Life Update: "Tea" has become coffee...

Let's chat... I'm back like I left because I'm not the same Rhema I was a year and some change ago when I started writing to you. Life has been "lifing" in the most life way possible. Good things, confusing things, painful things, exciting things, BIG things, small things, self-reflecting things, and just overall the epitome of how life be. Like I'm now a coffee drinker which is adulting on a new level alone for me. love this adventure we've been on and traveling abroad. Going into my 5th season, there's so much that I want to share; so much I want to express as I've shifted and molded throughout all this experience and I pray that you resonate...but also that you don't in some cases. Let's just start with a little catch-up/life update and like our husbands' careers, see where it takes us...(cuz we don't be knowin').

For starters, I made a person with my body and that will eternally be the single most amazing thing I'll ever do CUZ WHAT?? My husband was making layups while I was building lungs and while I can't dunk on him, creating organs will forever be a flex he can't guard me on! ;) But truthfully he's been the best and we're slowly but surely adjusting to having a baby with our chaotic and unpredictable lifestyle. It can get a little tough for me to create consistency in her routine during busy off-seasons and uncharted territory (housing) overseas but considering this is our first time at the rodeo, we're killin' it I think!

We sleep trained our little one during our season out in Czech Republic when she was 6 months old and that's been the most effective hack to creating that consistency and routine for all of us. None of us were sleeping well or managing our days effectively because we were all exhausted from co-sleeping in the tiny bed we were provided. While I understand and am 100% open to the fact that babies come with their own version of chaos and unpredictability, sleep needed to be prioritized for all of us to function IN that chaos so...that's what we did and it works for us! She's now 1 year old and an amazing sleeper. Whether they're naps or bedtime, I now have time to get a smidge of my pink back. Like I recognize myself a little more now. My husband and I have time to catch up after his practices. I'm as rested as a mommy can get with a toddler to tackle the solo-parenting days that this lifestyle often requires. No regrets. All-in-all, we're all doing our best to survive and thrive in all this sporadic energy.

...Which brings me to my next update; um...we bought a HOUSE. O_O. That's absolutely insane and so incredibly covered in GOD DID! I will always be grateful to our families who opened their doors and bedrooms to us during off-seasons. In a world where family is broken and relationships are strained, it is the biggest blessing to have loved ones open their space to you and yours with no strings attached. I will never forget the time spent and experiences had in that basement bedroom. Like I became a wife and mother in that room. In that same breath of gratitude, there's a big sense of accomplishment and adultness in committing to planting your own roots and really putting your imprint on the world in that kind of way. I can't stress enough how scary but EXHILARATING it is to be the holders of keys to this piece of the kingdom.

The responsibility and assignment we now have to create a home that calls us and our loved ones back in when the world has been too much is like "wow". We're the new parents and auntie/uncle with a safe place.. I mean that's deep but it's truly bigger than putting pictures up and wallflowers in outlets, it's ministry. Won't lie though, there's something undeniably special and spoiled about sitting on toilets that no one else has graced and sleeping in beds we got to break in. That's one of the few luxuries that hopping around the world doesn't afford us so imma drag this win out! Shout out to my husband who works hard and budgets like there's no game tomorrow. He did his big one! Shoutout to myself for somewhat sticking to our budget throughout the years to make it happen. Team work really does make the dream work. Lol.

Last but not least, not that you asked, I've grown. I've started speaking up for myself and giving myself a fair shot at creating boundaries that protect my peace. There's so much I don't have a say in in this lifestyle -iykyk- but I had to realize that I can actually control who and what has access to me and how access is granted. I have choices in most things. I've also apologized to whomever was caught in the crossfires between me and this new evolved version of myself. That's been an ongoing tour that I'm starting to embrace with boldness. I've intentionally recognized some areas of myself that I've either neglected or have recently been introduced to as well and as if that wasn't humbling enough, I've started to tell both sides of stories and exposing myself, good, bad or indifferent in them. Evolving from the people-pleasing, timid, subservient and passive-aggressive nature I've aways lead with, I never wanted to be wrong or show my cards. Now? I'm throwing these cards in the air and letting them fall where they may. It's like a game of 52 card pick-up but make it mentally beneficial and freeing. Lol. Getting back to me -whatever that looks like in a moment- is so stunningly ugly and dully colorful but it's my journey and I'm blessed that I even have the grace to walk in the oxymoron that is RHEMA'S LIFE. God is good and just. He's been faithful and I will live for Him in it all.

I won't bend your "eyes" too much longer; just wanted to share a few things that were going on that I've been reflecting on as I close out this off-season and prepare for the new season in Greece. Looking forward to seeing how I tackle it now that I'm a mom, wife, homeowner and intentionally evolving girlie. Join me and see?

Remember: Ball is bills paid, Ball is designer, Ball is exposure, Ball is a dream come true, Ball is a ticket around the world, Ball is long-lasting friendships and for some, Ball is just a means to an end but God is life...

Thanks for reading!

See you on the sidelines for season 2025-2026!

Love ya'll so much!