Marshalls Abroad

Life

An Unbelievably Exciting Update.

{All of these gorgeous photos were taken by my lovely friend Sarah}

I have been wanting to sit down and share this since we found out, but have been running around like a crazy person trying to get ready for the movers to arrive in a few days. Cam and I are selling furniture, our cars, the majority of my closet, cleaning, organizing, packing and spending time with friends… and that cute little muffin attached to my hip.
The amazing news is still sinking in for us. It is so exciting, it’s a little surreal. Since this post, Cam was selected as an Olmsted scholar!! We are still headed to Monterey, California for language school, and then, we are moving to Zagreb, CROATIA!!
There are so many special aspects of this, but possibly the most exciting thing to me, is my husband is going back to school. It means he won’t be going on deployments, leaving for months of training, leaving in the middle of the night for ranges, frequently leaving for days on end for exercises, or coming home at all hours of the night. He will be working hard, yes, for a Master’s, in a foreign language, but he will be a student, living at home with me, and traveling the country together on the weekends as a family! I could not be more ecstatic about the prospect of time and adventures that John and I will get with him. If you could only see the happy dancing and leaps in the air happening right now behind this screen.
And, Cam and I will be learning the language and heritage of my Mom’s family! We are so excited about that.
The Olmsted program, and Europe, has been something Cam and I have been drawn to, talked about, and prayed about for years, truly believing that God wants us to ask Him for the desires of our heart and trust Him. We really shouldn’t be surprised at all by the Lord’s goodness. He is so good. He is so faithful in prayer. He didn’t answer how we were imagining. He answered far better. As He always does. Throughout this whole process, which has been long, we have been reminded over and over again around each turn and bend to trust God. We’ve basically had to have that beat over our heads to get it through our thick skulls. It’s as if He’s been saying to us, “Just TRUST ME already!”
So… laku noΔ‡!  Or something like that  πŸ˜‰


Comments

  2. Noa / www.noablog.com says

    I don't comment often, but do follow each post you write. How exciting!!!!! I can only imagine what adventures will await you, both in the USA as Cam goes for his Masters, and then in Europe. God IS good. I have a big smile plastered on my face right now πŸ™‚

  3. Lottie says

    Such exciting news! Your family is beyond blessed. Wishing you all the best in California and then in Croatia…you'll have the time of your life!

  5. Sarah Burton says

    Ahhhhh so unbelievably excited for y'all!! I have the biggest grin on my face. Can't wait to see what the Lord has for you in this next stage!! Congrats!

  9. brittany says

    ahhhh i am seriously sooo thrilled for you guys!! what an answer to prayer!!! and so, are you part croatian?! because to be learning about your fam history is beyond awesome!! and to have more of cam to yourself, ahh. i love your sweet, inspiring family. y'all are so strong and loving. it really shows πŸ™‚

    • Amanda Marshall says

      you're so sweet, Britt. My fam is Bosnian — which up until the 90's was all one country and they all speak the same language though Croatians and Bosnians will say it's different! πŸ˜‰ YAYAYAY for having Cam to myself!!!!!!! Sorry, Marine Corps, but I get him for a few years!! God is good.

  10. Ech and Will says

    That's amazing! I've been to the historical part of Zagreb twice since we've been stationed in Italy and I really enjoyed both visits. Croatia as a country is just amazing, I wish we had the opportunity to live there. I'm excited for your family!

  11. Nicky says

    i'm not usually a big commenter, but i couldn't help myself! i visited croatia with my family after graduating from college and absolutely fell in love with the people, the food and the stunning views. we were treated to such hospitality, passion for their culture and their food, and some of the most beautiful scenery. don't miss dubrovnik or hvar! seriously cannot WAIT to see your pictures and the food you cook there!! congrats to you and your gorgeous family πŸ™‚

  12. Kaolee says

    That is amazing! I have been loving all these pictures in Japan so I am sure there will be lots of beautiful pictures from your new travels!

  14. Tim and Lanna Britt says

    LOVE that's it's final!! So happy for you guys — and can't wait to have you stateside — before coming to visit you in CROATIA!!!!!
    πŸ™‚
    You DEFINITELY have a pocket full of sunshine!!!
    love, lanneybear

  15. Caroline says

    Croatia!!! That is at the very top of my "reeeeeeeeeeally-want-to-visit" list. Congratulations to Cam and your whole family πŸ™‚

  16. choose to be happy blog says

    oh amanda!! this is so so amazing! you inspire me. you really, truly do. yall's marriage and faith! sooo wishing we didn't have to live many moons away from one another!! i could pick your brain for hoooours πŸ™‚ SO excited for yalls new adventure. so much love!!

    • Amanda Marshall says

      Awww thanks Chels!! If you come to Cali anytime this next year, we have got to meet up. Or even chat on the phone!! You can have your glass of wine in hand and I'll have mine and it'll alllmost be like we're in person πŸ™‚ Love you!!

  18. Megan Brown says

    I've been reading your blog for quite some time, but this is the first time I've commented. I spent several weeks in Croatia a few years ago and it is, by far, one of my most favorite countries. It is such a beautiful country with so much culture, history, and simply amazing people. May God bless all three of you as you continue on this journey. Also…so excited that you won't have to deal with deployments for quite a while!! With family members in the military, I can certainly understand what a blessing that is!

  19. Michelle {lovely little things} says

    Amanda – what an amazing opportunity!! And so fortunate that Cam will be nearby to be among you and your son. Plus, not that Jordan wouldn't have been an adventure – but Croatia is…sublime! I spent a week in Dubrovnik, Trogir, and The Plitvics Lakes, it is stunning and wonderful, wholesome people. Enjoy this journey!!

  20. Carol {Everyday Delights} says

    Wow what wonderful news and such a great opportunity you both have! Nick and I were in Croatia and couple of years ago and it was beautiful. And new and exciting journey ahead! Congrats to you both!

  22. Casey says

    So excited for you guys!! And for you and John having Cam with you more often…that's such a blessing! I'm excited to see what fun Croatia holds for you guys! We'll be visiting Split and Dubrovnik on our cruise in a few weeks, so I'll get a little taste of the lovely life you'll be living soon. Anywho, hugs & congrats to you all!

  23. Sabols in Japan says

    Congratulations!!! How exciting! We visited Croatia twice while living in Germany. You'll love it! I know you'll leave a piece of your heart here in Oki but what fun awaits you in this next chapter! Lynn

  24. redheadchick says

    Croatia! Wow! What an awesome destination for you guys! I have never been but would love to visit someday. Congratulations to you three, I'm so excited for you (and the shore tour part too, that is going to be fabulous!!)!

  29. Lauren DOrazio says

    I'm sorry you're not staying in California for longer, but Croatia is AH-mazing!! You will have to go to the island of Hvar while you're there. The people there are some of the nicest people I've ever met. Everyone is so friendly and just wants to help. I may be generalizing a bit. πŸ™‚ Have a great time! I can't to follow along!

  30. Ash says

    Congratulations! Your blog is beautiful I love reading all the posts and I am so excited for your family's opportunity. I can't wait to see the future posts!. πŸ™‚

  33. Bailey Schneider says

    Such amazing news! One of my best friends is from Zagreb, Croatia! We all went in 2010 and it's magical! The food, the cobbled streets…the island and the warm, turquoise water! And as for the people? Some of the warmest, friendliest people I've ever had the privilege of meeting! Can't wait to read all your adventures

  35. Katie Cook says

    I honestly am so so excited for you girl! I read this and cried!! The Lord is so so merciful, graceful, tender and loving:) Expect a visit from us!! xoxo Katie

  36. Rachel says

    I am finally catching up on your blog after a few busy weeks and I LOVE this exciting news πŸ™‚ Can't wait to see where this next adventure takes you and your sweet little family!

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