We live, we love, we laugh hysterically...

Life at HDC in two words: never boring! We all have grown to care about each other so much in a short amount of time. It's been wonderful getting to know the other teams that are here. I've enjoyed playing games, learning about our spiritual pilgrimages, and how to build a deeper relationship with God. Continuous healing of hearts has been a theme that I have noticed throughout the mansion. Community outreach has been amazing as well. I enjoy getting to know my neighbors and appreciate their care for my well being as I'm walking or picking up trash. From falls to hugs, tears and laughter this is definitely the place that I'm supposed to be at right now.

Odds & Ends & New Chapters

This past week I have been wrapping some loose ends up in Harrisonburg and preparing to come to Harrisburg for 3 months of discipleship training. Some of those items included saying goodbye to the children I worked with for the past year and half, packing up parts of my apartment, one last road trip to Ohio, and hosting a benefit concert as a fundraiser. It's been a whirlwind but now that is behind me and a new chapter is beginning!

Last night the YES teams and Interns had a commissioning service in Mt. Joy, PA. After being lost for 40 minutes my friend and I arrived to the facility. The afternoon was full of orientation and the service was wonderful. The realization that I am one step closer to going to the Czech Republic has me bubbling over with excitement. I wanted to say thank you to all who came to the service yesterday evening. It means a great deal.

Today has been spent orienting ourselves to life at the training center and learning what's coming up in the next 3 months. I am anticipating a time of challenge, growth, and tons of laughter.

Closing time...

August has been a whirlwind of an adventure. Speaking at churches, a fundraiser meal, lettering mailing, and odd jobs are the main things that I did this past month. I spoke at two churches in Maryland and both were very receptive and excited to here about the Czech Republic.

Last Saturday evening my MST and I held a Czech Fundraiser Meal. The menu consisted of Sauerkraut pancakes, beef goulash, and potato dumplings. It was delicious! I can't wait to try authentic Czech food! My friend Regina shared some of the history of the Czech Republic. I'm enjoying what I have been learning about the Czech Republic. I'm looking forward to learning the whole time I'm there.

My experience of doing odd jobs has been enlightening and enriching. I have mainly worked for one couple in my church. They know a lot about gardening and have kindly shared their knowledge with me. It's been great getting to know them.

Tomorrow is my last day at my job. I leave on Sept. 12th for training up in Pennsylvania. As one door closes another one opens. I'm looking forward to a week of getting things in order and traveling to visit friends. So here's to closing one chapter of my life to begin another!