We found a church in the beginning of January. The process has been pretty incredible. Once January started and we were finally not traveling, we decided we would try a different church every Sunday for a while to find one to call home. Since it had been a difficult start in Cincinnati with my job and all (We didn't find Missio Dei until about 1.5 yrs in), we were ready to be searching for a while.
By the second week of January, we visited a church that is located on the Upper East Side and like Missio, is in the Acts 29 network. That first Sunday, we got connected with a bunch of people and were invited to lunch! That very same week we started going to the small group that is a mere 2 blocks from our house and we have spent a lot of time with them since then, they have really welcomed us into their church family. Plus, most of them live within a 5 minute walk of us! From the very beginning, we knew without a doubt, this was our new church home. It really does feel like a miracle that it was this easy. All of our friends are also NYC transplants (Cali, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Indiana, etc...) they've just been here a while longer, so they completely understand our transition struggles and those moments where we wonder did we make the right decision (they've all had those same thoughts). They have been such a blessing to us. New York has finally started to feel like home to both of us. We have friends, connections, a church it's great.
So, I also have a job! Well, sort of. Our friends have asked me to walk their two giant Mastiff's each weekday afternoon. It's been a really great opportunity! It's a great way to earn some extra cash, at least until I find a job (which I plan to start looking soon. hehe). But, you definitely get A LOT of attention being a girl walking two giant dogs. A LOT.
Scott's job is going great as well. He's finally starting to settle in and get his groove. He actually just finished a huge project, and he did it faster than he thought he would, so that's awesome. Needless to say, they were very impressed with his work! He's also met a few people at Columbia that go to our church, so had lunch with them a couple of times. We meet for lunch about once a week, it's great to get a mid-day meet up with my man. He's been getting sushi a lot so I guess I will have to join him for that soon enough. Maybe they have fried shrimp instead of raw fish?? One can hope...but maybe it's time for me to expand my fish horizons.
We have done SO much in our apartment! We should be finally getting our couch delivered this week, which we ordered 4 weeks ago(!). We painted our kitchen a vibrant red (which looks awesome) and our entry hall is a warm caramel. We had painted the inside of our front door red as well over the grey that was already on it, but I guess latex paint doesn't stick to steel, so both layers peeled clean off haha! Oh well. I have bought several new decorations to hang, and I FINALLY found a gorgeous new bedding ensemble at my new favorite store, West Elm. On my next payday, I'm planning to buy some new curtains for the bedroom to match and we will paint the walls to bring it all together. It is going to look amazing.
On heating: Our apartment used to be an icebox, and it was totally harshing our cozy vibe. So, not only did we get curtains for our windows, but we put up faux wood blinds and sealed the windows where the drafts were coming in. Now, our apartment stays at a comfortable 72 degrees!!! wooohoo!!! We are ecstatic! It's amazing how one's outlook on life automatically brightens when you aren't freezing all the time. We quickly found out from our friends that this is a common problem with basically EVERY apartment in the city.
We are finally getting used to all the little frustrating differences, like not having a car. Anytime we go out, we have to think about all the walking we will have to do. Or trying to catch the train and the bus to the east side for church. But, it's built in exercise. Our muscles are getting so toned! Scott walks the 20 blocks to work and back almost every day. We definitely aren't sedentary anymore! We are slowly but surely getting healthier and it feels great. It's interesting that using more energy actually gives you more energy and makes you feel more alive.
We are still trying to figure out the grocery thing. We've been shopping at this little hispanic grocery, but it's not that great, sometimes we go up to Target, but have to lug everything back in our little cart. I think we might take a stab at ordering online, we just haven't taken the time yet. But in the meantime, we have eaten out A LOT. I can't even express to you how many amazing restaurants we've found in the short 2.5 months we've been here. (Chelsea is by far the best neighborhood for eating). Our favorite weeknight place happens to be this awesome hole-in-the-wall Chinese place that is literally 1 block away, and yes, we always have it delivered. #nycliving :)
Things are really coming together and we are so happy about it. But, maybe I'm just looking at life through rose colored glasses. But if I am, who cares. Right? Why would I JUST want to focus on the things that go wrong? Trust me, they are there. Don't even get me started on Time Warner Cable, USPS, UPS, FedEx, crazy old bus riders or the ACE subway line. But, I find that choosing to celebrate God's blessings in life's ups and downs, is way more gratifying and a more joyous way to live. Anyway.... :)
Here are a few photos that I've taken with my iphone the last few weeks....
The Flatiron Building
Headed to Church!!!
Love the Brownstones in our neighborhood
As seen in Greenwich Village
Geesh. Grab me a hot cocoa. #beautiful
Impromptu pop in to a random Donut Shop!
Zeus in Rockefeller Plaza
Connor and Sam love the snow
Emperor Remy Palpatine
Someone has learned how to cuddle under the sheets
Sneaking kisses on the subway
#starbucks and #booties #Istolemomssocks
Freakin sweet photo Scott captured of the National Mall!
This pipe smoking snowman is unashamedly touching Gandhi's butt
Post-Church outing with my love!
Shoutout to Scott for my new swanky Kate Spade purse
and to mom and dad for my Welly Socks for my Boots!
Laduree! The Super chic Macaroon tea room on the Upper East Side.
Scott took me after church one afternoon!
I felt soooo posh and Gossip Girl!
The cuteness slays me
City College
Best Friends Forever
Thanks for reading, for thinking of us and keeping us in your prayers, we always need it. :) Everyday is a new adventure and as we get settled and have found believers in this vast city, we believe more than ever that this is truly God's will for our lives, and he will use us to to spread his love to this city. I can feel that great things are coming!
Love always and wishing for spring,
Lauren Marie
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