Was Our Move to Nova Scotia a Mistake?
Almost four and a half years ago, our family left Ontario and moved to Nova Scotia. Many times during our time in Nova Scotia, I stated that I had no desire to move back to Ontario. Now we are back in Ontario.
Was our move to Nova Scotia a mistake?
I do not want to speak for my family. I can only speak for myself.
I will say that there were a number of challenges during our time in Nova Scotia. I will not go into details but they include a number of injuries within our family, although not limited to just that. However, I do not believe that they were because we were in Nova Scotia.
Although I am no longer pastoring, that should not be taken as an indication of a negative experience at the church we were at in Nova Scotia. They were a very loving and supportive church.
And yet only four years in another province is not that long.
There was much about Nova Scotia that we enjoyed. It is one of the most beautiful places that we have been. We loved how you could get to so many diverse places within a short drive (unlike Ontario). Of course we enjoyed the people as well, slowly learning maritime culture, and experiencing east coast hospitality.
I had a positive experience in my military career as well. There is a strong military presence in Nova Scotia and because it is geographically small, I was able to make a lot of connections. I experienced some new things while there that has informed my current role. I really enjoyed the units that I was able to serve with: 3 Military Police, 3 Intelligence Company, and the Nova Scotia Highlanders.
However, the main reason I would say that moving to Nova Scotia was NOT a mistake is that I was able to co-pastor with Amanda. While it did not last as long as we had hoped, due to health reasons, it was an amazing opportunity. Our gifts complemented each other and I will always treasure the time we had to pastor together. I saw her ministry and leadership gifts flourish and I remain extremely proud of her.
While there a few things that would have been easier if we had not moved to Nova Scotia, overall it was a positive experience and so it was NOT a mistake.
Would we ever go back to Nova Scotia? While we love the province, two cross-country moves were very exhausting. I do know that we definitely want to return for visits.
I am thankful for our time in Nova Scotia and I am thankful for our time in Ontario. Each experience has been valuable.
