Meeting, Greeting and Commuting

Today was my day to head to Holy Spirit and meet everyone that I'll be working with!  It was a great experience but it's about an hour commute.  Luckily Justin's dad showed me a way that avoids most commuter traffic so hopefully I won't hit much when I'm driving to work. I officially start next Monday.

I got to meet a teen that helps out at the church along with all of my co-workers and the Youth Ministry assistant that I'll be working with. Everyone was super nice and it was so good to meet them!  There are a few people who have only been there about a year or two so I feel better coming in to a church that has some other new hires.  I'll be going with the teens to CHWC in Oklahoma City, OK in a few weeks and I'm really excited to go on a mission trip with them!  But I know I'm going to miss Alive in You this year, especially since the theme is the Eucharist.

I have a good size office and a church e-mail and everything!  I'm a legit youth minister now.  However, you have to be 25 to be considered a true "adult" in the Diocese of Dallas so I'll have to get special permission to drive and be a chaperone on things for the next 3 years.  And right when I was actually feeling like a grown up!

Reflection: Last night Justin and I went to the movies.  It was such a casual thing, "hey, you wanna see a movie?"  We haven't been able to do that ever.  Being able to be around Justin without me worrying about leaving and us having to plan a bunch of things is great!  I think he mostly likes it because he can play video games with me around without him feeling guilty...

Lesson Learned:  Texans drive a lot slower than people in Atlanta.  They actually follow the speed limits on highways, which will take some getting used to!

Heys and Horses

We made it! Mama Scheuch and I drove about 13 hours yesterday.  The drive wasn't the most entertaining but we made pretty good time.  We passed through Chunky, Mississippi and enjoyed imagining what the "Miss Chunky" pageant would look like...

Today we went to Lonestar Park and watched some horse races!  Mama Buschow won twice but none of us had any luck.

We also got to drive by and see my church today! Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Duncanville.  I was glad my mom got to see it and it makes me feel better for when I drive there on Tuesday to meet everyone for the first time.

Reflection: Driving through Duncanville I saw hills and green trees!  This will be a great little reminder of Georgia when I am in such a flat, dry state.  I can't wait to meet my youth group and everyone I'll be working with.  I know I am so blessed to have this opportunity and I can't wait for it to start.

Lesson Learned:  Driving all day is made just a tad bit more entertaining when you listen to old CDs that your friends and sister made you in high school. Romanian songs, 90s tunes and Bowling for Soup/ New Found Glory memories are the best.

Peace Up, A-Town Out.

Well, Georgia, it's been a great 20 years!  Tomorrow at 6am I start my drive with my mom to Flower Mound, Texas.  Estimated time from the JC (Johns Creek) to Flo Mo= 13.5 hours.  Let's see how fast Kaiser (my car) can make it!

I'm starting this blog so my friends and family can keep up with my youth ministry escapades.  I will post my church happenings and always include a reflection and what I have learned.  I am excited to see what God has in store for me and I can't wait to share it with you guys!

Reflection:  I've had a great time in Georgia.  Mommy, Daddy and Dorian: I will miss you.  All of my friends, supporters, and spiritual inspirations: you are amazing and I really appreciate you for everything you have shown me!  I can not tell you how critical St. Benedict's and the Catholic Center has been to my spiritual journey.  I love you all.

Lesson Learned: Never underestimate the power of community.