The Times, They Are A-Changin'

Hello internets,

I apologize in advance if this post comes off as whiny, TMI, or angsty.  I have had a lot of things on my mind lately (ha!) and wanted to take a minute to share my thoughts and most of all gratitude to my friends, family, and community.  

Anyone who really knows me knows that I love change. I would like to think that my upbringing (constantly moving to foreign countries) prepared me well for the Foreign Service. Yet, I have to admit that the last year at the Peterson house has been a constant whirlwind and admittedly I have at times struggled with the changes. Ryan joined the FS last September (I cannot believe it was only a year ago!) and since then nothing has been the same. It’s been a crazy year. We bought a house, got pregnant, moved twice within 6 months, arrived in Ciudad Juarez, and had our sweet little Senor.  I would be lying if I said we managed all of this without a lot of murmuring and tears (out of anger/frustration/etc.) on my part. 

I am embarrassed to say that over the last few months here in Juarez I have often called Ryan (or other family members) in tears, complained constantly about possible employment prospects, and generally become a bit emotionally unhinged.  I don’t want to embarrass him, but Ryan has been my rock throughout this crazy transition. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what I would be like at this point without his love and support. He deserves a medal for dealing with all of my hormonal madness.  I am also grateful for our loving family members and a wonderful consulate community who have embraced our little family.

El Senor’s arrival has also thrown me for a bit off a loop. It reminds me of the scene in ‘Juno’ where Jennifer Garner’s character is holding her son for the first time and she turns to Juno’s stepmom and says “How do I look?”  Juno’s stepmom replies "Like a new mom. Scared Shizless."  I am currently experiencing said terror, but the love and support from my family and friends have given me enough courage to hold on. I have no delusions that this will be an easy transition, but like the others we have experienced over the last year, I know that this one will be more than worth the while.

So in the meantime I doubt we will be posting many (if any) pics of fun baking projects (don’t worry I won’t/can’t stay away from my favorite hobby for too long). Though times keeps a-changin' and I expect there will be some more tears (mostly mine, not El Senor’s) I know we will be able to make it through this. Maybe you don’t believe in divine intervention but I can tell you that the events of just the last few weeks have reaffirmed my faith in a loving God who wants us to be happy. Just my two cents.

Love,

Sarah

* Disclaimer: I actually don’t really like Bob Dylan. Before I get any hate mail I would like to clarify that I think he is a brilliant songwriter, but I really don’t like his voice that much. Regardless, I felt the title of this song was an appropriate way to summarize how the last year has felt to me.