Another Chapter Closing

“Look at the nations and watch—
    and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
    that you would not believe,
    even if you were told."

I love this passage from Habakkuk 1:5. It has been a favorite of mine for years but this year it keeps showing up over and over again. When that happens, I know that the Lord is trying to tell me something.

I'm in the midst of another season of transition. My apartment is filled with boxes, the walls are blank, and it's beginning to feel less like home. In early December, after a lot of prayer, I accepted a job at an adoption agency in the Washington D.C. area. Since my lease wasn't up until the beginning of February, they have graciously allowed me to work remotely for them so that I could finish up things here in Tulsa, pack up, and finish out my lease. I am so excited for this opportunity at an agency I have always wanted to work for and in a city I have always loved. But with any new chapter beginning, another chapter has to close.

Reaching the decision to pack up my life here and move, was not an easy one. It was a week of wrestling back and forth with the Lord and a lot of tears. But once I made my decision to take the job, a peace that can only come from Him washed over me and even though I knew the upcoming months would not be easy, I knew it was the right decision.

For the past 6 months or so, I have had this strong pull to move closer to my family. As I get older, as I think about hopefully someday meeting that special someone, settle down, and raise a family, I want my parents and family near. I will still be 300 miles away from them, but it is a doable drive. Much more manageable than flying back and forth between Tulsa and Buffalo two or three times a year. I have missed out on so much because I've been so far away -- bridal showers, baby showers, graduations, retirement party's, weddings, and just seeing my siblings and watching my nephews and niece grow up. Family is important to me and I realized, I have one life to live and I want to live it closer to my family and be able to see them more often than I do now. I have lived 1,000 + miles from my family for almost 5 years now and quite honestly, I'm just ready to be closer.

The absolute hardest thing about leaving Tulsa this week, is leaving my friends. I was so blessed to meet some of the most incredible people in the first two months I lived here. I have loved doing life with them. They inspire me to be a better person and a better friend. We have laughed and cried together and they have been more then just friends here these past two years, they have been my family. I know that we will keep in touch, I know that I will come back to visit, but I also know that it is going to look different since I won't see them each week. As scary as that is to walk away from "your people," I also know that that the Lord has placed amazing people into my life no matter where I have lived -- whether it's Jamestown, China, or Tulsa, and I know it won't be any different in Virginia. The Lord has already opened the doors for a wonderful living situation for me in Virginia and I already have friends there waiting for me.

I spent 3 weeks in Jamestown for Christmas and New Year's to process, recharge, and re-focus, and flew back to Tulsa on January 7th to start packing and finish up some things here. I knew that it was going to be a challenging few weeks, but it became even more challenging when a week and a half ago, I was in a car accident on the highway and totaled my car. Not exactly what I had planned when I was moving across the country in less than 2 weeks!

But God is faithful. I have seen His hand at work so much this past week and a half there is no doubt in my mind that He is at work. From walking away from the accident without a scratch or bruise on my body, to the amazing rescue crew He sent, to my insurance claim going through in just over a week, and my parents possible already finding me another car -- God has been at work. There is no other explanation.

As I sit here in my bedroom for the last lazy morning in my apartment, I can't help but feel the tears of sadness coming on as well as the bubble of excitement for all that lies ahead. Is it going to be hard? Absolutely. Are there are going to be moments where I will question if I am making a terrible mistake? Of course. But I know when I am following my heart and the direction I feel that the Lord is leading me in, I know that it is never, ever a mistake. I know without a doubt that He called me to Tulsa, it was just for a shorter amount of time than I thought. He showed up big time here and I know He'll show up big time in Virginia. 

I am finishing up packing today and my Dad will hit the road this afternoon to start the 1,100 mile trek from Jamestown to Tulsa. He'll arrive tomorrow, we'll pack up the uhaul, and start driving back to Jamestown Tuesday morning for a few days before heading to D.C. 

• Please pray for my Dad as he travels these next few days by himself. Being in a car is making me nervous these days anyways, but especially the thought of him driving that far by himself. 
• Please pray for me as I pack up my cute little apartment and begin saying "see you later's" to some of my favorite people.
• Please pray for my Dad and I as we drive across the country Tuesday and Wednesday. 
• Please pray for my transition to my new home and new job in Virginia next week.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

I'm Back

Photo Credit: Kiah Johnson

Hello, long lost blog friends! Where did I last leave off? Oh that's right, I was getting ready to fly to South Korea for two weeks, told you to check back on my blog for updates on my trip, and then..... I never wrote a single thing. That was June, friends. June! Four months ago! I used to be such a consistent blogger, especially when I was living in China. I'm not sure exactly what happened other than, when I don't take pictures of adorable children every day, life seem's less exciting to share. Life has become "normal." I go to work Monday - Friday, I hang out with friends, I read, I watch Netflix, and attend two Bible studies each week. Once in a while, something exciting may be thrown in there to switch up my routine a little, like a trip to Asia or back to my beloved New York to visit with friends and family. But other than that, life has been pretty routine. It's not the worst thing, just harder to find things to write about when you aren't gallivanting around on the other side of the world. But, one thing that Lord has been laying on my heart a lot lately is that "I still have a voice and a story to share." No, it may not be quite as adventurous as it used to be 3 years ago (side note, friends: I moved back to the United States over 2 years ago!! How did that happen?!), but it's still a story worth sharing. I love when my time hop previous blog posts pop up. It's so fun to re-live those memories and see all the ways the Lord has worked in my life. I miss that. He is totally working now, I just don't document it. And so, this is my attempt of "getting back in the game." I know, I know I've said that before and I'm not making any promises. I won't be posting nearly as often as I used to, but I would like to have several posts a month. Once a week would  be a victory for me.

So here go, back on this blogging adventure. The Lord has been teaching me so much lately and I can't wait to share it with all of you!

Happy Sunday, sweet friends!

A New Decade

30. How in the world did THAT happen? I think it hard to believe because so much of the time I still feel like I am 25! Until I stay out late at night (like I did last night) and it takes me several days to recover. THEN I feel like I am getting older. :)

Birthdays have a way of making you look back and reflecting on life and all that the Lord has done. I am not going to lie, leading up to my 30th has been hard. I know that really it's just another year and another number. My heart breaks a little when I think about all the hopes and dreams that have not come true yet that I really thought would by now. But then I remind myself that God's plan and timing is always perfect. Never late, never early, but always on time.

When I woke up this morning, on my 30th birthday, my heart was full of peace. I am excited for this next decade of life. Excited to see what the Lord has in store. I want to live right where He has me. Rather than being anxious or nervous for the future, I want to live in anticipation of what He is doing to do.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more 

than all we ask or imagine, 

according to his power 

that is at work within us"

~ Ephesians 3:20

Just Like That

"The Heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."

Psalm 19:1

And just like that, it's February. Here in Oklahoma, we have been spoiled by the weather. It hit 60 this weekend and it was glorious! It's supposed to be in the 60's again today which is going to make this a very tough Monday to be inside, working.

"The older you get, the faster time flies." This is a quote I have heard most of my life and it is so true! I feel like quite often I am rushing through life when really I should be enjoying it and taking each moment as it comes. Warm weather tends to remind me of this, probably because I want it to last forever! This morning I witnessed this beautiful sunrise. I get so caught up in life and work that I don't take enough time to pause and just be. This masterpiece by God reminded me to not just do just that.

"Be still and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Is Able

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." (Ephesians 3:20)

This verse became my theme verse four years ago as I was raising support to move back to China. This verse gave me hope when I didn't believe there was any way that the money would come in. This verse gave me strength when I was so very weak. This verse became so much more than just a verse that related to my finances, it was a verse that kept me going in the two years I lived overseas. During those hard and lonely days, it breathed life into my spirit. This verse is what inspired the name of of my blog, but it became so much more to me, than that.

One thing I love about studying scripture is how you may read a verse one day and then months or even years later, you read it in a whole new way (a lot of that depends on your current life circumstances). Perhaps words stand out that maybe didn't before. For the longest time for me, it was the two words "immeasurably more." I knew that God would provide what I needed financially, physically, and emotionally. And He came through time and time again. But the other day, as I was contemplating dusting off the old blog and writing a post, I stared a my computer screen and kept reading this verse again and again. But this time, two other words jumped off the screen at me: "is able." He is able to not only do immeasurably more but He can do the impossible no matter what that might mean in your life.

As I focused on those words, I asked myself: "Do I really believe this?" When I look back on my life, it should be a no brainer "yes." He is able to move mountains and He has, my life is living proof. If that's the case, then why oh why, do I still tend to doubt Him in other areas of my life? Why don't I pray boldly if I know that He can do it because He is able?

My Church did a sermon series on prayer a few months back and it was amazing. Pray big and pray specific were themes that kept coming back over and over again. This is something I have continually been working on: praying specific and praying big, bold prayers.

 

We can do that because Is Able. He hears. He answers. I don't have to fear, because He can and He will. It just may not be exactly how I may want it or when I want it. I think sometimes He is waiting for me to come to Him boldly before He is going to answer.

"Jesus replied, 'Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matthew 21:21-22)

He Is Risen

"But very early on Sunday morning[a] the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 3 So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.

5 The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive?6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man[b] must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”

Luke 24:1-7

Easter Sunday. A day to celebrate. He has risen from the dead! This is the greatest day in history because He died for your sins and mine. Wow, what an incredible love that is. The longer I walk with the Lord, the more I am overwhelmed by His love for me. I don't deserve it, but God sent His one and Only Son for your sins and mine. We can't help it but rejoice and praise Him!

This has been a little different Easter than other years. What am I talking about, my life has been a few years of "different years." The last few years have been spent in China and even though this one was not, I wasn't able to be home with my family. All things considering, it was still a good Easter.

Even though Easter is not about the bunnies and the chocolate, it is still a fun treat. My family was so sweet send me my very own Easter "basket" or box with some goodies inside!

My friend, Ashley loves creating unique jewelry and she made this "Story of Jesus" bracelet. I love it!

What would Easter be without a little chocolate!

And my favorite, jelly beans.

I pray that you all have a wonderful Easter celebrating our Risen Lord.
Happy Resurrection Day!

The Plan All Along

Palm Sunday.

Just 5 days before Jesus' horrible, brutal, painful death.

He rode a donkey into Jerusalem.
As a King, a donkey doesn't exactly shout royalty.

"The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,

'Hosanna!'

'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!'

'Blessed is the King of Israel!'

Jesus found a young donkey and at upon it, as it is written, 

"Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; 

see, your king is coming,

seated on a donkey's colt."

At first His disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that those things had been written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. 

John 12:12-16

Even though it had been prophesied, I don't think they really knew what was coming later in the week. I can just picture Jesus, sitting on that donkey, riding into Jerusalem, and knowing what was to come.

I read something interesting on Instagram this morning. 

"Hosanna" actually means "Come save us."

Jesus knew this was coming. He knew He would die a horrible, painful death. But He also knew that He would once again raise from the dead.
That was His plan all along. 

One Moment

March? How are we through the second week of March already? Time flies and before I know it, I am way behind on this little blog of mine. The thing is, it's not that there isn't a lot to write about, there is almost too much. Which is why every time I have sat down to try and write something these last few weeks, I can't up with anything to say. 

I have lived in Tulsa for over 3 months now. I still can't believe it's been that long but yet it feels like it's been forever. One thing I have learned from moving around the last few years is that places do eventually start to feel like home. Maybe not fully and maybe they never will, but starting to feel at home is a huge step. 

I knew God was calling me to Tulsa. I had been praying for months for the right job to open up in the place where the Lord wanted me. And even though I never in a million years would have thought Tulsa (after all, I had to look up on  map exactly where Oklahoma was when I was in the interview process!), once I was offered that job, it just felt right. Yes, it was scary and terrifying, but then again I had moved to China by myself for several years so surely I could move to Tulsa. 

But December 6, 2014 was one of the scariest days of my life. That was the day that my Mom, Dad, and sister drove away, back to New York. And they left me here. Here in this new city, new state, new apartment. There was hardly anything that wasn't new in my life. And it was beyond overwhelming. China was hard, but friends, my Tulsa move has been so much harder. Maybe because it feels more permanent. I don't know what it is, but it was scary and I felt so alone.

But God did something huge those first few days. That very next day, I was shown around Tulsa by two friends of a friend. They didn't even know me but they took time out of their day to show a complete stranger around the city. And that evening, a sweet adoptive family who I have been corresponding through on Facebook for years "just happened" to be driving through Tulsa where they would be staying for the night, could they stop and say hello? 

Absolutely.

And Shelley told me something that has stuck with me every day for the last 3 months of living here. 

"Take one day, one moment at a time."

Not to look at the huge, big picture that is not even mine to see, but each moment.

And that is what I have been doing. 

Taking one moment and one step at a time.

And God has done such incredible things in the last few months.

I have found a great Church with awesome people in it. I have joined an incredible small group and made some wonderful friendships. I have a job that is challenging but I work with people who are encouraging and remind me that I am doing great and to not be so hard on myself. I have an incredibly cute apartment (if I do say so myself) that I love coming home too. And God has been revealing Himself to me in new and exciting ways.

And so I continue to take one moment at a time. I would ask for some extra prayer. The director of our South Korea program is currently on maternity leave for the next few months and I am taking over a lot of her responsibilities. All that to say my workload has gotten much larger in the last few weeks. I love it and I have learned so much while working with families through the Korean adoption program, but still have so much to learn and it's very easy to become overwhelmed. My daily prayer will continue to take one moment and one day at a time because I can't handle much more than that.

A verse that has continued to be put in my path today is from Psalm 27, verse 4:

"Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He will strengthen your heart. Wait on the Lord."

Prepared in Advance

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Ephesians 2:10

Prepared in advance. God has prepared in advance what He will have us do. Where we will live, what job we will have, what causes we will be passionate about, and how we will live our life. I've always known this, but as I read this verse, I realized that I needed this reminder more than anything else right now. 

God has prepared me for this, right here, right now. 

He knew all along that I would move to Tulsa. 

But even before that, He knew that my parents would say "yes," to adoption and "yes" to China to bring my sweet baby sister home almost 13 years ago. 

He knew that once my eyes were opened to the orphan crisis, that I would never be the same. 

He knew that I would fight Him on going to China, in taking a leap of faith and trusting Him that He would provide all of my needs and beyond. 

He knew that it would take my 7 years from the time China was laid on my heart until I would actually step in that country that I now know and love.

He knew that it would take another painful situation to take another leap of faith to move to China for several years.

He knew it would be hard being in a country where I didn't speak the language, didn't understand the culture, and was 8,000 miles away from my family.

He knew it would be hard when I left China to move back to the US and not having any idea what was next.

He knew that when He called me to Tulsa, that I would say yes.

He knew it would be hard and difficult, but He also knew how He would be with me each step of the way. 

All along, He knew, because He had prepared this life for me, in advance. 

He has known it all along. 

And even though the future is scary and uncertain, He knows.

And that, is where I find joy and peace.

In Him.

Knowing that He has prepared me and is preparing me for the work He is calling me to.

Different Yet the Same

What an up and down roller coaster ride this journey has been. I have been in Tulsa almost 2 months now. 

How in the world did THAT happen? It has been good and it has been bad, but as I tell people, I have more good days than bad and for that, I am thankful.

Moving to a new city, new state, new job, new apartment, new Church, etc. has been hard.
A lot harder than I thought it was going to be. 

But again, each day is getting better and better.
It sure helps when the temperature was 79 on Wednesday! That didn't last long though since it's currently 34. 

After all, it is only January. If it were 80 every day now, I don't want to know how August will be like.

My job.

My job is the whole reason why I moved here. The whole reason why I left my family, friends, Church, everything that was comfortable to me.

A long time ago, the Lord laid orphans on my heart and that passion has never left.

For a few years I lived in China, caring for some of the most precious children there are. Children who were unable to stay with their birth families for whatever reason. I had the blessing of loving on them each and every day.
Praying for them, caring for them, holding them, singing and reading scripture of them.
And I cherish all those hours I spent with them for those 2 1/2 years.
They changed me and I will never be the same because of them.

And now, I sit at a desk.
Helping families complete their paperwork so that they can bring their sweet kiddos home.
No, I'm not holding precious children each day but I am helping to place them into families.
When the paperwork gets old and the days are long, I am reminded of those children on the other side of the world, who need families.

These are two very different things, or are they?
They are different, but yet they are the same.
I was able to love on the children who are waiting.
And now I get to encourage the families who are waiting.
Both jobs have changed me and stretched me.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.

"God sets the lonely in families."
Psalm 68:6

My Project

What do you do when you are in a new city where you don't know many people? 

You find a project to keep you busy! 

It's not that I don't want to make friends, I do. But in all honesty it has been a very difficult adjustment and there is only so many "new things" that a person can handle at one time. So for the past month, I have been focusing on my job, getting my apartment settled and looking like home (which is where the below project comes in), and finding a Church home. 

How are those adjustments going? The job is coming. Finally this past week I felt like I was really starting to "get it." Yes, I am familiar with adoption but this is a whole other side to it that I haven't worked with before. Also, China is the program I know the most about, but we work with not only China, but also Colombia, India, Vietnam, Haiti, Korea, and Hong Kong! Since I am working with all of these country programs, I need to learn the process for each of them. Although some things are the same with all of them, there are many things that are very different. All that to say, yes, my job is going well and I am feeling more comfortable and confident but I still have a lot to learn.

My apartment is coming along. It is starting to feel more and more like home which I am very thankful for. Even though I have been thinking of decorating ideas for years for the day that I had my first apartment, it is very overwhelming when it's time to actually decorate it! I have done lots of "window shopping," and have made a few purchases. Since I'm working off of a budget, it is taking me a little longer to buy everything I would like to, but it's coming! 

Lately, I have decided to get crafty. I learned how to sew years ago with my Grandma. It was something that my Mom said I had to learn, that every young woman should know. I am so thankful that I do know how because I know so many women my age who have no idea how to sew! My grandparents bought me my own sewing machine for my college graduation and it has been stored for the last almost 7 (!) years. Last weekend I pulled it out and attempted to sew curtains. When I de-decorated my apartment after Christmas and took off my Christmas table cloth, I realized I didn't have another one to replace it! Off to the fabric store I went to make a new one.

The finished project, I think it turned out pretty well!

I had bought a few cork boards last week and was originally going to put them in my bedroom, but changed my mind and thought they would look cute in my dining room with fabric covering them. I made them to match my tablecloth and my curtains (my curtains are the blue color).

I decided I really like this fabric. Therefore, I have decided to make pillow covers for the pillows on my couch. 

After all, it all has to match, doesn't it? Okay maybe not, but I want it too. And it's keeping me busy and really helping me when my emotions and thoughts are all over the place. 

The last thing on the list of things I have been focusing on is finding a Church. I have visited four different Church's and was starting to get really frustrated. Well this morning I went back to the very first Church I visited here and gave it another chance.

And?

I think I may have found my new home Church.

Happy Sunday!

Home for Christmas

Home sweet home. 

After an emotional month with more changes than I ever care to go through all at once again, it's so nice to be home. 

And right now, NY is home.

The tree is decorated.

Presents are beginning to appear under the tree (mine still need to be wrapped... I'm a little behind on that).

What have I been up to since I arrived home late Sunday night.

I have been baking...

... and baking...

.... and baking...

... and baking a little more.

Baking Christmas cookies has been "my thing" in this house.

Since I arrived home with only a few days before Christmas to spare, I have been doing a lot of baking the last two days (as you can see!).

 I am taking a minute to just sit and gaze at our beautiful Christmas tree.

Christmas is about so much more then the gifts and cookies, but He is the real reason for the season.

And may we never, ever forget that.

For to us a child is born, 

to us a son is given, 

and the government will be on his shoulders. 

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, 

Mighty God, 

Everlasting Father, 

Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

A Week in Tulsa

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze.

For I am the Lord your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

Isaiah 43: 1-3

I know, I know, I am long overdue with an update. I am sorry, but since I do not have internet in my apartment yet, I haven't had a chance to write a blog post. I can check email, FB, and messages on my phone but I am not a fan of writing a whole blog post on my phone. There has been a lot happen this week so this may be a long post. I have been trying to write some updates on Instagram and FB and that is probably what I will use for the next few weeks for updates. If you are interested, be sure to follow me on Instagram and/or Facebook.

Where do I even start? I have been thinking about this post in my head the last few days just trying to figure out where to start and what to actually write about. Two things come to mind, the first being that this has been a very emotional week. One moment I am doing okay and the next, I'm very homesick,overwhelmed and wondering what in the world I have gotten myself into. Friends, this move is terrifying. Everything is new. A new city, new apartment, new job, new grocery store, Church's, etc. You get the picture... it's all new and with that comes a lot of emotions. One moment I feel brave and the next wondering what in the world I was thinking moving here. But the other thing that comes to mind is that the Lord has shown up in such amazing ways this past week. My faith has been in a little bit of a "slump" the last few months but starting this journey in Tulsa? Oh my.... I have been holding onto Him like I never have before and He is revealing Himself to me in a new way. For whatever reason, and maybe some of you know, but this move has been much scarier than China.

After two days and 1,097 miles of travel, my mom, dad, Kiah and I arrived at out hotel in Tulsa on December 3rd. The next morning was a VERY long day. I signed my life away on paperwork (at least it appeared that way!) for my apartment, moved me in (as in: brought my stuff in and dumped it wherever there was room), made several trips to Walmart for supplies, spent a few hours at the car dealership leasing my car (that is another long story), and finally crashing for the night, exhausted and emotional. Friday, my parents and I visited Dillon International where I was able to see my work environment, meet several of my co-workers and my parents had a chance to see where I'd be working and what I'd be doing. Oh my, I could just feel the presence of God in that place. He truly places the lonely in families and Dillon plays such a huge role in helping to make that a reality. I am so excited to be a part of it!

Last Saturday was a very difficult day, saying goodbye to my family as they departed to head back to NY. I'll spare you the details but last Saturday was hard. There were lots of tears shed and a lot of questions and confusion going through my mind. Sunday I visited a new Church and it was good but very different than what I'm used too. Even though last weekend was super hard, God showed up in a huge way. I was able to connect with friends of a friend of mine and they met up with me Sunday afternoon and showed me around Tulsa before we had dinner together. Then last Sunday evening, sweet blogger/Facebook friends of mine, "just happened" to be driving through Tulsa where they were spending the night and would I be anywhere near them? Why yes, I was only 3 miles from their hotel! They stopped by my apartment where we had a chance to chat and they prayed over me for this next journey I'm on. They were such an encouragement to me, more than they'll ever know. They kept reminding me to take just one day at a time and that is what I have continued to tell myself over and over again this past week as I began my work at Dillon. One. Day. At. A. Time. I will get it. I will learn what I need to learn, I will find a Church, I will make new friends, I will feel at home here eventually even though right now, I do not.

I have survived my first full week of work. Last Monday was overwhelming (seems to be the theme, doesn't it?). It was so much information and I feared I would never get it, but each days has gotten better and better. Once again, I am taking one day at a time. Not looking at the big picture and the future, but just trying to make it through each day. So far, that mindset has been working. The people I work with are great and have been so welcoming and helpful. I have had a chance to look through files and I am starting to get the hang of it. I am excited to begin another week tomorrow!

Thank you all so much for your thoughts, prayers, emails, texts, phone calls, Christmas cards, and notes of encouragement. You have no idea how much they have meant to me.

I have yet to bring out my "big camera," but thought I'd share a few iPhone pictures from the week:

We found this cute restaurant for lunch last week.

My living room.

My new friends took me to a local Church which has quite the light show each December!

Apparently Sonic is a big deal down here.

A few (as in these are only 4!) files I looked through this past week. Have I mentioned how much paperwork I'll be doing for this job?

Survived my first week!

Last evening I went to the Tulsa Christmas parade downtown with a few of my co-workers.

Look! There really are hills in Oklahoma!

There you have it, my first week in Tulsa. This weekend I have ventured out and learned my way around a little more and was able to get a little Christmas shopping done in the process.

Many of you have asked, and yes, I will be home for Christmas. Dillon has been so wonderful in giving me all of next week off for Christmas so I can be home with my family. I will be flying back next Sunday afternoon for the week. Pray for good travel weather and no delays!