August 7th - One Year Wedding Anniversary

8/7/2016

2 countries, 3 homes, late-night Netflix marathons, Will graduating, Chipotle and pizza nights, soccer and basketball games, Cincinnati and Lyon adventures, Taylor Swift jam sessions, too many oreos, Jimmy Fallon videos, Bengals and Westbrook games, attempts at French conversation, and city bike rides. What a year!

It's been a crazy and exciting 12 months of marriage. I know I'm still a "newbie" but I think marriage is the most wonderful thing. We probably haven't had the most "normal" first year of marriage. We spent the first 5 months in the US preparing for our move to France and the last 7 months settling in here in Lyon. This year has been full of change and totally new things. It has been so difficult at times (mostly because of the big move), but having an incredible husband by my side has been amazing.

While in the States, we started to get the hang of “married life.” Moving to France made things very difficult as I really wasn’t able to do that much. Since we were living with Will's family, I wasn't cooking, cleaning, or doing a lot of the normal things I was used to (& loved doing for Will). Will began taking on a lot of the day-to-day things I normally did. Especially since I’m a foreigner, there was so much paperwork involved for my visa, my insurance, my bank account, my French classes, etc. There were moments when I felt helpless and was not able to do anything on my own or for Will. I am so incredible grateful to have a patient and loving man who has never complained about all the many things he has had to do since our move. I have constantly been reminded of how selfless the relationship between husband and wife should be and how amazing it is when both people are living for the interest of the other.

Since being in France, I have been trying to find my specific purpose here. It has been difficult to not work and to have my life completely turned around, but the one thing I have been able to focus on is my role as a wife. Encouraging and praying for Will and striving to build a strong foundation for a thriving life-long marriage.

Of course there have been many struggles and tears, but this year has been a huge opportunity for us to fight through the craziness of life and stay connected and close to one another.

We have so much to learn and many adventures and battles to face in the future but we're excited for what is to come, especially in this second year!

Sharing one of my favorite songs from my favorite singing couple.

Resources

Will and I are reading/read a lot of books throughout our engagement and now as we're married. Below I've shared my 2 favourite books we've worked through together:

"101 Questions to ask Before You Get Engaged"
H. Norman Wright
This is a really great book to work through when engaged or seriously dating. It asks a lot of important questions that help you think, discuss, and prepare for a future marriage, especially the practical things.

"Two As One: Connecting Daily with Christ and Your Spouse"
Ryan & Selena Frederick (Fierce Marriage)
This couple is really incredible. Will and I are about half way through this devotional and it is really amazing. Just as the title says, it encourages growth and connection with Christ and your spouse while talking about specific topics each day.

They also have a lot of great resources on their Facebook/Instagram pages. (Fierce Marriage) Check it out.