The Pacific Northwest has been good to me...

Hello dear friends,

I have been living in the wonderful city of Seattle for over a month now!  Packing up my life and moving across the country was surely one of the most challenging things I have done... ever.  But through the challenges, doubts, and times of homesickness of the past few weeks, I am more sure than ever that God has me here for a reason and I'm soaking every moment in with gratitude. And despite all of the rumors of rain and clouds, it has been beautifully bright for me thus far... they keep telling me "it's coming!" Bring it, Seattle.

For those of you who don't know... I am living in an 'intentional community' here.  Which basically means I walked into a built in family and support system from the get go.  I live with 5 other folks... 3 boys, and 2 other girls, a right modern day Brady Bunch. =)  We have lots of meals together, we laugh a ton, and we are learning how to serve and love each other and those around us as we go.  It's so incredible and has been such a blessing to me! (Me, Shoshana, and Hannah below)

We live in an adorable brick, tudor style home on the corner with a giant pear tree. It has been extremely easy for us to make this house into a home! The 3 boys live upstairs, we share the main level - which includes a spacious kitchen, a cozy dining room, living room w fire place, an extra bedroom we have made into a sweet prayer room, as well as the one and only shower in the house - which has surprisingly not been an issue! =) And the 3 girlies have made our nests in the basement... we have a craft den a tv/couch area and... each other! This is my new room...

I have had so many great opportunities to explore my new surrounding and get accustomed to the area.  Here are a few things I have learned... I love my iPhone. Traffic stinks... Parking stinks more! Fall is beautiful. Hipsters are a 'type' of people. The best latte's in the world are made here.  Wine is made just around the corner too.  You don't need a car! Bikes, feet, and busses can take you everywhere!  People have neighborhood spirit - where you choose to live says a lot about you! And most dear to my heart - there is lots of opportunity to serve here...  there is sooo much for me to take in and experience and I have only scratched the surface.

I am happy to announce that after a month of searching for the right job, God has opened the door for me to be a preschool teacher just a few miles from home.  I'll be working as a contractor on the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) campus, right on Lake Washington.  It is a beautiful place and I am very blessed to have this opportunity to use the gifts God has given me to teach these little ones!! =)

I also met a really great boy named Josh... more to come on this one, but I'll just say he's pretty awesome and I'm excited to get to know him better! =)

My cup runneth over.  God has allowed Seattle to be very good to me!  Thank you for all your love and support from afar.  I miss you all a ton and pray that we will remain close through the distance...  tata for now