Coming Home

by kristen

December 8, 2009 | Life | 7724 responseshttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.thehousestudio.com%2Fwp%2F2009%2F12%2F08%2Fcoming-home%2FComing+Home2009-12-08+16%3A53%3A54kristenhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.thehousestudio.com%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D772

I used to be proud of my graduate degree from the Big 12 (go Sooners!). But recognizing long ago that good leaders hire people better than themselves, God recently smiled on The House and brought us our newest employee. And even though her graduate degree from the University of Edinburgh makes mine look a little anemic, we are thrilled to our toes to have her here. And so, please put your hands together and welcome the newest member of our family–KRISTEN ALLEN!

–Bruce

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I recently had a revelation about myself—I’m a nomad. There. I said it.

With tears in my eyes, a Ziploc bag of mom-made chocolate chip cookies and my slowly-dying iPod as my only traveling companions, and all the belongings I could safely pack into my car, I left the Hoosier state—again.

For varying lengths of time, I’ve called Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and even Scotland “home.” But, since leaving for college seven years ago, I’ve never lived in any one dwelling longer than 13 months. I’m halfway to 30 and still don’t own a bed. Not even a secondhand futon. Not even an air mattress. Instead, I’ve been at the mercy of unbelievably gracious family members and friends who’ve allowed me to live in their homes.

As a result, the word “home” has been a concept rather than a static place. It’s been great while it’s lasted, but I’m finally ready to form roots. Arriving in Kansas City on Monday, I started the apartment hunt the next day and fell in love with a charming studio apartment hours later. And now I’m so, so excited to sign a lease. To have a key for my place. To buy a bed.

Probably not by coincidence, I’ve been a bit of a nomad professionally as well. I know, I know, I’m only 25. I have my whole life to find the perfect job. But, I have to admit I’d started to feel a bit discouraged that I hadn’t yet found my professional home—the place where my talents, personality, and faith perfectly intersect.

Only weeks ago, on a particularly rough day at my old job, I very honestly told my boss how deeply I longed to move on to something else. Something new. Something…

The next morning, I got a completely unexpected call that quickly changed, well, everything. In less than two months, I interviewed at The House Studio, was offered and accepted my dream job, gave notice at my old one, and moved 505 miles from my sisters, brother-in-law, Boxer niece, and unborn human niece. I’ve moved not because I planned to. Not because I sought a future away from my family. But because I felt a calling to fulfill that desire to make my life matter. To use my God-given gifts. To make a career, a home, for myself.

I can’t wait to settle in, both at The House and my house. I can’t wait to be home.