I'm updating!

Good Morning!

I've been such a good girl these past few weeks, except for updating this here blog. So today's the day. LOTS has been happening during this wonderful month of January and I have a limited time to post, since I have my first full day of work in a less than an hour, but I can at least go over the basics and get you caught up on my life.

School: Love it! I've gotten up in time every day! Yay! We started actually practicing massage strokes on the legs at the beginning of the second week of classes. There's lots to learn, but I'm loving every minute of it!

Work: I was recently hired as a part time circulation clerk at the North Park branch library here in Evansville. Three days during the week for four hours a day and then every other Friday/Saturday for the whole day. So far I've worked two afternoons and today is my first full day. There's lots to learn there, too, but I'm thoroughly enjoying it. The exciting thing is that the library is in the same neighborhood as my church, so I see people I know!

Mark: We get to talk pretty much everyday! It's great to be able to hear his voice and be able to share each other's daily stuff. Since he doesn't have access to his blog, he e-mails it to me and I post it for him. Then when someone responds, I send it to him. So, he does get emails right now, if you want to send him a note. It's at mark.south@us.army.mil

God is taking good care of me and helping me to stretch and grow and love life! I miss Mark, but the good thing is that I get to see him at the beginning of March for a few days before they head overseas. So, keep praying, cause it's working!

I'll try to post more often, Kelly!!!

Beginnings

It's early morning and I'm up and ready to begin a new phase in my life. It took three alarms, but I'm really awake and with enough time to post! I'm a little nervous, not knowing what to expect, but my excitement is overcoming my anxiety. Life is full of possibilities and God has led me on this new endeavor of becoming a massage therapist. Classes are going to be so totally different than anything I've had so far, and I'm looking forward to seeing how this new style fits me. I think I'm really going to enjoy "hands-on" learning!

So far it's been kinda lonely around the house, but I've been keeping busy and friends have been calling and inviting me places (thanks, friends!). Conversations with Mark have lessened as he adjusts to a new environment and routine, but I know that he is well, and they are keeping them very busy!

Epiphany was yesterday and the homily was very appropriate to our situation right now. Mark is following his star, leaving behind family and friends to pursue that which he is called to do. I am so very proud of him for his dedication to "duty, honor, country" and for being an example to me that I can pursue my dreams.

We've said, "Goodbye"

What can I say? These past couple of days have been difficult, but not terrible. Fortunately I had my mom with me after leaving Mark in Indy, so I made it home in one piece. I'm really doing fine so far. We've said, "Goodbye," but I know it's not the final farewell. And we've been texting each other today, so he's not really gone.

My niece said it best when she said, "Pretty soon you'll be visiting him in Georgia, and then pretty soon he'll be home on leave, and then before you know it, he'll be back." What wisdom from a 13 year old! She's been through this before, so if anyone knows, she does. And her dad was gone longer than Mark will be.

And God's taking care of me already. Yesterday I was called in for an interview this afternoon and then after that I go to school for an orientation. Please pray that this interview goes well and that this is THE job! I really need something soon!