I grew up in the Suburbs of Philadelphia- it is a very unique, great place to live. Until I got to college I thought that everywhere was just like my hometown. My home area is very diverse, you can get to the mall, nearly any store in under five minutes and... could probably walk there if you so desired.
After getting married I now live in a place very different...I like it here but I just think there are some differences that are funny.
Ten Observations/Stories:
1. It is typical to see an Amish buggy on your way to work. It is expected that you pass it... this I am learning to do.
2. The local store, run by old order Mennonites has amazing blueberries and everyone in town knows. Whenever a shipment came in this summer there would be a big "Blueberries are here" sign that you knew you had to get in on that day because they would be gone in hours.
3. Everything, in my town at least, closes by 4:30 on a week day.
4. Many of the stores on our main street in town are by appointment only- including a furniture store, and a small grocery.
5. Wednesday nights and Sunday nights the town becomes empty as nearly everyone heads to church.
6. Sunday morning traffic is busier than rush hour on a Friday afternoon
7. Many places are closed on Sundays or have shortened hours.
8. I've seen more police officers concerned with speeding than ever before- one day on my way home from work I counted eight "hidden" police cars on the look out.
9. My first few weeks here I went to get a haircut and the women at the hair salon all knew that I was recently married and new to town the moment I walked in... because they had seen pictures from my wedding on Facebook.
10. Twice when going to the post office I have been asked if I am new to town. I have no idea it was that obvious that I'm not from around here just by the way I wait in line and write on an envelope.
The town I live in is smallish, conservative, and most people were born and raised here. The town I grew up in was large, liberal and people move and change often. Big changes but I love it here so far. Sometimes I get a little homesick for a quick run to Target or things familiar but overall, I'm glad God placed us here for the beginning of our marriage.
August 28, 2012
A New Chapter
Hello I'm coming out of blog-hiding to give a little update on life.
I'm married & I am absolutely loving every minute of it!
May 12, 2012 was a beautiful day. It was picture perfect- everything was better than we could have imagined. The sun was shining, God was present and joy was abounding.
We took a week long honeymoon in the Dominican Republic getting spending time with each other and being fully disconnected to the outside world. It was wonderful.
The Monday after returning from our honeymoon I started my summer job. This summer I worked as a summer camp coordinator at a daycare center- it was such a blessing but the hours and the work was much more than what I expected. I had the privilege of working closely with two girls, who both got married within a month of myself AND who were both believers. It was such proof that God was in this job decision to have these two amazing girls to walk life with during the first few months of our marriages.
Camp was so different than any other experience I have had in the past- when we walked in that first Monday we had a blank slate to create nearly any type of camp program we wanted. We started with a schedule, some field trips and weekly themes. Our camp was to be academically focused and based around our state's learning standards. It was a lot of work but so worth it. I feel like after this summer I am fully prepared for any teaching job that is thrown my way! Pinterest, was such a huge help in planning activities & lessons- such a great resource!
Now, camp is over, life has slowed down and I'm beginning to catch my breath a little. Since teaching in this area is a highly competitive field, I am planning to substitute teach and get my foot in the door. I'm okay with not having a full-time teaching job right now but it's really been a struggle over the summer. There were times that I have been super discouraged- I spend time every day looking for jobs and applying in six counties and have yet to have an interview. God really has been showing me lately that this chapter of life is significant in His story and should not be spent hoping for something else, waiting for Him to grant my wishes. My God is not a genie, and as He's showed me many times in the past He provides in the very best of ways so I need to just enjoy the now and follow after Him.
So for right now, I'm enjoying this chapter of being newly married, living in a new place, settling into a new church and substitute teaching. He's blessed me immensely.
I'm married & I am absolutely loving every minute of it!
The Monday after returning from our honeymoon I started my summer job. This summer I worked as a summer camp coordinator at a daycare center- it was such a blessing but the hours and the work was much more than what I expected. I had the privilege of working closely with two girls, who both got married within a month of myself AND who were both believers. It was such proof that God was in this job decision to have these two amazing girls to walk life with during the first few months of our marriages.
Camp was so different than any other experience I have had in the past- when we walked in that first Monday we had a blank slate to create nearly any type of camp program we wanted. We started with a schedule, some field trips and weekly themes. Our camp was to be academically focused and based around our state's learning standards. It was a lot of work but so worth it. I feel like after this summer I am fully prepared for any teaching job that is thrown my way! Pinterest, was such a huge help in planning activities & lessons- such a great resource!
Now, camp is over, life has slowed down and I'm beginning to catch my breath a little. Since teaching in this area is a highly competitive field, I am planning to substitute teach and get my foot in the door. I'm okay with not having a full-time teaching job right now but it's really been a struggle over the summer. There were times that I have been super discouraged- I spend time every day looking for jobs and applying in six counties and have yet to have an interview. God really has been showing me lately that this chapter of life is significant in His story and should not be spent hoping for something else, waiting for Him to grant my wishes. My God is not a genie, and as He's showed me many times in the past He provides in the very best of ways so I need to just enjoy the now and follow after Him.
So for right now, I'm enjoying this chapter of being newly married, living in a new place, settling into a new church and substitute teaching. He's blessed me immensely.
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