Well, life has been keeping me quite busy since returning to the U.S. so I have not had much time to sit and write down all that has been going on. This short blog won't do enough to describe everything either, but at least it's something to make sure we are all on the same page and you know about the big events going on in my life. If you want more details you should know how to get a hold of me (phone, e-mail, or facebook). If not, ask a family member or friend for my contact info.
Well, the BIG news that I was waiting to write about until I had tried to tell most people in person is that........ Roger and I are engaged! Roger and our relationship have been such unexpected beautiful blessings by God that fill me with overwhelming gratitude for how loved I really am (by God for bringing Roger and I together and by Roger himself). Life is so good and I really believe that God just wants to keep on blessing us with love and joy in our lives if we are open and present to it. I really feel rooted and confident in the decision to spend my life with Roger and believe that this is the life God is calling me to. It is why I decided to end my missionary experience and pursue this path toward marriage and (eventually) family. There seem to be too many stories to share, so if you want more info just ask. I am obviously back in the U.S. and he is still in Peru. We are applying for the fiance visa so he can come to the U.S. and we can get married here. Roger has graciously agreed to move to the U.S. for me (he's so great!) so the plan right now is to live in St. Louis. The whole visa process takes about 6-7 months and then you have to get married withing 90 days of arrival, so we're looking at a June 2011 wedding. More details to follow as we pick a place, etc.
In the meantime, I am back in St. Louis, MO and so happy to be surrounded by so many great friends and communities here. I really love St. Louis and feel very happy and at home here. Most of my really good friends from college are still around and there are a lot of exciting things going on in the city. I am currently living in an intentional community in North St. Louis called "Claver House." I live with 5 other young adults and we share food, space, time, and lots of conversations together, as well as trying to be active in our neighborhood which is primarily low income African-American. It is a great group of people in the house and I'm excited to get to know them better as well as the extended community around The Ville (our neighborhood).
I am also grateful that I have a full time job! My previous employer, Cooperative Home Care, was eager to hire me back so I am now working full time as a Case Manager for our Medicaid department. I've been there for two weeks and I have to say it is pretty overwhelming right now trying to learn everything. I have around 80 clients plus all of their workers that I am responsible for; so on top of learning all the procedures, rules, and systems I am also trying to learn names, diagnosis, and schedules. It's a lot to say the least. But I am hopeful that as time goes on and I settle more into the position that things will run more smoothly and I will really enjoy the job. It's a great company to work for (I mean, last Friday we had margarita happy hour for the last hour of work) and I'm grateful to have a job. It will also be great experience for case managing and supervising over 50 workers. Right now I'm just trying to take it one problem at a time...
So I think those are all my big updates: engagement, move, job. Anyone connected to the St. Louis area with suggestions about wedding reception venues, latino bands, photographers, florists, etc. send them my way. I'm definitely on a budget so keep that in mind with suggestions :) Or, anyone who has one of these talents and wants to offer that as a wedding present I would be more than happy to discuss that further with you!
Thanks for keeping up with me and I'll try and post a bit more frequently.... but no promises... life is busy and being lived in the moment....
peace and love