The things we left behind and the things we took with us

We are now in Pittsburgh after a couple of weeks of hurried packing and last minute arrangements. Last week, Gabe and I (with the help of whom I’m convinced are five of the smartest and kindest guys to come out of Evangel) packed all of our belongings into a 6x7x8 cube that followed us to our destination in Pennsylvania.  Though the space in our storage unit seemed impossibly small at first, we only ended up leaving behind our couch and a small bookcase. It took me probably a whole week to face the realization that most of our books would also have to stay behind. Two large boxes of our books now sit in Gabe’s grandparent’s house in Springfield until we have the room or the money--whichever comes first--to take them with us.

Now, I sit on a new couch that we managed to pick up for free among our boxes of dishes, appliances, pictures, and books (I did manage to bring along a few that I “can’t live without”). After my dad left yesterday and Gabe’s parents left this morning, tonight is our first in Pittsburgh without our parents or anyone familiar.  Mostly, we feel disoriented, like something is missing. Gabe’s grandparents are not a mile down the road, and Kala is not working at the local Chick-fil-a. When we enter a grocery store or walk down the hallway of our apartment, we’re no longer greeted with a bright, Southern, “Hey, how ya doin’?” Instead, people seem to look past us or through us.

Of course, these are the unfamiliar things, the things that can be scary and make one yearn for home and family. There have been many good things about this past week, too. Getting our apartment was  one of them. We knew we were lucky to pay only $355 a month for our Springfield apartment, but we didn’t realize just how lucky until we looked at apartments here. Apartments not nearly as nice as our old apartment cost twice as much near CMU. We saw many apartments and had many interesting adventures along the way, whether it was meeting the local residents or finding our way through the maze of Pittsburgh’s signless streets. But in the midst of confusion and frustration, we found a complex in the middle of renovation. We were able to find an apartment nicer and larger than our Springfield apartment that was just within our price range.  After a few days of apartment searching, we started to feel that maybe our life in Springfield wasn’t so bad. At least we were comfortable. But despite our initial desperate rushing around the city, I think we will be able to make a comfortable living here as well.

We were so ready to leave Springfield, but certainly there are things about that city that we will miss. Gabe’s main regret is that we never had a last meal of the infamous Springfield cashew chicken. Though I can’t say I will particularly miss the cuisine, Springfield does hold memories for both of us. Of course, Gabe and I met in Springfield almost five years ago now. We’ve fostered many friendships in that city, many of which we will continue to keep in touch with from far away.

But, for now, we say a fond farewell to Springfield and welcome the new opportunities that Pittsburgh will bring. 

Pictures and more stories still to come!