belated update

My first attempt at blogging didn't go so well. It has been a LONG time since I last posted. For those who know me well, it is not for a lack of things to say. So, I am going to try again...

I am now in year four as a Brooklynite. I love Brooklyn and NYC even more today than when I first moved here. Brooklyn is my home. Yes, I miss my family in Texas, especially my handsome nephew and beautiful nieces. It is difficult to watch them grow up from afar...or as my nephew thinks, from a plane. However, I do feel at home here and I can not imagine living anywhere else.

I am in year six at the Center for Student Missions. While there have definitely been ups and downs the past five years, I feel that this is where I am called to be. I have been challenged and encouraged, I am grateful for both.

More soon...hopefully!

the fall season

It is fall in New York and I am loving it. Well, except maybe for today. It is a cold and rainy day. But other than that, the fall has been wonderful. It is my first time to fully experience this season and I'm sure I will have more to say about it soon.

After taking a much needed break in September, I have been back in the swing of things. We are in a slower season at CSM NYC, but time still seems to be flying by. With our interns gone and not many groups coming in, it can be pretty quiet around here. However, in the next couple of months, we will be visiting our 30 or more ministry partners. I am looking forward to seeing them and building our relationships with them. In addition to this, Noelle and I have been able to work on some of the things that we have been wanting to since the beginning of the year. We are also finding our to do list gradually getting bigger as we have more time to brainstorm as well. Speaking of, I better get back to the list.

mmm...bagels

One of the many things I love about New York are the bagels. They are incredible! Most bagel shops have hand-rolled bagels and homemade cream cheese of many flavors(or tofu spread for those of you that are not so keen on the cream). You can also order them as a sandwich or just add butter (or "butta"). Anyway, as I was getting a bagel this morning on my way into the office (as I often do), I was reminded of a conversation I had with a Brooklyn cop last month. He told me and a couple group members from Michigan a great story.

He was in a southern state many years ago and tried to order a bagel. The server at this venue said, "What?" Officer said, "A bagel." She said, "What?" And on they went. He then tried to describe it to her and she said, "We have a biscuit." Officer said, "What?"

Now don't get me wrong, I love a southern style biscuit, especially from Chick-fil-A with chicken on it. However, the bagels here are wonderful! Next time you come, you should definitely try one...it will change your life. Okay maybe not, but it is sure to be one of the best bagels you have ever had.

summer has begun

After two weeks of long training days, our first groups of the summer have arrived! Our staff of eight interns have begun their first week of hosting students around the city. By the end of the week they will have spent time serving in Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and of course, Brooklyn. Here is a picture of our hosts this summer at Coney Island:

top row: Tiffany from Virginia, Katie from Michigan, Josh from California, Luke from Pennsylvania, Mayonne from New York (and Guyana)
bottom row: Lauren from Texas, Kristen from New York, Eric from Oregon (and Idaho)

a visit from my parents

My parents came to New York last week! It was so good to see them and to share my home with them. They had a great time and I'm sure they will be back. We had a very busy and fun week. We took a bus tour on the first day they were here, which I highly recommend if you want to see a lot of the city in a small amount of time. (Check it out if you are planning a trip: http://www.coachusa.com/newyorksightseeing/ or http://www.citysightsny.com/) We also went to a Mets game, saw Mamma Mia on Broadway, spent some time in Times Square, Greenwich Village, Union Square area, a few neighborhoods in Brooklyn, and more! We also got to spend some time in my new neighborhood, South Slope in Brooklyn. My mom and dad got to see my apartment before we moved in. We have moved in since then and it is filling up quite quickly. (I am still planning on posting pictures of the new apartment and amazing rooftop view.) I had a great time with my parents. I'm so glad you guys came, love and miss you!

brooklyn sweet brooklyn

As some of you know, I have been living in a sublet since moving to New York. It has been enjoyable and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to become more acquainted with the city I now call home. However, I am ready to settle down in a place of my own. That said, I signed a lease last week and will be moving May 1! My stuff, that my parents have most graciously stored for almost two years, will soon follow. The apartment is located in South Park Slope area of Brooklyn and is in a great location with a gorgeous view from the roof! And I will be moving in with one of my very best friends, Leigh Anna. I am thrilled that I can officially call Brooklyn home. Pictures to come...

visit nyc

So, I know it has been a while. The last few weeks, or rather months, have been very busy. I have enjoyed living in Brooklyn, getting to know the city and making new friends. I have also been able to reconnect with old friends. And in case you didn't know, New York City is a great place to visit. My friends Ryan and Kira from Texas came a few weeks ago to experience the city for themselves. (I'm glad you guys got to come, and thanks for the pictures, Kira!).