A Taste of Independence

So for the past two weeks, Jason and I have been pretty much inseparable. In part because we are crazy about each other and in part because we don't know anyone else:) Nevertheless, today I made some big strides in independence in this new city. My first solo city bus excursion was successful! I started my new job today at Cornish College of the Arts as the new Music Department Coordinator and even though Jason said he would accompany me on my travel to the school, I wanted to prove to myself that I could get around the city by myself. So, I planned out my route and everything was going fine until I missed my connecting bus. I tried not to panic, but I must have looked concerned because this man with a patch over one eye and a cane with skulls on top (I swear he was a pirate!) asked if I was lost. He told me where to get on the next bus and I arrived at my new job on time. I also made it home just fine in case you were worried.

It is too soon to tell, but I think I am going to enjoy my new job. The previous Department Coordinator has been at Cornish for eight years and so I have some big shoes to fill, but I believe I am up to the challenge. The benefits are great - 20 days of vacation in my first year in addition to the standard holidays. Everyone has been very nice so far, so I am off to a good start.

Besides the new job, another huge answer to prayer happened tonight. I was invited by a girl in my apartment building to a small group she host at a local coffee shop. I went tonight and met ten incredible, unique, and diverse women. It is so good to be forming friendships and I was truly blessed by our conversation and time together. New friendships are so special! I am even spending the day tomorrow with one of the women I met tonight. God is so good!

God has been so gracious to us in this new place. We are incredibly thankful for the joys God is bringing into our lives each day. My taste of independence today was a great confirmation that soon I can call this place home.

A New Start

My husband Jason and I just moved to Seattle, WA from our home in Sioux Falls, SD about two weeks ago and if this new start for us isn't enough, I am starting another something new: a blog. I am twenty-six years old and have only moved one other time in my life and change is always scary. Nevertheless, Seattle is an exciting place blooming with possibility. Jason is attending a Foo Fighters concert tonight at the Key Arena and I figured there is never a better time then the present to begin a new project.

For the past eight years, I have lived in Sioux Falls, SD. I left my home in Mott, ND after high school to attend college there. The University of Sioux Falls will always hold a special place in my heart for, in many ways, the lessons I learned there and the people I met, molded me into the woman I am today. Besides, I have to love the place that indirectly led me to the love of my life, Jason.

After graduating with two music degrees and living in a college dorm for most of the past eight years, I am ready to embrace my love of the arts and pursue a career based around music. I have always loved to sing and am looking forward to the possibilities in a city so richly grounded in the arts. So far, I do not have a position here, but I am trusting the Lord's leading and patiently pursuing one job in particular.

Speaking of college dorms, it is very quiet in our new apartment building, which is something I have not been used to for a very long time. With seventy or more students living in community with us in a college dorm for the past two years, it is quite the change to go hours without anyone knocking on our door or screaming outside our window. Surprisingly enough, I actually miss all the ruckus from time to time. However, I am excited to watch our neighbors walk by with a twelve pack of beer and say to myself, "They can drink all they want and I don't have to do anything about it." Ah, the days of being an RD are but a sweet memory.

We do miss our friends in Sioux Falls and pray that God will lead us to some wonderful people in our new home. I am excited to find a church and embrace the life that God has called us to here. We love our new apartment and enjoy learning new things about the city everyday. Jason bought me flowers at the Market today, only adding to the sweetness and beauty that I love about him and about all God has for us as we begin a new start.