Walkin' Along, Singin' My Song

A week ago I had not even left for Port Angeles, WA (or PA). My car and my parents' van were about to burst from being packed with so many of my belongings; I was about to burst from being excited, nervous, and READY to be on my journey to the next chapter of my life. I had so many questions about what my new life would be like, what my new house mates would be like, what my new job would be like, and what new elements of myself might emerge. I will say this about the trip up: California gave me a beautiful send-off sunset, and PA welcomed me with blue, cloudless skies and amazing views from my backyard of the mountains of Olympic National Park.

Overview of my house: It's cute, two stories, has a bright yellow kitchen, and a living room so big my roomies and I have decided to effectively make it into two different living spaces. There is a pretty big backyard that has a loaded pear tree, mint plants, and a rosemary plant in it, as well as a fun little small swing on another unidentified tree. A few rosebushes, a lilac, hydrangea, and other flowering plants are planted around the sides of the house.

My roomies: Marie and Megan. Both are wonderful! I feel like each of them will bring out different sides of me and I am excited about that, as I'm hoping it will keep me balanced in my time here. Between the three of us we have managed to make this new house feel like a home. Also, we currently have Chad staying with us so he doesn't have to commute from Port Townsend everyday for two weeks while our group does our first trainings. I think Marie's dog, Chase, appreciates another male in the house :)

My AmeriCorps team: Once again, I have been reminded not to assume what a group will be like. I had assumed it would be 30 of us who are recent college graduates from all over who wanted to make a difference in our country, but who were also facing a daunting task of finding a "real" job in the "real world." There are many of us who fit the above description; but there are also retirees and high school graduates, and many more "locals" than I thought there might be.

Yesterday was the mind numbing first day of training. Paperwork up the wazoo. Gray and misty morning walk there. Today though, I got to know more of my teammates and got a better idea of how powerful AmeriCorps members can be in this community. Walking home the sun was shining, the mountains were visible, and so was the Straight of Juan de Fuca. I know I will have many challenges this year, but for today I am thrilled to be here and am excited for when I'll finally be able to start my assignment at my site. With the sun shining on my face and the salty sea breeze coming past I couldn't ask for much more right now.

on my walk home today!