Rocky Mountain National Park

Sometimes it's hard to believe that I live in such a beautiful state. Alyssa, Laura and I went hiking last weekend, and these are just a few of the amazing views. It's incredible that less than two hours from Denver, you can feel like you're standing in the middle of an Ansel Adams photograph. I now know what they mean when they say purple mountains majesty. Btw, here's your factoid of the day: that song, "America the Beautiful" was written by a woman viewing the mountains of Colorado.

Braves v. Rockies

My co-worker Chris was so generous and gave me four tickets to the Rockies game last week. I was stoked because this was the only series I had wanted to see all year. I sported my Braves hat proudly to support my home team in the midst of Rockies fans, and in the midst of very cold rain. Too bad the Braves lost! I had been talking a lot of smack too. We stayed until the end though, and watched the fireworks show afterward. It was worth it. Pictured from Left to Right: Emily, Jenn, Me, and Colleen.

Atlanta and Athens

It was surreal to be back in Athens for the first time in over a year, not to mention adjusting to humidity for the first time since last Christmas. I got to spend quality time with my best friends and call the Dawgs at home game--what more could you want?

US-2s in NYC

So I've been the sultan of slack when it comes to posting lately. I was gone most of September, traveling to NYC and ATL. It was awesome to have a week and a half off--the longest vacation I've had since I started my program last year. Today, I'm trying to catch up by going over the highlights of my trip, starting with my first stop in New York City. The other seven US-2s and I gathered in the city to have our mid-term event, a time of reflection and discernment as one year of our placements ends and the final year begins.

I love these people so much, and it's inspiring to see how they have grown and what they've overcome this year. It was a time for us to reconnect, to learn from each other, and of course, whine a little bit too. We had a great time, though it wore us out (see second to last pic above). In addition, we were able to have a full day of vocational discernment, where I was able to further explore theological education and the ordination track. For now, I am filling out my applications to seminary, and I'm taking the steps towards candidacy as a deacon in the church. But...I have been warning everyone not to get too excited or put too much pressure on me to be ordained. I have to see if that's God's choice. And for now, I know I am not called to be in the pulpit. My ministry would still be in communications and/or social agencies and mission. And I'm still a little weirded out at the thought of having Rev. attached to my name. So, there's that.

Keep the others in my US-2 class in your prayers, as they discern where they will head next:
Bre, Beth, Mary, Sarah, Josh, Laura B., and Laura R.
And keep prayers for the US-2 class that was just commissioned as they begin their journey, and the US-2 class that just finished their terms, as they embark on their new experiences.

One Year

So this Labor Day weekend marked my one-year anniversary in Colorado. Craaazy. Thanks for all the love and support from those at my always-home and those at my new home here. I can't wait to see what the next year brings!