The Journey Begins

On  my last day of work, I sat in my car and thought to myself, "what have I done?" Or better yet, "what am I doing?" I sort of thought about going back inside and begging for my job back. If you didn't know, I have spent the better part of the last year working as a full time public defender. During my last week of work, the inmates held a riot and destroyed the jail. It was a situation that had been boiling for months, and and it was that incident that helped me crank up the car and drive away. One day I will tell you all about my days as a public defender.

This past week I got on a plane, by myself, and flew to New York City. Two days before, I had shipped all my belongings via Unishippers/UPS. I was a bit trepidatious while arriving and checking in at the airport. They don't really give you a lot of time to say goodbye to love ones anymore, but that is probably a good thing - I might have changed my mind.

As I sat in the terminal, a man asked if he could sit next to me. Even though he seemed talkative, I said sure, I really did not feel like talking to a stranger. He asked me the obligatory, "where do you live? where are you going?" And, I told him I was moving to New York. Then he asked me what for, and I kind of laughed and said, "I am going to seminary." It seems odd to me to come to seminary in New York City, the City that never sleeps. I mean, the City isn't exactly known for its' religious experiences.  In fact, its' better known for, in essence, loosing your religion. He laughed and said, "well, my sister lives in NYC, and when she moved there she did not know God. But, she somehow found God and now works at a Church. I am going to send her a text so you two can meet." He went on to offer me tons of encouragement. Then, he really did contact his sister who has since texted me.

On my last flight in to the City, I was seated next to a nice business man. We didn't talk much until the plane began to land. He asked me where I lived, and again I told him I was moving to the City for seminary. He told me he was about to start Deacon classes with the Catholic Church this fall, and again he offered me lots of encouragement. He did ask if I could marry - which has been a lot of folks' question, and yes, I can!

As I have sat in my 216 square foot "room" aka "apartment" over the last several days. I keep reminding myself of my trip and the assurance that God is with me. God is with us all, through Word, and Sacrament, and even people he places in our lives. I deeply believe that. Please continue to pray for me as I get adjusted to my living quarters, school, and this big city! Peace, Katie