My Truth About Fall

I love the fall.

Judge me. Call me basic. Call me a stereotypical white girl. See if I care.

Truly, it is my favorite season. It is just cold enough that I can break out my comfy sweaters  and flannels without having to cover them up with a bulky winter coat. The leaves all change and my 5-hour drive across the state to get to and from school for various breaks becomes more beautiful than you could ever imagine. It becomes more acceptable to bake because the house won't be boiling hot between a raging oven and high outdoor temperatures. 

And, it is a season of change. It is a wonderful transition between the suffocating heat of summer and the bitter cold of winter. It is a time of creativity--who ISN'T inspired by the colors and smells of autumn? It is the prime time to start cuddling up with the ones you love while drinking tea and reading a book or watching a good movie. And you can't forget that two of the best holidays occur during this time: Halloween and Thanksgiving. All the candy and all the stuffing. What could be wrong with that?

But, my love for fall came before all of these things became apparent to me. I can truly name two things that inspired my dedication to this wonderful season.

The first is my dad. It's his favorite season. I'm not entirely sure if it is the weather or the fact that it means he can watch the Steelers play football, but it is what it is. I have always wanted to be like my parents, and I distinctly remember him telling me that fall is his favorite at some point when I was young. From that point on, it became my favorite, too.

The second is that fall means school. And I repeat: judge me. I love school. I love learning. And fall has always meant that is school is in swing, which directly translates to learning. Sure, school stresses me out. It stresses everyone out. But who can deny that we're learning something important here? I know that I want a job someday. And there is no way that I can achieve what I want to without getting some sort of degree. And so, yes. I do love school.

So, my dear readers. Embrace the fall. Embrace the colors, the crisp air, and the almost-but-not-quite-bitterly-cold wind. Embrace the stress of school, because you are one of the blessed that has the opportunity be there. And embrace the inspiration that you can find in this season, be it from a foggy memory or a very distinct moment.

The Ever-Expanding Family Tree

"Friendship is unnessecary, like philosophy, like art. It has no survival value; rather, it is one of those things that give value to survival." -C.S. Lewis

I have always been one to consider my friends an extension of my family.

That mentality has become even stronger since I began college, especially this year. Being five hours from my parents and brother, when I have a bad day or something is wonky in my life, it often is my friends here at school that I turn to for advice, comfort, or distraction.

I am so blessed to have an amazing core group of friends that walks by my side and supports me here at school, day in and day out.

There are the ones that have been there since day one of freshman year. Bless you all, for sticking out the chaos of life with me (I am so sporadic and off-the-cuff sometimes...). Then there are the ones that have been in and out of my life due to uncontrolled circumstances, but at the end of the day are always there for me, and me for them. And thank the Lord for that--even with the occasional absences, they are some of the best friends I could ever have. And then there are the ones that are newer, but seem as though they have been there since the day I was born.

You all know who you are. You all know how much you mean to me. And I am so thankful for that.

It is my firm belief that family is not only the one that you were born into, but the one that you grow into. I will never take any of you (blood or not) for granted, but thank God every day that you are in my life and so amazing.

We've all been there through the good, the bad, and the ugly. We've learned from each other, grown with each other, laughed and cried with each other--life may not always be pretty, but at least we have each other through it all.

I love you all, and am so thankful for you. As we enter into this season of Thanksgiving, I urge anyone that reads this to go and tell someone that is in their "extended" family that they love appreciate them.

"No One Else Can Play Your Part"

November 10. World Suicide Prevention Day.

In this day and age, depression and self-harm are incredibly common. According to To Write Love On Her Arms (or TWLOHA), a leading organization fighting these diseases, more than 350 million people suffer from depression worldwide and 9.7% of Americans suffer from mood disorders (such as depression). The website also states that between 14 and 24 percent of youth have self-harmed at least once, with suicide being the third leading cause of death for Americans between 15 and 24.

These statistics are high. Too high. And there are ways to help. I can guaruntee that each and every one of you have met someone that is suffering from depression, or has in the past. It is something that can plague even those that seemingly have everything together. For example, yours truly. It's something that was present in my life through high school, and still causes some problems today. And, as afore stated, 9.7% of Americans have the same issue as I do.

Depression is hard to explain. Some days it can be crippling, making it virtually impossible to even get out of bed. But most days, it's just a nagging feeling in the back of your head. Something feeling slightly off, being the tiniest bit distracting, yet not completely tearing you down. But it is always there.

If you are struggling with depression, you are not alone. Reach out to me, to a close friend, a parent, a sibling--I was scared to say anything for a long time. I understand not wanting to feel like a burden. But you aren't. People love you and people care. Chances are, people already may even have a hunch. So go ahead and talk. Let it out. And if you aren't quite ready to talk about it, write it down. I am a firm believer in writing everything down. As Anna Nalick so aptly puts it in her song Breathe (2 a.m.), "If I get it all down on paper it's no longer inside of me, threatening the life it belongs to."

Today was created for a very specific reason: to help those that feel the most alone and let them know that they aren't.

If you are one of those feeling alone, take today to feel less alone. You are loved, you are important, and you are going to do great things. Never forget that.

If you aren't, then take today to reach out and show your love to someone. Maybe you know that they are struggling, maybe you don't But either way, we all need to feel loved. And today is the perfect day to express that.

Thanks for following along on my journey, and for taking the step to be brave for yourself and for someone else. Love you all.

Carpe Diem

Generally, celebrity deaths don't hit me too hard. With the exception of Mr. Rogers, I'm not sure that I've even ever cried over one.

But today, that certainly changed.

My favorite movie is "The Dead Poets Society." It made loving books and English feel cool. Less of a nerd. Made poetry more acceptable. I mean, Walt Whitman, HEY. But what really made the movie was Mr. Keats--or, Robin Williams.

In the movie, he pushed his students to embrace literature--and furthermore, to embrace themselves. No adolescent is good at that. But Mr. Keats pushed his students to do so.

In Aladdin, we saw Robin as the kind-hearted Genie, tending to a poor boy in love with a princess. Here, he carefully guided Aladdin (in his own way), and goodness did he make us all laugh.

There are countless other examples of how Robin Williams affected myself and so many others, more than I could hit in this single post.

Today, this world lost a wonderful comedian, actor, and man. It is so sad to see him go, especially given the circumstances.

I'm not sure what there more there is to say on the matter...rest in peace, Robin. You will be sorely missed, Captain.

O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,

The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won,

The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,

While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;

                         But O heart! heart! heart!

                            O the bleeding drops of red,

                               Where on the deck my Captain lies,

                                  Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;

Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills,

For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding,

For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;

                         Here Captain! dear father!

                            The arm beneath your head!

                               It is some dream that on the deck,

                                 You’ve fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,

My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will,

The ship is anchor’d safe and sound, its voyage closed and done,

From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;

                         Exult O shores, and ring O bells!

                            But I with mournful tread,

                               Walk the deck my Captain lies,

                                  Fallen cold and dead.

Rooted

I find it funny that I am writing on this topic when it is the theme for Ligonier Camp this summer (where I worked last summer as a counselor). But, it is appropriate and therefore it is what I will write about.

Now, first, sorry that I have been so M.I.A. Life has been crazy and my mind has been spinning with the work that I am doing and the things that I can do in Louisville with the wonderful friends that I have made. But, I felt as though I didn't have too much to say. Not worth an entire blog post, anyway!

However, I now have something that has been on my heart and mind for a long time now, and I think that it's time to write it out. That's what writers do, after all.

I have spent the past week back at Westminster covering the New Wilmington Mission Conference. I had never been to it, but now here I am totally changed by it.

When I came, I was excited because I was going to be back at Mother Fair and because I was going to get to write about missionaries--I love missionaries. I have always thought that was the coolest job, and kind of wanted to do it.

But, as I spoke to them and thought more about where I am in life (and voiced it to a few of them in the process), I found myself thinking, "So you think this is a cool job--why couldn't you do it?" And the more I thought about it, the more I began to say "okay."

The nudges have been happening for a very long time. Sort of like the nudges toward seminary that I've gotten for forever and a day, this is something that has been on my heart. But, I always had my own agenda. I think, after this week, I'm finally ready to listen to GOD's agenda instead. Because let's be real--God knows what I need to do more than I ever will. Something that we all need to remember.

So why does this relate to being rooted? At a first glance, it doesn't. I want to travel. I'm not the best at staying in one place, as anyone that knows me can attest to. I am always moving, be it tapping my foot or heading to a new place to live for a few months. So how could I possibly be rooted?

Well, here's how. My roots aren't in the ground. They aren't in a singular person, or a group of people. They are in God, who knows me and my heart better than anyone could ever try. God will guide me, and as long as I remain rooted in that I will be fine.

This realization of my call to mission is scary. Who knows where I could end up, for how long, doing whatever. But at least it's there. At least I know, and at least I know that I can use my love of people and my great and wonderful God in that way--while still writing (as I so love to do).

Anyway--that is what has been on my heart and my mind. Thank you, as always, for going with me on this journey. Bless you all.

Pigs and New Friends that I'm Pretty Sure I Knew in a Past Life.

Yeah....so my title basically sums it all up, and I have no shame in it. But I guess since I've been MIA for a little while, I should elaborate. SO, here goes nothing.

First off, work. I love my job. I've said it before, and I will absolutely say it again: I LOVE my job. This whole writing/editing/social media thing? Right up my alley. I could do it for the rest of my life, and totally intend to. Heck, I'd skip out on the rest of school and just stay here in the 'Ville if I could!!

...just kidding Mom, Dad, and WC friends...

But really, it's been amazing. I'm working on some really great stories, and have some really amazing opportunities up ahead of me. So that's pretty fantastic, and I'm super happy about it.

So, when I first got to Kentucky I was super nervous about, you know, making friends. But I've been really lucky. Not only have I made some super awesome friends at work, but I have friends from this super snazzy new worshiping community that I've been sucked in to...Sweaty Sheep, I'm looking at you. This ministry is too cool, they are essentially a bunch of athletes! Runners, swimmers, cyclists...and YOGA! We have fun, and lots of it. I hang out with some of them so much, it's unreal. And I want to shoot a special shout-out to Tavi, their intern...I'm truly positive she was my best friend in a past life. We balance each other out splendidly and have fun no matter what the circumstances--including getting lost at the expo center and wandering through rows upon rows of giant pigs. Yes, pigs. It was something else, lemme tell ya.

Other things that I've done with Sweaty Sheep: help to host 31 college students that are currently biking across the country. They started in Rhode Island and are on their way to Cali!! They are biking to raise money for Habitat for Humanity, it's a really cool organization! Something I would definitely want to do...summer after I graduate? Heck yes. It was quite the event, involving a trip to the bike store with one of the guys because his bike broke, sleeping on a one person mattress with Tavi (while using a giant stuffed animal sheep as a pillow and a prayer shawl/snuggie combination as blankets), and waking up at 4:30 am to feed the cyclists before they got back on the road. As crazy as the night sounds, we had a lot of fun and I wouldn't have wanted to spend it any other way.

Alright, well, this week is slated out to be fairly busy, so I'm sure I'll have some stories soon. Thanks for walking with me on this journey, love y'all!!!

A Peaceful Opinion Piece

If you (on the off-chance that you don't read the paper/watch the news/haven't seen my Facebook) haven't noticed, a lot of big stuff has been going on in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). And when I say big, I mean REALLY big.

The first of these things is that according to a new Authoritative Interpretation of our Book of Order, pastors in gender equality states can now marry same-sex couples. Additionally, a decision is now being sent out to be made by each and every presbytery: whether the wording in the Book of Order ITSELF should be changed so that it is not so gender-specific. These decisions have been discussed (or, more likely, argued over) for years now, and the church has finally made the decision to move forward with this.

It is my personal belief that these decisions were made well. I'm aware that many will disagree with me, and that many more will be leaving PC(USA) as a result of this. And that is saddening to me, as I love all that are within this church equally. However, if they believe that it is time to go, then I will send them in peace and with prayer. On the flipside, it brings me great joy to know how many more people will feel truly welcomed to the PC(USA) family as a result of these decisions. May the wedding bells ring for all!

The other big decision made was to divest from Caterpillar, Inc., Motorola, and Hewlett-Packard due to their involvement in the violence taking place on the West Bank between Israel and Palestine. This decision was also made after much discussion and discernment, with committees working year round to determine how to handle the situation.

The final decision, to divest from these companies, was made in an effort to pull ourselves out of the violence and be on the side of peace. It is INCREDIBLY important to note: WE ARE NOT DIVESTING FROM ISRAEL.

I REPEAT: NOT DIVESTING FROM ISRAEL.

PC(USA) is divesting from companies that are knowingly providing tools that implement the violence between Israel and Palestine. There is a very big difference. It is also important to note that we are not doing this to hurt our Jewish brothers and sisters. This part was especially painful for me, as a half Jew. Ultimately, I decided that divestment would be best. I love Israel, but I hate to see both countries battling and know that the PC(USA) is helping fund it by it's investments. There are many conflicting sides on this, and I was (and am) nervous about how this will affect interfaith relations. I can only pray that all will be willing to sit down and discuss, sit down and listen, sit down and pray--together.

I can only imagine that some will disagree with all that I have to say here. That's fine, I don't expect everyone to have my views. I only ask that if you wish to talk about it with me, or anyone else with a different opinion, that you do it peacefully and with respect.

For now, I think I'll be going. These past 10 days were exhausting, and I need to reboot before I head back to work. Sending love and prayers to all. As always, thank you for following me along this journey.

It's a Wild Ride

For the first time since arriving in Detroit, I am in my hotel room before midnight. This is beautiful. But, even though I am off duty, I am here to tell you about my time on duty. Quite frankly, that is probably a good thing--I could use a small debrief and period of reflection, and this is the perfect time for it. So, here goes nothing. An overview of the past three days of the 221st General Assembly through the eyes of a communications intern. Buckle your seat belts, folks. It's a wild ride.

Okay, now, when I last left off, it was Saturday and almost time for the Moderator's Election. Oh my goodness, was that a crazy night. All those involved--commissioner, delegate, staff person, and onlooker alike--were stressed and freaking out, there is no denying that. The internet at Cobo, the convention center, was crashing on a regular basis, the new voting system AND old voting system failed, leaving the vote to a hand raise from delegates and paper ballot from commissioners and a very late night for everyone.

However, on the oh-so-bright side, I got to see my dad! We grabbed dinner and got to chat and catch up before needing to run off to the election. It was wonderful to see him--I miss my family! Never being home can be a little weird after a while.

On Sunday, I was pleased to look at the paper that is printed each day for the Assembly (the one that I am writing for), and find my story ABOVE THE FOLD on the first page, with translations in Spanish and Korean on the back!! Such a cool thing to see!

However, life got crazy fast. My friend Sara (from work) and I were planning to attend a Korean service with my dad. But, we were informed just before the bus was to leave that it may not return in time for plenary, which Sara and I both needed to be at. So, we opted out of that service and ended up at Fort Street Presbyterian Church of Detroit. Talk about the Spirit moving us--that service was absolutely awe-inspiring. I am so glad that we ended up there. It featured beautiful music, speakers of various faith traditions, solid scripture usage, and a wonderful sermon on the miracle of Pentecost (They have turned Pentecost into a season at Fort Street Pres., rather than merely celebrating it for one Sunday. I think it's brilliant.) The sermon argued that the miracle of Pentecost was not one of tongues, but of ears. She related it to present-day, where the miracle of Pentecost is seen in the listening of those with different beliefs and ideas than your own. It was a refreshing and new message that I feel resonated a lot with what the church is currently experiencing. How timely!

After church, I wrote up a quick blurb on it for the paper while splitting a 20-piece McNugget and large fry with Sara (talk about true friendship) before we rushed off to Cobo for plenary. While there, the two of us were on social media accounts (her: a million; me: various Presbyterian's Today accounts) so that we could tweet, post pictures, and otherwise alert the world of the goings-on in our General Assembly. 

Then, today. Oh, today. It began with waking up at 5:30 am, getting to Cobo by 6:45 to cover a talk at 7, then run to a meeting at 9, and get to my committee for 9:30. And in my committee room I remained ALL DAY...goodness, did it feel good to move around when I finally got up to get dinner at 5:45. Then, after a quick dinner, I was right back at it.

Newspaper writing is the very definition of multi-tasking, I’m finding. Especially in this setting. I found myself writing 3 different stories and taking notes on what was happening in committee, as well as managing social media stuff, all at once. It was a little crazy, but all that needed accomplished was done to my taste, and I was happy.

After committee let out, around 9:45, I grabbed the YAADs of Committee Eight and managed to interview them for a story for Presbyterian’s Today before they headed off to their YAAD Gathering for the evening. It worked out beautifully, and now my day is finally over. What a lovely feeling that is.

Alright, now that I've given you an all-intensive backstage tour of the 221^st General Assembly Newsroom Intern life, I’m going to head to bed before doing it all again tomorrow. As always, thanks for joining me on the journey. 

Journey to Detroit--Complete!

Greetings from the grand ol' city of Detroit, Michigan!! For those of you that don't know, I'm here for the 221st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

As it is my job, I should tell you...if you want to follow the news stories from GA go to the news page for PC(USA). And if you want to find stuff on Twitter check out #ga221 or @presbyGA and @PresbyNews. AND pictures can be found through @presby_news on Instagram. So there's that...end PR rant.

Now, as some of you may have seen, my trip to Detroit was a little more eventful than would have been preferred. Of course on my first big solo trip, my luggage was lost. OF COURSE! But, my clothes have finally caught up to me and life will go on. And, for better or for worse, I got to do some shopping in Detroit to get a few clothing items so I wasn't stuck in the same things for more than 48 hours. But, c'est la vie!

Since I've been here, I've written two stories (both this morning) as well as helped out at the Young Adult booth in the exhibit hall and met up with old friends. There is a saying that GA is like a family reunion, and it is so true. Many people that come to GA come more than once, and so many faces end up being familiar after being at a few. It's been great to see people, especially when they pop up with their cute new babies!

Alright, time to go for now...it's almost time for the Moderator Election, and I'm on Twitter duty. As always, thanks for following me on this crazy journey!

I'm baaaack!!

Hello, ladies and gents! Sorry about the extended hiatus there--my laptop crashed. Again. It has been quite the experience, let me tell you. A very stressful one. But, all in God's plans, right? It'll work itself out, and for the time being, I have a loaner from the office to keep me going. All is well!

So a lot has happened since I last posted. For example, I've made some friends!! They all work at the Presbyterian Center as communicators, as well! They are wonderful and a lot of fun to hang out with, be it for lunch, a giant girls night at someone's apartment, or shopping. I'm very blessed to have some people close to my age to hang out with that are working with the same stuff I am.

Other things that have happened: my story about Lawrence Bartel and the Jesus Trail (which you can read if you click here) has gotten a lot of airtime and by one of the heads in my department was described as "the poster-child for her plans." That felt pretty good, especially because I loved writing it so much!

I also am working on my FEATURE STORY for Presbyterian's Today right now!! Which, if you're a Presbyterian and fall into the 16-25 age range, I may be getting in touch with you over the next month or two to interview you. However, I'll really get the bulk of my research done when I'm at General Assembly in Detroit, which leads me into my next point...

I leave for Detroit on Thursday!!! Almost time to go! Can you tell that I'm excited? A new city is ALWAYS a good thing! Plus I get to see my dad--even if it isn't for too long, it will be really nice. Another trip has been added in, as well--one that I don't think I've mentioned on here: I'll be back in New Wilmington at Mother Fair for about ten days in July! I can't guarantee how much time I'm going to have, but I will be there and if time allows I would love to see people! We'll see if we can make that happen. I'll be covering the New Wilmington Mission Conference, it should be a really great experience.

Alright, that about sums up life on my end for now! Expect to hear a lot during General Assembly (even if it is at weird times). Hope all is well with you lovely people, and as always, thank you for going on this journey with me!

P.S. If you're in need of some inspiration, here is Jim Carrey's commencement speech. He nailed it.

A Reflection

As most of you that are reading this know, last summer I was counselor at Ligonier Camp and Conference Center (a Presbyterian camp that is located near Greensburg, PA) for 10 weeks. It was a summer of great change and discernment concerning my faith. At Ligonier, I was able to live my faith out 24/7, in a deep way that I had never experienced before. I lived in a way that I knew God wanted me to, teaching and being taught by my bosses, fellow staff members, and even my campers. It was life-changing for me.

After that, I had serious doubts that I would ever be able to live that way again, at least outside of Ligonier. There, I was so immersed in faith. It was the culture of the place. Away from it, I have struggled to maintain what I gained there.

However, I realized something tonight. I was on assignment for Presbyterians Today at a local Presbyterian church, shooting pictures to be used in an upcoming issue. The event that I was attending was a concert, starting with a guy from the church playing his own music and then featured a band called The Pinkerton Raid, three siblings from Durham, North Carolina. The lead singer, Jesse DeConto, is a writer for Christian Century, a minister, and an author (he just had an ecumenical book on the Trinity published...yes, I bought it. I'm a nerd). He read excerpts from his book throughout the concert, sharing parts of his own faith journey.

As Jesse spoke and played his music, I had a revelation. I am HERE, in Kentucky, to write and take pictures. I was placed here for a very specific purpose. Maybe I don't totally know what that is just yet, but it's there. God has a plan. He intends to use me in the ways that I am best suited to serve Him. Maybe that will be within an urban ministry (something that I am truly contemplating; McCormick Theological Seminary, I'm looking at you), maybe it's as a journalist/photojournalist, maybe it's as a missionary. All of these thoughts have crossed my mind.

It's okay that I don't know. It's perfectly possible that I'll do all three. God only knows....literally. Until I get cued in on that plan, I'm going to go where the wind takes me. For now, that's here in Louisville as a journalist. Which I am totally okay with.

It's a Good Life

There is nothing more gratifying than realizing that what you THINK you want to do with your life is indeed what you REALLY want to do with your life. Writing and communications is the route that I need to be pursuing (there you go, Mom and Dad -- no more changes to the major. I'm done. I hope you're as happy as I am!) and it feels great.

I spent the week writing, editing, going to editorial meetings for the magazine (!!) and learning the ropes of the communications department in the Mission Agency for PC(USA). It was such a joy to meet all the people that I will be working with for the summer; there are some REALLY cool people there! They've traveled, love the same things I love, and are passionate about the church and communicating it's events to others in the church.


"Let me live, love, and say it well in good sentences," is a line from Sylvia Plath's "The Bell Jar that comes to mind: this internship is truly letting me live (from taking the bus to work some days to doing my own grocery shopping), love the people whose stories I tell through the written word, and  write, whether it be for myself, for you, or for a specific audience through one of the publications that I am working for. And what a joy that has already been for me.

Already, huge opportunities have risen up for me to take. I will be attending the General Assembly of the PC(USA) in just a few weeks as a part of the Newsroom staff in Detroit, I'll get to head back to Mother Fair for the New Wilmington Mission Conference in July (if you're going to be there, maybe I'll see you!!), and in August I get to head to St. Pete's Beach for the Evangelism and Church Growth Conference. I have had the opportunity to edit for both Presbyterians Today (the magazine, also known as PT) and The Presbyterian News Service (PNS). I've written two stories already for PNS, one of which was published last week and the other will be published this coming Wednesday. And, in meeting with the editor-in-chief for PT, I was informed that I will have the opportunity to write various pieces for them, including a feature story that will be published in a later issue!

So, as you have probably gathered, I'm loving life. Between work and my awesome host-family, things couldn't be better.

Thanks for following me in this journey. I hope you all have wonderful memorial Days, and I will be back again soon!

Day One...CHECK!

Well, I made it through my first day as an intern, and without even a scratch. In fact, far from it -- I loved every second! I am already learning so much, and am meeting a lot of people that will help me this summer and hopefully in the future as well.

I started out the day with my usual cup of coffee and headed into the office, where I was handed my ID so that I can get into the building, signed a few papers, worked out some kinks with my email (technology likes to repel me sometimes), and then I dove straight into it all.

After a meeting, I headed off to work and began organizing all the commissioners for the General Assembly of the PC(USA) in order by presbytery (I never realized how many there were, holy smokes), edited my first story for the Presbyterian News Service, and learned how to stick stories online so that they can be distributed out to everyone that reads them! It's a lot simpler than anticipated, so that's positive.

And then, my oh-so-wonderful boss Jerry took me around to meet people in the building, always a fun experience. I work with the coolest people, and they all have such wonderful stories.

It's going to be a great summer, I can tell already. Hope all of y'all are doing well, and I'll check back in soon! Love always from the Bluegrass State!

Guys, I'm Home!

So....I made it to Louisville! My dad and I had a nice long car ride during which we listened to a lot of music, made a lot of really random stops (Two outlet complex's in one day? I mean...okay. Whatever it takes), and talked about the future. You know, since I kind of graduate soonish. By soonish I mean in two years, but it has been my observation that time keeps passing by faster and faster. So whatever will be next is going to be next sooner rather than later.

Anyway, so here I am in Louisville! I'm moved into my first housing location, where I will be staying until Monday when I move into my more "permanent" home. Conveniently, it isn't far from where I currently am. Even more conveniently, the space that I am renting belongs to my boss (or one of them, anyway). So that certainly makes commuting easier.

Even though I don't truly start until this coming Monday, I went into the office on Tuesday to go to a few meetings and get the lay of the land at the Presbyterian Center. I hadn't been there since I was in elementary school (aside from when I had my interview), and it was so nice to be walking on somewhat familiar turf. Even just being downtown was amazing, I feel so at home in Louisville. Sorry mom and dad...suburbia doesn't quite match up to city life. It was good to grow up in, but being able to walk everywhere and have so many options of things (both food-wise and entertainment-wise) is pretty freakin' awesome.

Anyway, the office. I work with some great people, all of whom are passionate about the same things as I am: writing and the church. It's wonderful, and I feel so welcome. It's going to be a great summer. I have my own cubicle, there is a kitchen, my advisor Bethany's office is right by mine should I have questions, and everyone is excited about my being there.

On top of that excitement, I applied for a waitress/hostessing job at my favorite restaurant in the city, Mark's Feed Store, and got called back for an interview. So THAT'S pretty cool. I have my interview on Sunday, so good vibes being sent my way would be solid. It would be nice to have a second job, both to keep me busy in the evenings since I don't know too many people my age around here and to be able to save a little extra money this summer. But we shall see!

Until I start work, I'll been doing that stereotypical college thing called "Netflix binging." Who knew that "Once Upon a Time" is such a great show?! I'm addicted, and have no shame. It certainly is keeping me entertained until I start work.

Well, I think that's it for now. Y'all take care of yourselves, and I'll check back in soon.

Why are we here, again?

Alright. So, here I am, about to finish up my sophomore year of college. It's been a whirlwind of craziness, from changing my major/minor combination, having my heart broken, realizing what I really want to do with my life, discovering (at least a piece) of what God's plan is for me, losing one of my best friends in a car accident and...GETTING AN INTERNSHIP. Yes. An internship. In my old Kentucky home, nonetheless.

And I repeat, so here I am, about to finish up my sophomore year of college. Tomorrow, I will attend my last final (more like presentation period), load up the car, and camp out in Youngstown until Sunday, when my dad and I will make the trek down to Louisville so that I can begin a new chapter of my life as an intern with the Presbyterian Mission Agency. There, I will be writing, editing, and helping to revamp The Mission Yearbook, Presbyterians Today, and The Presbyterian News Service.

Crazy stuff, right? I'm 20 years old, and in just one week I will be working, doing what I want to do for the rest of my life.

And that, ladies and gents, is the real reason that I am here right now. I am inviting you to share in my journey this summer, and probably beyond this summer, as I figure out my life. The only thing that is truly certain is that I will be doing it all with a pen (and laptop, and smartphone, and maybe someday tablet) in hand.

Here we go...cheers to Summer 2014, folks!