Hey there, mid-October.

Autumn comes a bit later in the almost-Southern state of Maryland. And it is definitely almost Southern. Emphasis on the almost is of course, my own. I have to keep reminding myself that I although I am on the east coast again, I am not especially in familiar territory.

In New England, I was used to the occasional snow-covered Halloween, but here the leaves are just about turning red--I am viewing it as a gift. Longer season of the best season? I'll take it.

Let me share with you how God has been faithful in the past month and a half since I arrived...!

(I had wanted to be sharing much earlier, but unfortunately my internet access is at best sporadic).

My first week alone in Frederick I started to yearn for community. Starbucks no longer felt like a carefree "in between" job, and I was coming home ready to just sleep. I had an incredible amount of anxiety for someone who had been brought here so specifically by the Lord, with every opportunity literally being presented without even looking for it.

Why on earth don't we ever get through our heads that God is consistently providing? It's as if we expect Him to eventually fold His hands, walk away and say, "Okay then, that is enough care for one day. Now they are own their own."

...Anyway, point being I began to pray about a church family. All the ones within walking distance of my place did not seem to be heading in the right direction, and with no bus service on Sunday I knew my options were limited.

Then I was working late one night and I happened to be stocking tea boxes when a woman approached the counter near me and spoke to my coworker. When I glanced up, I saw she was holding an ESV Bible.

I had just been praying that morning about my desire to get involved in local church body ASAP, and here this woman is holding a Bible version I knew was being used for studying purposes.

As she walked away, I decided what did I have to loose?

I gave a little "psst"--of sorts, and asked her where she goes to church. She said, "Calvary Chapel Frederick".

I honestly laughed. Of course it'd be a Calvary Chapel...

She said it had just started about a year ago and was about 8 minutes away,

and she had been at Starbucks working on the Bible study with another woman that night.
So, I admitted I was being a little forward, but asked them for a ride to church that Sunday.

They said sure.God has used these women since to encourage me and bombard me (literally) with His provision--in this short time I have been given a brand new dresser (I was in desperate need of one) and the opportunity to borrow a car for my birthday weekend. We were able to head a few towns over to the only Trader Joes in the area (yay for pumpkin butter!) and got to register at Crate and Barrel. I had begrudgingly expected we'd be doing that by internet.

So, here I am a bunch of Sundays later feeling completely at home in this awesome, set-up-and-tear-down church with a few California transplants (including the pastor), a youth pastor who is about my age and who is, as of last week, a newlywed. That is right--talk about sharing life! There are also lots of young families who are incredibly loving and welcoming.

So yes, Josh and I had incredibly precious time together going to the Great Frederick Fair celebrating my birthday (I have never seen seen so many ribbons on heads of cabbage and four different kinds of baking chestnuts) , and spending time planning our wedding in the same state. We walked to the park to visit with the ducks, had quite a bit of Starbucks shared time (he was using the internet, I was squeezing in a squeeze on my breaks!), and learning more about this place.

West Patrick St. is "Home", now a real place.

I just heard about Earl--Hurricane Earl. He isn't really affecting me too much, aside from the very blustery Saturday morning outside my window...and if wind is all he'll bring my way, I am happy to receive. :]

Life has been rather full: full time work at Starbucks, part time class, and full time trusting the Lord's provision, and of course, full time missing Joshua David Hills and each and every one of my dear ones.

All I can say to all those who prayed and continue to pray for this huge transition...we serve a VERY big God who can handle things like moves, jobs, family, rent...he gives good gifts and gives what we need when we need it. I emphasize the what as well, because there have been moments in the past month where I realize I have exactly how much I need and not a fraction more.

Learning to stretch :]

It's been almost three weeks since I arrived in Frederick to our incredible little apartment on W. Patrick Street that makes me squeal every time I arrive home. Trust me, you'd LOVE it. The house itself was built in 1890, and much of the quirkiness stems from this charm...I have been sleeping on a yoga mat since then until two nights ago when a bed got delivered (an early wedding present from my Mom)--and then I finally felt as if the place had more "things" to fill up pictures.

SO here I am, with minimal furniture, a few pictures I have taken so far.

Josh flew out to help me with the move from Connecticut to Maryland from the evening of August 16th until the 21st. It was SUCH an overwhelming feeling pulling up to the house, walking in together and seeing it for the first time...it is so so much more than we ever expected it to be.

With ridiculous grins on our faces, as our landlord and his wife showed us inside--we got increasingly excited about our 3-room "railway" apartment with its two aesthetics-only fireplaces, adorable "staircase to nowhere", brand new fridge in our gnome-like kitchen, hardwood floors and exposed beams, and (not one) but TWO built in bookcase floor-to-ceiling shelves.

(Although I have not been able to get pictures of the outside just yet, we also have an adorable porch-appropriate area as well).

I was fortunate to have my Mom with me for a bit following Josh's departure, and then it was time to experience life here solo.

SO much more to report, will be shortly. :]