NCC Day number 3!

Well today was my third day as part of the National Community Church Protege Program. Honestly, these last few days have been a whirl wind and I cannot believe that I have only been here since Wednesday. It feels like much longer than that...but in a good way. I cannot believe that this simple girl from Western New York gets to be a part of something so amazing. These last couple of days I have met a-mazing people and am really excited to see what's in store for all of us this next year.

I moved on Wednesday and started at 9am on Thursday. We got to spend some time getting to know the other five people in the program. We got to share our crazy stories of how God had brought each one of us to this place. It was interesting because we all have such different backgrounds and passions but we all seem to share common threads in our stories and there is an ease to our conversations. I'm looking forward to learning from each of them.

The NCC staff...well I actually am having trouble articulating how fantastic everyone has been. Their energy is off the charts and they really couldn't be more welcoming. I was asked at dinner tonight what my favorite part has been so far. I immediately thought of some of the crazy things I've seen and participated in these last couple of days. There has been cheering, high fives, the "slow clap" that evolves into enormous roars, karaoke and even some dancing. These are things that most of you will know, I usually do not enjoy. And if I ever do enjoy them, it is after I have known the other participants for a lengthy period of time, not after mere hours of meeting. But truly...I have loved every minute, even as I awkwardly sang my part of the duet to Jesus Freak, I loved it. This is because I do not feel that I am surrounded by strangers but by lifelong friends. Friends that share my vision and passion for God. I mean really...what more could you ask for?

As for DC itself...I've fallen completely in love with the city. I know there is crime and traffic and sirens and yelling, and I love every bit of it. The history and the culture and the richness of tradition is just beautiful.

There just is no other place like this, and I intend to soak of every experience I can while I am here. So far I have had something scheduled almost every minute but today I did get to experience something new....I road the bus for the first time, and then road it alone for the first time. I felt like a such a big girl! Haha! Anyway...I know that there will be some trying times this year and it won't all be as wonderful as these first few days but I know that God is doing something amazing and for some reason I get to be a part of it. For that I am so thankful and SO excited for this next year.

A Decade

Today is ten years exactly since I graduated from high school. Yesterday marked ten years of being a legal adult. At first, the thought of my ten year reunion sounds ludicrous, but then...I began to reflect on this past decade. There are certain times when it is hard not to reflect on life, where it has gone, and where it is going...New Year's, birthdays, and ten year reunions.

Ten years ago I was a lost, uncomfortable girl working at Burger King just trying to figure out what was next after high school. Since then, I have lived in five different states, had three different cars, worked over a dozen jobs, lost and gained relatives, and made great and not so great friends. I have laughed until I cried and cried until I laughed. I have been a barista in Florida, insurance rep in Ohio, meat market employee in West Virginia, and supportive living specialist for the developmentally disabled in New York...and so much more. When I look at these facts it feels like a lifetime...and it gets me excited.

The thing about reflecting on the past is...it leads to thinking about the future. I am so ready for the next decade. I am ready for my next adventures. I already know that my next ten years will begin with me obtaining my masters degree, moving to Washington DC and beginning to immerse myself in the ministry I know I am called to, all within the first six months. How could a decade that follows that be bad? I know it will not always be easy or fun, but it will be full of truth and God. With these things, I am ready for whatever is next. I finally feel like I'm at a place that I am content in a way that is deeper than before. Perhaps it could be describes as a peace that passes all understanding...