Most Grateful Heart

Georgia has been treating us pretty well. Beautiful weather, landscaping, awesome people to meet and of course Brad's job that he is just in love with. He just barely went on a business trip to Houston Texas. He loved how much the freedom they give him to come up with ideas—and, knowing Brad, he likes to come up with ideas. It looks as if they are planning on hiring him after the internship—they have said they like to convert their interns to full time employees. I have peace in my heart that being here is the right thing for us. Heavenly Father has blessed us with a beautiful and safe city to live in, which means the world to me.

Coming here was really overwhelming at first, but now we seem to know some people (a few) and have a place to live and a car to drive. Thank goodness! I have to say I am falling in love with this place. I love the sunshine and the greenery all around me. I love the thunderstorms in the middle of the night. Of course we already had a tornado warning once so that was scary, since we don't have a place to hide.

I LOVE my ward! The first Sunday up here, I was so discouraged and not sure if I even liked Georgia and the people. But I was proven wrong by my ward. They were so helpful and ready to do anything for each us. The first Sunday felt like I was at home, safe and happy. I used to not feel like going to church the last 8 months up in UT. It's not like I didn't like going to church, but somehow I didn't feel like part of "the family." I bet everyone in that ward felt the same way.  But, up here I just can't wait to go back. Brad and I are like part of a big family. It's great! I can't ever go back to BYU student married wards. This ward became my support family. I'm just so grateful to be part of this church and knowing that no matter what ward we are in, the church is still true. Heavenly Father looks over Brad and me. 

I was so scared and nervous to start life up here, but somehow everything worked out. 

I have met a couple of people up here that made a difference in my life, and I am so grateful for their support and friendship. They made Brad and I feel at home, and that is something I will never forget. You know who you are ladies and gentleman :D

I do MISS so many people up in UT! I miss my family and close friends. I wish I could be part of my brother's mission preparation and soon to be his farewell. We talk, but still I want to be there part of it. I miss my sister Ashley and her sweet and exciting news that she has shared a couple of weeks ago. I wish I could be there to help and support her. I miss her so much! I miss my best friend that just got engaged to her sweetie. I want to be there and throw her a super awesome bachelorette party. Also, I want to be there for her marriage sealing. I miss my sister-in-laws and my parents. I miss JaNae and how much we would hang out and just talk our hearts out. She is one of my inspirations in life! Brad misses every one, too, just like me. I miss the 8 years I have lived in UT since I came from Ukraine. 

   

Let no moment pass and let me tell you about Georgia's traffic. People of UT, you might have heard that UT has the worst drivers, well that is only partially true. Georgia has the worst drivers and worst traffic. I'm not kidding! People speed 15 over the speed limit and cops don't do anything about it, unless you go over 20 mph. YUP! We have noticed that when an ambulance is coming through the intersection and if you stop you will be honked at by people behind you. Where is the hospitality now? Ok, I can go on and on, but you just need to drive up here to see it for yourself. Watch for your life! Another thing I really dislike is driving on I-285 (it's the freeway that goes around all of Atlanta), if you have no GPS, you might as well be lost!  

Overall, we are happy to be here in Georgia. Soon we are planning on visiting Georgia's aquarium and Coco Cola factory. I can't wait to actually experience Georgia and learn its history and culture. I can't wait to visit their hiking sites and the "mountains." I haven't seen one mountain yet, but hey I could be fooled haha. Their is a lot of beautiful rolling hills that makes this place look like a paradise. I should take some pictures one of these days. Brad and I say that this place is like Cali clashing with Georgia. Weather hasn't been to bad... yet, of course! 

  

Atlanta Temple (Only one temple in Georgia)

While editing this picture, I noticed how the light behind the temple made it look Heavenly. I just love that!

Brad and I after going to the Temple 

The freeways look like jungle, trees are almost falling over on the road. It's beautiful! It is quite pleasant to drive on the freeway. When Brad and I first came, we just were so amazed how green it was.

This is the road we take to go to Brad's work and also grocery shopping. It's kind of like a paradise ride for us.