with a purpose and partner with me in supporting these artisans.
While I am stressed with the last parts of our move and starting a new business, I am so excited and grateful for the passion the Lord has put on me these last few weeks. What a special time I will always remember when my eyes were opened to new possibilities.
With Love,
Ash
