Where do I begin to begin? Let's just call this a brief essay on: cultural identity, winning, losing, and growing up.

A few months ago I made a move I never could have imagined myself making. I am currently living in Ohio...quite a hop, skip, and a jump away from Bayou Country. I can't believe we're almost a week into Lent and I haven't had crawfish yet! Mardi Gras came and went and I didn't see one parade. My parents came to visit and I almost cried over my dad's roast and rice and gravy. It's a different world up here. Did I mention I'm engaged?...to a New Yorker, at that! A New Yorker whose family is like "My Cousin Vinny/ The Godfather" Italian...like Italian in the sense that he has cousins who are actually named Mario and Luigi. I never knew there was anything wrong with Ragu spaghetti sauce (don't ever tell an Italian if you eat it). But, the moral of that story is no matter how many plans you make for yourself, God is going to find a way to surprise you. It feels like my life really is turning into some big adventure and every detail really is in God's hands now.

I never thought I would have a bed with a comforter that is mine in a place this far away from home. I wasn't sure how the Lord was going to unfold the details of my vocation. But, it's all been part of an adventure that I truly, truly love. I love not knowing what will happen next. My goal in life is to live by a river somewhere and sing songs on a front porch everyday. Getting there is going to be sooooo fun. The good news: I am back in the Great State next week. Can't wait to see some of yall there! Crawfish, anyone??? ~KP