One month in

Usually I am so good about writing and keeping up with what I have been up to. These past few weeks have been so busy, though, that I haven't been able to find time to write. And when I say haven't had time, I really mean that getting addicted to the tv show "Brothers and Sisters" thanks to my roommates has had some serious effect on my amount of free time...

One month ago, I was at Orientation in Stony Point. I have now been in Nashville for almost 4 weeks, and I can already say that it feels like home. I know that may sound stupid to some people because I grew up so close to Nashville that it shouldn't be much of an adjustment. However, it is more than just getting used the city that I drive through everyday, looking at the skyline with the towering Batman Building and the beautiful LP Field. My placement at the Campus, my roommates, 2nd Presbyterian...these are all parts of my life that already feel so natural that it seems like I have been here so much longer. It's a nice feeling :)

So far, I absolutely love the Campus for Human Development. My days seem to fly by. Typically, I spend my mornings at the Support Desk helping people fill prescriptions, get bus passes, hand out tylenol, etc. Just offering basis help as much as I can. I spend some time in Day Room everyday, whether its signing up people on the phone list or just playing Scrabble with participants. Throw in sorting and handing out mail, taking phone messages, and sitting in on classes, the days are over before I know it.

What I love about my job is that I share quality time with people, getting to know their names and their stories. It's only been a few weeks, and I can already feel my perspective changing. When I drive down the streets of downtown Nashville at night, I find myself looking at the faces of the men and women I see because they are no longer just nameless "homeless people"...I recognize some of those people...they know my name and I know theirs. It's a very strange experience, both disturbing and miraculous at the same time. I know it's going to get even more so as time goes on.

There's so much I could write about, but rather than make this entry ridiculously long, I will just try to update more often! Thanks for your thoughts and prayers :)

Settling into Nashville

These past two weeks can best be described as "a whirlwind." On Sunday, August 23rd, I went to Hendersonville FPC that morning before officially moving into the East Nashville house that afternoon. Early the next morning, 6 of the 8 Nashville YAV girls traveled together to Stony Point, NY for Orientation. I only got to be there for half of it, but it was incredibly refreshing and reassuring that YAV is exactly what I am supposed to be doing this year. Even within a short 5 days at Orientation, you could feel the support of the community of fellow YAVs. I felt closer to God than I had in awhile.

I took a cab to the New York airport at 6:30am on Friday, August 28th to fly to Asheville, NC, for Beth and Scott's wedding! It was a great weekend to spend with friends before heading back to Nashville and getting ready to begin my year of service.

This week in Nashville for Orientation has been busy, challenging, and exciting...full of laughter, frustration, doubt, and new experiences. Overall, though, I am so happy with how things have started out. My wonderful roommates and fellow YAVs are already becoming my family. We have shared so much with each other already, especially when 5 people live in about 1100 square feet! It's going to be a great experience, though, and I am completely confident that God is at work in this place.

We visited everyone's placement sites on Tuesday and Wednesday. Going back to Room in the Inn on Wednesday afternoon reminded me again of how many amazing ministry opportunities are going on there. I am so excited to start on Tuesday, although definitely still nervous and not quite sure what to expect...I am also wondering- will I ever?!