some new stuff

Hi friends! I've gotten asked by several of you about what's going on in my world as of late, so I figured I probably should start being a better blogger. :O) That means...duh duh duh...update time. And then, hopefully, I will get back on the blogging bandwagon. So, here goes.

As you know (or hopefully know?), I moved to Maryland at the end of the summer following my 2 month stint in Uganda. I won't bore you with those details (the Maryland details), but let's just say...it's not for me. So, I am in the process of moving back to Nashville. I'm anticipating making the move in the month of March, but not quite sure exactly WHEN...probably towards the end of the month.

I've already found a GREAT place to live in East Nashville...just have to work out those pesky details such as figuring out how to afford two rents at the same time for a couple of months, leaving my job here, finding a job in Nashville, and moving all my crap across country once again. But, if you know me, you know I'm up for the challenge. Although not exactly happy and/or excited about the move itself since I just moved. SUPER excited to get back to Nashville, though!

My current work already knows I am going to be moving and has been incredible about giving me the time to figure things out. So, I am now just trying to figure out how to get a job in Nashville in this wrecked economy. (If you have any suggestions, I'm all ears!). I could most definitely use your prayers as I walk through this crazy time. Personally, it's been a very challenging time. But, I realize that God is bigger than the small things going on in my life and I am continually reminded of His grace and provision...and joy.

One of the coolest things about this past month is the amount of time I have been able to spend with my family. I realize that I may never have the opportunity to spend this amount of time with my parents again and it's been really fun. Having the new puppy has made my life crazy, as well, but it has forced me to depend on others for help, which I'm not always excited to do. So, I wouldn't trade this time for anything.

Anyway, that's the somewhat quick update. Moving to Nashville, need a job, if you want to send money, I'm ok with that. Haha. :O)

Obviously, as I get more things figured out, I will keep you posted!

a really weird morning.

So, I was on the bus this morning...and annoyed because it was late...and people were standing everywhere because the bus before didn't show up. I had a seat because I was early (supposed to be on the bus that didn't show). Lucky me, I guess.

Anyway. I digress. There's this girl (young, probably mid-20's) standing next to me in the aisle. She answers her phone (which I find kind of annoying in public spaces, particularly transportation). All of the sudden, though, she kind of yells, "NO! Where?" and then proceeds to start sobbing and hits the floor. Oh my gosh, what happened. Everyone is kind of looking at her and wondering what to do. I immediately put my hand on her while she is talking and then help her up once she gets off the phone. I finally get her into my seat and she tells us that her husband just called and said her brother-in-law, who is an FBI agent in Pittsburgh, had just been shot and was being Medivac-lifted to the hospital. Sam is his name. That's the only name I got from her this morning, but on that bus, I was praying hard for Sam and his family.

The girl's husband was going to drive into the city and get her, but can you imagine being trapped on a bus and getting news like that? I'm glad there were a few of us around her that actually cared enough to reach out and touch her....literally. By the time she got off the bus, she had calmed down and was making plans to get to Pittsburgh to be with her sister.

As I entered my building this morning, I ran into a co-worker and gave him the quick story because I was a little freaked out by it all. He just stopped by my desk and asked if I had seen the news. "What news?" His next words break my heart for Sam's family...."An FBI agent was killed in Pittsburgh." Man. I don't know her name, but my heart and my prayers go out for my bus companion and Sam's family.

I just found the story online: FBI Agent Slain Serving Drug Warrant

What a weird morning.

something really cool.

In a couple of weeks, I will be back in Atlanta (yippee! I will get my dog back!) for work and play. It's great that I can visit Atlanta now for work...although a bit weird?!

Anyway, tangent. So, I will be back in Atlanta. While I'm there, I am going to be taking part in a 3 day Refugee Simulation through World Relief. Our Atlanta office has been running these for a few years and I've heard really great things about them. Basically, it allows the participant to step in the shoes (as much as can be possible) of a refugee resettling in the U.S. We will essentially be refugees for 3 days. We will be treated as refugees, eat as refugees, and live with refugee families. SIGN ME UP. I am not naive and know that I'm not going to be staying at the Hilton and getting room service, but I am very anxious to walk the path of another. After working with refugees in Nashville and being in Africa this past year, I know the situations and conditions that many face when relocating to our country. It will be good to see it again, though, and LEARN how we can make this process easier. How we can serve our brothers and sisters better...love them better...care for them better. Sometimes all it takes is someone saying, "I know how you feel. Let's figure this out."

So, I can't wait to figure it out.

Anyone in Atlanta wanna join in? It costs a little bit of money, but would be completely worth it. Just let me know.

first day of work...and Heroes.

Today was my first day of work...it was GREAT!!! I really like the people I work with and am excited to dig and and get my hands dirty. This week promises to be a busy one...going to the Orioles game with my co-workers on Wednesday evening and then we have an off-site Thursday and Friday. So, I can't wait to jump right in!!!

Completely unrelated, I am SO EXCITED that Heroes is on right now. I mean, I can't really even explain how happy it makes me. Woo hoo!!! And it's freakin' scaring the bejeebies out of me! I used to watch it with the roomies, so I felt a bit more secure in not screaming aloud. I've covered my face several times. That Sylar is SCARY.

I am flipping to the Jets/Chargers game at commercials just to keep the fright factor down. :O)

today, i was offered a job...

...and I accepted!!!

I have been praying for peace about the outcome, so when the call came...I was ready. I have to tell you, though, when she said, "We want to offer you the position," I got a little crazy excited in my head. :O)

I start Monday...no time to waste! So, here are the details on where I will be working. The place is called World Relief and their headquarters are in Baltimore. My position is within the volunteer services division of the organization. Other than that, I will have to give more details after I begin working there...don't want to go blogging about a job I have yet to start.

All in all, I would say today has been a top notch day!

getting ready to head out.

I'm all packed up and ready to go...planning on hitting the road in a few hours, depending on traffic and how much sleep I feel like getting in the next couple of hours.

My job interview went well. I'm supposed to be called back for a second interview next week sometime (hopefully we can make it Friday since I'm technically going to be out of town all week), but I've learned not to get my hopes up. I really like the place, though, so at least it's something positive in the job search process!

I'll be in Nashville until Friday and then am going to head to Atlanta Friday morning. So, see some of you at some point somewhere!!!

job interview

So, I have a job interview tomorrow at 2:30 if you want to give a little shout-out to God for me. It's with a relief agency in Baltimore. More details to follow...if the interview goes well. :O)

I'm leaving for Nashville tomorrow night and will probably spend 2-3 days there and then head to Atlanta for a week or so. I'm really looking forward to getting back and spending some time with everyone. Clear your calendars! :O)

Hope to catch up with you (in person) soon!!!!