I'm excited to start a blog to keep our friends and family updated on the Adventuring Armstrongs in Monterey, on to Montenegro and beyond!
The past five months have been quite an adventure and we've only more to come from here! On May 18, 2013, Jim and I married at First Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN surrounded by our favorite people. After a wonderful honeymoon in St. Lucia and a fun month living with the McCormack clan in Old Town Alexandria, we set off on our first adventure - heading out West. Over the course of a little over a week, we made our way across the country in the "Tonka Truck". Our route started in Virginia and took us through West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and finally to California. It covered parts of the United States that I had never seen before and that Jim was more than excited to show me. We even camped and fly fished in Montana. Those of you who know me well might be surprised at this but I can honestly say I had a fantastic time. My wonderful husband is quite the skilled camper and made me feel right at home which came in handy when we had to "camp" in our new home in Monterey for two weeks while we waited for our household goods to arrive! We quickly settled into a house in downtown Monterey and I had a blast decorating it and making it feel like home.
Jim started class at DLI (Defense Language Institute) on August 22nd. Unfortunately, there wasn't room in the class for me. In the beginning, this was very disappointing but I have come to realize, yet again, that the Lord has a "plan to prosper us and not to harm us"! I was able to find a wonderful tutor named Marina who I Skype with twice a week. She has customized lessons for me to learn exactly what I will need to know to survive and thrive in Montenegro. It is very challenging but fun! Jim and I try to speak Serbian words and phrases to each other as much as possible around the house. That's the hard part because his vocabulary and grammar skills far exceed mine!
So far we have really enjoyed Monterey. The cooler weather has been a little bit of an adjustment but on the days that it is sunny it is absolutely beautiful. The house that we live in is within walking distance from downtown Monterey, Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row and so much more. One of my very favorite things to do is visit the sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It is impossible not to smile when you see the joy and playfulness these adorable creatures exude. We even got memberships so that we can visit our sea otter neighbors whenever we want! We've also enjoyed all of the beautiful hiking in the Bay area, especially Big Sur.
With my spare time I decided to apply for a job at J.Crew. I've been working there part-time for two weeks now and I'm having a blast. How can you not like helping women pick out stylish clothes from your favorite store and get paid for it!
Jim and I have also been blessed with finding a great church. We are attending Carmel Presbyterian Church. The members there have welcomed us with open arms. We are grateful beyond belief to have found a church to call home. The Lord provides!
I look forward to keeping you updated on all the adventures that our life holds, big and small!
