It's already started

Today was difficult. The apartment that I was going to rent fell through; the landlord ended up renting it out to another person. I was just shocked at first that I really didn't have an apartment lined up anymore and I stopped to take a few breaths and tell myself that it was okay and that I would find something else because I just realized that I'm in El Paso with about 150lbs. of luggage with no apartment to put it in and no vehicle to get me there. I'm staying with my VISTA supervisor temporarily...which I am very grateful for, she is very nice, and so is her husband. I don't know what I would do without them. I just feel stuck living out of my suitcases.


I think that I forgot to plan my brain for all of the what ifs that could happen moving out here....I have just had so many things, even little, planned in my head for my own relaxation and unwinding so I could start living in the city here. I know that I have only been here one full day, but I havem't had that moment where I look outside and take that deep breath and say, "This is Home". I feel as if I can't in the current situation, and I know that that is part of my challenge, but I feel like it's more of a vacation than a reality. I tell myself, and others I'm sure, that I'm so good at rolling with the punches and being able to adapt well in stressful situations, but today I, well in retrospect, maybe I did a good job....I didn't complain or get that frustrated. I took a small breath and told myself that it was going to be okay and that God had my back.


I learned that some of the other VISTAs from last year stayed with my supervisor and her husband, Brittany and Ricardo, as well. Some for even two weeks. I just keep remembering that I cut out that quote to put on my new bedroom wall, "Is this not the worship I have chosen...to loose the chains of injustice and to free those who are oppressed?" Yet it may have to stay in the baggy inside my checked luggage for a little while longer. :( Maybe that is God's point, patience, humility, wisdom, understanding. The road will be narrow, and only a few find it...

The Beginning...

Today I flew into Albuquerque, NM. I've never been here before, it's kind of exciting. I met a ton of exciting people that are committed to serving. Hearing different stories of why/how they decided to get involved with Americorp reminds me that everyone here has a talent that they are bringing to those communities. At the welcoming thing today we had to meet three different people and answer three different questions, one each, as we stepped from person to person.

1)Why we joined/became interested in Vista?
2)Name a strength that we have.
3)What kind of legacy are we wanting to leave behind after a year of service?

The last question was hardest to answer. It really made me think about what I want to accomplish in the next year. I thought about being about to reach out to the community and that being too broad. Then I thought that maybe I can bring a new perspecive as someone that is not from the area nor has the same cultural background. I think that sometimes it's hard for a community to see outsiders wanting to help and get involved. I don't know, but I think that the question was good to start thinking about now.

I'm also excited about having a roommate for the next three days. She is from Louisiana and I think that I will learn a lot from her.

Tomorrow is the first full day of orientation. Tonight I should sleep very well after all the traveling, plus the bed looks amazing!

Peace Out Michigan >m

Tonight is my last in Michigan. I'm getting on a plane tomorrow and flying to Albuquerque for training. I'm pretty excited, and I have never been to NM before, which is an added perk. I'm kind of 50/50 with what to expect. There will be so many new and exciting faces and I can't wait to make new friends (maybe that sounds childlike, but it's the truth).

I have packed my bags within the last two days and said a lot of good-byes. I'm so stoked to be on another adventure. This year is going to be a challenge for my patience and humility. I know that I just need to remember that I'm not doing this for me, it's not about me, and I can't make it about me. I recently cut myself out a verse to put on my new bedroom wall to remind me of who I'm serving. "Is this not the worship I have chosen...to loose the chains of injustice and to free those who are oppressed?" It's from Isaiah 58:5 I think, but I like it because I found it in a book I was reading that was lent to me. The book was about being a new neighbor and really being involved in the community. It was about the organization Mission Year. What I like most is that the word they use for fasting, as it is in my bible, is worship here. It reminds me that being involved in the community and fighting for what's right is a form of worship. It's living out the Good News.

So, T-Minus about 12 hours and I'm on my way. Yippee!