Big Moves

It is hard to believe another month will begin next week, especially because  I am still trying to decipher where April  went and next month is JULY!  As another group prepares to leave the palazzo I reflect on all that happened for me personally this past month.  I experienced the challenges of trying to living presently, while being forced to plan for the future.

The more time that passes since graduating in 2012, the more clear I feel my next steps should be.  Quite the opposite has been happening up to this point.  I have had MORE experiences and those have really just created new interest.  I think the fun in all of the confusion is really thinking creatively on how I can connect a love of community, urban planning, design, relationships, small business practices, and entrepreneurship.  The more exciting part all of that is what is happening for me RIGHT NOW, by being here in Italy. To start, I am spending all of this time in Italy, hoping to discover myself a bit more.  I am learning along the way, which was one of my desires for the summer.  It was a desire to learn more about what I truly care about and what God might have in store for my life beyond Italy.  I haven't been so good on the reflecting part, but even when it seems I have more time for it, I will fill the time with something else.  The answers to where life would take me upon returning home came more quickly than I could imagine!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

So what's next?  I have the answers, and that is both something to be grateful for and eager about!  Early this month, as I tried to avoid the job search (upon finding out about my new September departure) and be more present, my boyfriend Mike was eager to connect with job prospects in his field.  One day he told me he had news to share and without thinking twice I knew that the news had to be job related.  Michael (yes, I call him both and it gets confusing) told me about the incredible job offer he had received and I immediately told him how crazy he would be if he didn’t take it.  The catch: the job offer was in Dallas, Texas.  We sat on this concept of moving to Texas for a few days, but we were certain that what was next for us was finally being in the same city.  So as hard as I was trying to live presently, all we could talk about was Dallas and what could be for MYSELF in that new place.  My own job search picked back up, but this time for jobs in Dallas.  I knew that I wanted to be working with Habitat, or an organization very similar so my search started through Americorps.  This could give me the chance to earn money for graduate school and build community which I have discovered is my number one desire for every new place I go.  It didn't take long for me to learn about what Habitat for Humanity was doing in the big city of Dallas and before I knew it my cover letter and resume were submitted.  As Michael and I continued talking about Dallas, and slowly introducing the idea to our family and friends, my application process took off!  In just a week I applied, interviewed, and accepted a position with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dallas.  I will be working as a Family Services Coordinator through Americorps National starting in September!  I am grateful for the opportunity and I knew upon receiving the offer that it was the best thing for me on my own journey. 

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do -Ephesians 2:10

This new step will take me far from home, twice as far as DC was.  The challenges ahead seems to be hazy thoughts covered by the excitement and anticipation I have for my work with Habitat.  I know that the experience is going to teach me a tremendous amount, both about the organization, but also about living in community with others (and living on very little).  North Carolina and her beautiful mountains have always held a special place in my heart.  Early this year they became even more special because that is where I met Mike.  I won't hesitate to admit that he is the reason Dallas even became an idea, but we are both eager for what the experience will mean in our own ways. It is always hard to think about leaving a place you call home, but to think of creating a home in Dallas seems like the right next step. As I sit in my home here in Sansepolcro, Italy, I remain grateful for family and friends who have ALWAYS supported me, no matter where in the world my life takes me.  One day NC may call me home again, but for now I can't wait to see God's plans for me in the Lone Star state!!