Newness

I've moved a lot over the last five years, but only one of those moves was to a new semi-permanent home. Now I'm in a new city where I'll spend the next three years, so I'm trying to find my way around and make this city feel like home as fast as possible. So far I know how to get from my apartment to campus, and I've located a few restaurants, a grocery store, and a hardware store.

I even had a public transportation/city adventure earlier this week. It was surprisingly simple to navigate the bus and train systems to get to the attractions downtown. We did all sorts of touristy things once we got downtown, but I at least felt savvy managing to get downtown and back without incident.

I feel a bit like a character on Barney saying this, but I've made FRIENDS! It has been surprisingly easy to find friendly people that I have things in common with here. It's a bit like finding my Mothership; I'm surrounded by students who are interested in the same things I'm interested in, but who are passionate about service and change in a way that drives them to act independently. Each person I meet has had incredible experiences in service or education or life, and they all have so much to contribute. I'm ecstatic to be a part of such a vibrant and diverse community. I'm sure the newlywed phase will wear off soon and I'll be much less positive once the drudgery of school starts and people are less eager to make friends, but right now it's awesome.

The real challenge will begin on Tuesday when classes start. Until then, let the good times roll!