Winds of Change...

 "Life isn't about waiting for the winds to change, it's learning to adjust your sails." Nikki Alderson

Outside my new office window, snowflakes are falling gently, creating a lovely Christmasy scene. A perfect backdrop for writing! And a quiet reminder of the new season of my life... 
 
I know, it's been way too long since I posted anything. And a lot has changed since then as well! I'm wondering, did anyone actually miss my posts? Likely not as much as I thought throughout the last few months. Amazing how we sometimes bother to flatter ourselves. Still, a few people asked what happened, that I'm not writing any more.

A farewell gift from the school

 I no longer work at our school.
After working in our school for thirty-two years, I thought I would miss it more than I do. The first few weeks in September felt strange, not having to go to school, but other than that, I quickly got used to it. Then a German in-service came, and that too felt weird that I was not going. Being busy with other things, like sewing and packing, helped fill the void, I suppose. Of course I missed working with the children, especially the little ones. I enjoyed teaching Kindergarten, grades 1, 2 and 3. But, I guess it was time to step aside and let others fill my role. I'm sure they're doing an admirable job. Although, at the start of the year, I didn't dream that any of this would happen.

I've moved to another colony.
That too was a lot easier to get used to than I imagined. All my life I lived at Elm River Colony, the roots were down pretty deep, I couldn't even imagine leaving. Ever. However, I quickly adjusted to the idea of being transplanted. It helped that I knew quite a few people at this new colony, which is about forty-five miles from the colony I used to live at. I've settled in quite well, thanks to everyone, especially my new family, for being so welcoming and helpful. Now I'm looking forward to experiencing Christmas at my new home.

By now, if you don't yet know the reason for all these changes, you're likely wondering what brought them on. First I want to tell you about a wedding I was at this fall. If you've read my book, Hutterite Diaries, you have a good idea what a Hutterite wedding looks like, as one chapter describes it.

It was a brisk morning when we made our way to the colony where the wedding was to take place. Two days before, we had our first look at Winter 2019-2020. We got quite a bit of wet, slushy snow, and a good old Manitoba storm. A lot of people were wondering if the wedding would be postponed. It was not, so donning warm clothes, we headed out. Luckily the roads and the sky were clear. We arrived at the colony in good time and were welcomed warmly. The ceremony and celebration were much like described in my book, but all day I felt like it was the best wedding I'd ever attended. I loved every aspect of this special day; the sweet welcome, the touching ceremony, the singing, the children's presentations, the decoration, the food and celebrating with family and friends. Best of all, all day, I was beside the kind, gentle and loving man I married.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the festivities at my own colony a week prior to the wedding. Both the shower and the farewell supper were beautiful. I couldn't have wished it any better and am so grateful for all the time and effort it took to prepare these two memorable days.

There are moments when I'm wondering if I'm living in a dream. But no, this is my new reality and I wouldn't change a thing about it! I love my new family and community and look forward to spending Christmas and the rest of my life with them!


The other day someone asked me, "So when are you writing your love story, Linda?"

Truth is, I've been writing it since the spring. I doubt it'll ever be on paper, though.

I know you'll be disappointed, but I won't be posting wedding pictures either. Some people don't appreciate having images of themselves on social media sights, and I respect that. Just the few snippets you see here.

Part of the wedding decoration at my new home.