Perfect Fit

I've received a lot of phone calls and emails wondering how I'm doing. How's the new job? The new town? The answer...Great! I feel at home already. The job is just right for me. It allows me to pursue my passions - sharing the love of Jesus in a practical way and working toward an end to preventable disease globally. I get to be involved in politics and policy on a national level. I get to strategize daily. I get to do interesting work that impacts people's lives around the world. I get to work with fascinating people who have done amazing things and are lots of fun to talk to. For the first time in my career I have found an organization I plan to stay with long-term. There is a lot of growth opportunity here so I'm certain my career can progress without having to relocate. In fact, they have a policy that states they prefer to promote from within first.

The town is amazing. It is a college town with all the fun activities and quirky little things colleges bring. It's in the mountains. Which provides beautiful views, clean and crisp air, and fun outdoor activites. The people are so nice. I can tell you that in my experience, southern hospitality isn't a myth. It is very real and wonderful when you are adjusting to a new city. I moved in to my house with no furniture, nothing but me and some clothes. I am now the recipient of an air mattress, a blanket, a pillow and two sets of towels. My landlord also did not like hearing about the conditions I was living in (I call it camping with a roof and shower), so she had her husband bring over a table, some chairs and a microwave. Once again, I am relying on the kindness of others for my survival.

My first weekend here without Kenyon I hung out with some co-workers. We participated in the art crawl on Friday night (kind of like First Friday's in KC, but smaller). The next day we went to a neighboring town for their Art in the Park event. It was very much like the Brookside art fair, except in a cute mountain community. That same weekend I visited a church I really liked and participated in a well attended dinner party that evening.

This is my second weekend here. Last night a group of us went to a callipso music show at the university. It had been raining all day so it was kind of like taking a visit to the beach without leaving the cool mountain air. Another coworker and I spent today exploring - we checked out the farmer's market, ski shops and resorts, and two neighboring communities the other direction from our town. I've already got my calendar full of fall activities - an apple festival and something called the Wolly Worm festival where people race worms up string. I can't wait! I've also scoped out the location where Kenyon and I will pick out our Christmas tree. There are Christmas tree farms all over this place, but I had to search out a "choose and cut" location. Good times to come...

Kenyon should arrive next Saturday. Our stuff should follow him a day or so later. I can't wait to show him all the restaurants I've discovered and introduce him to the wonderful people I've met. Remember, we have a three bedroom house so if you are looking for a mountain vacation...we are located in a prime destination.