I made it... the nation's capital? really? the east coast? what?

So no one has to continue worrying...

Just so everyone knows, I made it to Washington DC this afternoon. We left the house about 4:00 am Pacific Standard time and I arrived in DC about 6 pm Eastern Standard time. As I talked to people during my travel, I know they were thinking that I was some high schooler who was going back home to start high school again. To their surprise I have graduated college, lived in South America, and moving to DC! As I arrived to my apartment complex, Crystal Towers in Arlington, Va, I have already begun to see how different this experience will be compared to any other I have thus far had. The diversity is refreshing while the humidity is stifling! I brought a straight iron for my hair...let's just say my hair will NOT be getting straightened my entire stay here!

I feel all grown-up, that sums up the beginning of this new chapter of my life. We are in an apartment with two bedrooms and two bath, there are four of us. They are quite nice. No longer do I feel like I am living in college apartments, I feel like I should actually have nice/classy things and take pride in my living accommodations... the wonders of coming of age! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be moving to DC, just showing up, not being familiar with the area, going off to the stores on my own, and teaching in an inner city school! Only the Lord knows and I can attest to that. I know this is where the Lord wants me right now, I just don't exactly know why. I know He has something planned and something for me to learn. I know there are people here that I need to interact from, help, serve, and learn from. I almost feel like I have left on my mission again...just this time in shorts, no name tag, and no companion...a bit different not having someone glued to your side...that companion came in handy and was an excellent security blanket at all times. Only time will tell.

I don't know what I am doing with my life after December. I don't know where I am going to live. I don't know what I am going to do. The sky is the limit. The Lord tells me that I cannot decide until I am here for a time. So, it makes me wonder...there is something here in DC that is going to impact my life so much that it is going to change or make me or help me or course me to make a decision one way or another. I have this feeling that it is something I have not thought about pursuing before... but maybe it isn't. I just know that this experience is going to impact the rest of my life as well as my perspective on life. So, here is to my 2nd mission. I pray that the Lord will give me the strength and courage to share the Gospel through word, deed, and example while I am here and be a true messenger and tool in the Lord's hand. I am so truly blessed and want to share those blessings with those around me. I know the kids in the school need the Lord's help in so many ways!

Only time will tell.