whew!

into week 3 in B'more and things are starting to come together. Yesterday, we went to a very multi-cultural church that had really nice people, but the music was, well, smooth jazz worship. We'll be visiting again in a few weeks.

Also, I scrapped the Honda. A guy offered me $300 for it, and, honestly, I didn't want someone else driving it. The way the mechanic could shake around the front left wheel, it was an accident waiting to happen. so I'm glad it's parts are getting scattered to the four winds. Mahalo, my old friend, for your faithful service these 2.5 years. You're peppy off the block speed, caulked shut driver's window and nonfunctional windshield washers shall be missed! =(

have I ever mentioned I love Craigslist? We found our apt, Liz made 2 friends, sold a duvet to get a food processor we can't live without, helped put the honda out of its misery, and found us our new car! it's a 97 mazda 626 with 126k miles and IT"S STATE INSPECTED!!!! woohoo!

A brief caviot to my MI friends. Apparently in other states they have these strange
"safety inspections" in which out of state cars must be thoroughly scrutinized before being blessed with the local license plate. My Honda was not worthy to bear the sacred Maryland coat of arms, sadly. but for $2500, our new Mazda has its inspection, is road ready, and we don't need an additional loan! once again, woohoo!

Through writing these blogs, I've discovered how fragile and flippant my faith really is. While there have been setbacks and a few scares, we've been alright. But I have freaked out, almost daily, about money, school, etc when, as Liz put it "God's got us."

Which I know, in my head. I also know teaching the middle schools who are basically the seniors of a k8 school will, almost certainly, try me in ways I don't fully realize yet. I'm thankful for these early trials to get my eyes back where they belong. God has been more than faithful to us. Thanks, God.

So, today is running around getting cars paid for, inspected, insured and registered. How blessed i am to have such problems.

PS: Michael Phelps grew up 3 neighborhood east of us. pretty cool!

I miss you guys. we're building some great relationships here, but no Dream Cruise, no Buddys/Loui's pizza, and still no friendships so deep I can drop by at 12am to talk, watch crappy SciFi flicks or drink some cheap beer and debrief on life with. We're in a good place, but my friends have always been my family. Please know we miss you and love you all.

until next freakout! =) love yall!