My DC Life: Four Years

For the past few years, the month of July has caused me to pause, reflect and evaluate my current state. On July 1, 2008, I moved to DC fresh out of college, eager to take the city by storm and soak up all the amenities it had to offer.  Little did I know that the people I would meet, live with, work with and interact with daily would help me grow, challenge me, encourage me, laugh and cry with me and have a huge impact of my life.

As my mom and I began the 1,000 mile drive from Mississippi to DC, I remember staring out the window and wondering if "this" would all work out for my best.   How could I have known I would land my dream job, fall in love (with a guy from Mississippi) and have a strong community of friends around me.  I didn't know, but I had faith.  I believe that God has guided my path over these past few years (as he has my entire life).

This July marks four years of my life in DC--the same amount of time I spent in high school and in college. I don't have a paper degree to show for my life experiences, but I do have many memories and a growing collection of stories.  As I was flipping through the five thousand photos I've snapped in the last four years I found myself laughing out loud, tearing up and recalling so, so many good times.  A few posted photos wouldn't do the last four years justice, so Kern offered to help me make a mini movie.

To all those who have played a crucial role in being my friend, loving me, encouraging me and being there for me: thank you.  Your steadiness has been such a blessing in my life.

To my parents and other family members: thank you for assuring me that I am where I need to be, despite feeling too far away most of the time.

To Kern: thank you for giving so selflessly of your time and energy to help me on all of my crazy projects. Thank you for eating my vegetarian cooking and telling me you love it.  Thank you for helping me learn not to panic when my car breaks down or I lock myself out of the house.  Thank you for being the best friend I could ask for in this city.