“Why exactly did you move to Texas?”, “Are you Chloe’s nanny?”, “How long are you staying in Texas?”, and “Will you be moving back to Ga?” – These are a few of the questions which I am often asked and I am sure many of you may be wondering the same things. With that being said, I’ve decided that my first post should be my story about moving to Texas and what I’m doing now that I’m here. In the future, my post will not be this long. Before reading my story, I hope you will take the time to listen to this song. I have made it the theme song for my story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TKAN-nAsu8

Let’s begin…

December 2008, I began babysitting Chloe in Ga. Sheri, her mom, was at the local park one day and asked a mom there if she knew a good babysitter. The other mom recommended me to her. Sheri wondered if it was the same Ashlynn that taught Chloe dance and volunteered at her preschool. Sure enough I was. I babysat Chloe very often and it didn’t take long for me to start thinking of her as a little sister. The day came for Chloe and her parents to move in Jan 2011. I was in tears saying goodbye to them but I promised to visit.

In March 2011, only two months after they had moved, I came to Texas for a visit. I will never forget the first thing Chloe said to me, “Miss Ashlynn, I missed your smell.” After that first visit, I came to Texas every summer and Christmas break. One summer was different than the others it was in 2013. I felt in my heart that I was supposed to move to Texas but I wasn’t clear as to when. I began praying about it right away. I cried when it was time to leave Texas and I felt like I was leaving my heart there. I spoke to my parents about it as soon as I was back home after my trip. My mom told me God had prepared her heart and she felt like I was going to tell her something like that. I continued praying for God to reveal to me when I would move to Texas.

 

A couple years passed and in the summer of 2015, just this past year, I was in Texas and felt God speaking to my heart about moving here and needing a change in my life. My visit was nearing an end and I dreaded leaving. I began praying right away that God would reveal to me His plan and lead me in the right direction. This is cheesy but we got Chinese food one of the last nights I was in Texas and my fortune in my cookie said, “Don’t be afraid to take that big step.” The first Sunday I was back in Ga, the message at my church really spoke to my heart.  It was about how God has a story for each of us and sometimes we start writing our own story but it needs to be changed to fit God’s story for us. I felt like God was speaking to me through this message that it was time for a change in my own life.

summer 2015

After talking with my family and other adults that I look up to, I decided to take this leap of faith and move to Texas. I knew I could easily move back to Ga and live with my family if it didn’t work out. I said my goodbyes and packed up my car. One thing I later realized is that God had this planned all along. I was going to drive my car to Texas in the summer but my car started acting weird and wasn’t reliable. I go back home and my car is perfectly fine. God knew that I would be driving it to Texas in September so He didn’t want me making the trip twice. Thanks heavenly Father for looking out for me!

 The day I arrived in Texas. I surprised Chloe and she couldn’t believe I was actually here to stay.

Was I nervous about moving all by myself? YES! I was nervous/worried about many things and I was sad to leave my family and friends. Once I arrived in Texas, I set up an interview at a Christian Dance Studio where Chloe has danced for years and I’ve always wanted to work there. The director informed me that she could only offer me a sub position. I show up to the interview and she starts by telling me she has 5 classes for me to teach if the interview goes well. That was an answer to prayer because I was hoping to teach and not just sub. The first few weeks I was here, I also met many new people to start babysitting for. One thing after the other gave me peace about my decision to move here. I knew that God was looking out for me and I needed to just continue to trust Him.

It is now February and I am still very happy about my decision. I live with Chloe and her family but no, I am not her Nanny. I am part of their family and I am very thankful for them! Chloe and I call each other sisters. Another question I often get asked is “Did you move because of a boy you met in Texas?” The answer to that is no. I currently teach 12 dance classes  weekly and some months I teach additional classes that are offered. I also teach pilates at the YMCA and I will soon start teaching dance there as well. My schedule stays busy with babysitting and pet sitting. I meet new people everyday that are looking for a sitter. I’m getting more connected in the church I attend here by being in a small group Bible study and I’m in the process of becoming a volunteer in the children’s ministry. I still am unclear as to what God’s future plan is for me in Texas, but I know He will use me for great things. I will continue to trust in Him daily! This is my new favorite song and I encourage you all to listen to it –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv-SXz_exKE

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34