One Year Older...

Yeap, that is right, I turned one year older.

I have to say, Tuesday was a WONDERFUL day. I have never been one to go all out for my birthday or celebrate in a big way, but lately my past 4 birthdays have been pretty lame. Other than a meal out with my family or close friends, it just hasn't been anything exciting. That is partly because my birthday falls in April, which happens to be the busiest month.

But, this year, rings in a big year. A year of a new journey.

A couple of weeks leading up to my birthday, I was a little upset because once again my birthday was landing on a week that was extremely busy. Majority of my small group girls were going to be out of town and I honestly did not know what I would plan for the actual day. I kept getting the question, "So, what are you doing for your birthday?" And I had nothing.

The night before my birthday, I was feeling pretty good about the plans I had for the next day...birthday surprise from my mentor and lunch with a co-worker.  I had spent some time journaling and being in awe of where God has me right now. Here I was celebrating my birthday in a new town with amazing new friends. But little did I know how this was going to be one of the best birthday's yet.

I started the morning with a community leadership meeting and was full of ideas and excitement about jumping on board with this organization. After leaving there and returning to work, I found my office completely decked out in birthday gear. I was completely surprised. Followed by a sushi lunch and some treats, I was good to go. Now, Melissa had given me instructions that I could not head to her place until 6:30pm. I thought nothing of it other than it would give us time to not have to rush after work. Well, about 6pm I received a text that said, "Stay in your apartment until you hear a knock. No peeking." Now all of a sudden, I got super nervous. I had no idea who/what was going to appear.

Right at 6:30, there was a loud bang on my door and I open it to find a sweet college friend who had driven up to surprise me. Completely shocked. We screamed for a bit then jumped in the car to head down to Buckhead. The night was full of a yummy dinner, cupcakes (seriously, look at the icing... and yes I turned 3 again) and girl time. It was wonderful.

Now, on the way down to Buckhead, I received a phone call. The number was one I did not recognized and I was not going to answer. Annie insisted that we answer the call. I thought this may have to do with my birthday surprise. But, as I answered, I hear a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and realize that it was my amazing friends from Haiti. I was in complete shock. I have been so fortunate to have formed an amazing community here and majority of them are currently serving on a mission trip. They passed the phone around and all wished me Happy Birthday. I never expected that nor do I even remember what we said other than screaming and being in complete shock. I can not even begin to tell you what a blessing these friends have been. Love all the time we get to hangout and grow.

I can say, my birthday was full of love. This year I will be celebrating my birthday a couple of times. My family will be gathering this weekend, followed by celebrations in my new community when everyone returns and then again when my college friend comes to town. I feel so blessed to be able to celebrate with old and new friends.

As the night was ending, I was so overwhelmed with the love I had received that night. I sat down in my apartment and thought back on how I got to where I am today. Completely blessed to have found the community and support on this new journey. Our God is amazing.

So this birthday on this new journey, has been one to remember.

Small Town? Nope, welcome to the CITY!

Part of the reason I started this blog was because my small group girls kept telling me that the experiences I was having on my journey were just too good not to share.

Growing up in a town where you could get to the other side of the town in 10 minutes or less, has left me with some quite hilarious stories of figuring out this Atlanta life. 

This was my first “your-not-in-Kansas-anymore” experience.

I had been in my apartment for a couple of days when I sat down to look at the long to-do list my mom and I had made. Now, who knew how much went into setting up an apartment. There were things like call the power company, call the cable company, find your mailbox… I mean, I just wanted to pick out fun fabric, organize my massive walk-in closet and have a merry time. Except now, I was facing reality of the non-glamorous things you have to take care of. I guess living in the dorms for 4 years did not prepare me for all the things you had to do when setting up an apartment.

I was crossing things off my list when I got to an item. I was avoiding this item. I knew when I completed this task; I would no longer be a resident of the town I grew up.

There it was- change address on driver’s license.

So, strapping on my big girl pants, I got up and headed to the DMV. Now, the DMV where I am from is a small office with 2 windows. I pull in to this massive building and proudly walk in. I walk to the desk, and the lady hands me a number- C29. I thought to myself, is this bingo?

I glance around the room and see almost every chair taken. I find a chair along the wall and take a seat. I begin noticing that there has to be around 300 chairs in the room and 10 windows. I had come prepared with 1 magazine, but honestly thought I would be in and out. Everyone had a number. There were all kinds of letters and I enjoyed the game of figuring out what each letter stood for. I then realized, it really was like bingo.

I began to put the two-and-two together. They currently were on C-9. Good grief, I might be here a while. You guessed it, 20 people in front of me. And you guessed it, 20 people to just change their address. And yes you guessed it, they don't go in order by letter, they jump all over the place. Well, that could be super fast, wrong.  I began to notice the conversations around me. I think I picked up about 4 different languages being spoken. However, the DMV does rank up there with a great place to people watch.

Finally after an hour and half my number is called. I really did want to yell BINGO! I rush to the counter (to make sure she knew I was there) and tell the lady I needed to change my address. After pulling up my record she asked for my current license and then with no hesitation drops it in the trash. Woah... no time to say goodbye 15-year-old learner’s picture or old address. She tells me to stand in front of the blue screen and then in 10 seconds my picture was taken. And just like that I have a new license with a horrible picture and a new address. That wasn’t painful for her not. one. bit.

I walked out of there laughing, yeap, welcome to the largest county in Georgia.

I laugh about this story now. I am sure I looked so out of place. Just another reminder that I was on a new journey in the real world…

I get the privilege of experiencing this all over again tomorrow, when I go to renew my license. I think I’ll go a little more prepared with more than 1 magazine and be prepared to do some serious people watching.