Reflecting on a whirlwind six months

If you ask AI (Artificial Intelligence) what the honeymoon phase is it’ll say, “the initial, exciting and carefree period of a new relationship.” 

Since tying the knot last summer I’ve been asked many times if I’m enjoying the honeymoon phase. Given our unique situation, our honeymoon phase has been different than most. It has been overwhelming at times because of everything we’ve done in a short period. And during the busiest time of the year (harvest) on the farm. 

In the past six months, we’ve gotten engaged, planned a small family wedding and got married, started the lengthy and complex immigration process, bought new wheels, sold my condo in Manitoba, packed up all my belongings once again and moved me back to the family farm I grew up on, and I transitioned to remote work.

I appreciate a to-do list, and lately my list has been long. Some days, when I allow myself to think about it all, I can’t believe it all got done. While it has been overwhelming, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every day I’m thankful God sent me an American farmer from North Dakota. It’s funny how you can grow up so close to someone but be in two different countries. 

My sister-in-law recently asked me if I ever thought I’d be here – married to an American and planning to move to a new country. Definitely not. I had all but given up on finding love. But love has brought me full circle – back to where I grew up. And when we finally have the immigration process in the rear-view mirror and I can officially live with my husband in North Dakota, I’ll actually be living closer to my family than I have been since I moved away after high school. While we are finding the immigration process long and frustrating, we are determined to do it the right way. And as many people have said to me, years from now, we’ll look back on this time in our lives and say without a doubt that it was all worth it.

I have no doubt that what has pulled me through the past six months is the people. Most importantly, my husband, who constantly reassures me that everything will work out. As well as my family who have stood by me all these years and supported me through many big decisions including job changes and moves across Western Canada.

I also want to give a shout out to all the new family and friends I’ve met in the past 18-plus months. As someone who grew up in a rural community, I know how important community is. It can be tough being the new person in a small close knit community but you have all welcomed me (and maybe laughed at my Canadian ehs!) and I’m thankful for that.

Only God knows what 2025 has in store for us (fingers crossed for a carefree honeymoon phase!), but regardless, I will approach it with unwavering optimism, and add it to my to-do list!