Flexible from the "F" to the second "E"

If I had to compile some character traits that are needed for success in this program, flexibility would be very near the top of that list. Plans change frequently, and living arrangements often demand adaptation.

This all was reinforced again this week when my team found out that we will be leaving Joplin more than a month earlier than scheduled. Wednesday we received news that we would be transferred to Denton, Texas for a week of additional training. We drive out on Saturday morning.

After next week, my team will likely be sent to a yet unknown location. That's how late notices are; that's how quickly things change; that's how flexible we need to be. But, honestly, that's what is so incredible about my life right now.

During the last three months, I've lived in three different states. I've learned CPR, bought cowboy boots, worshipped God in three different churches, joined a gym, pierced my ears, and visited two National Parks!

 Hiking in Boulder, CO

 Shoal Creek in Southwestern Missouri

In Southern New Mexico with my teammate Angie

The thing is, all the adventures out there are worth giving up a little stability. Sometimes it is frustrating (like when i'm trying to plan a Memorial Day trip but can't buy a ticket until I know where I'll be). But ultimately, flexibility leaves me open to whatever God wants me experience, and why would I ever choose stability over a full and exciting life?

Joplin, Missouri!

My team's first assignment is Joplin, Missouri. You may remember that Joplin was hit by a devestating EF5 tornado in May of 2011. Thousands of homes, the high school, businesses, and a hospital were destroyed and 161 people were killed in the storm.

The community of Joplin has rebuilt much, but there is still evidence of the storm throughout the city. My team is here to wrap up the temporary housing program that gave people a place to live while they rebuilt their homes and lives.

We are thrilled to be here and I am humbled by both the power of the storm that ripped through this place and by the human spirit so evident in this community and their efforts to rebuild.

New Mexico!

Because four weeks of training in Denver wasn't enough, I headed down to the New Mexico desert for two more weeks. I have no pictures from those weeks because we were on a federal facility that did not permit any photos. They also enforced curfews and dress codes. It was certainly an interesting experience.

Training was pretty intensive, with eight hour days and only one day off. I am so thankful to finally be done with training and heading out to begin work!

My Team!

It was a crazy process, but I am now a proud member of the team Tundra 4!

My position is Community Relations (CR) which is essentially a three-part job. When a natural or man-made disaster gets a Presidential declaration, CR teams deploy immediately to assess the situation in the community, interview community members, inform survivors how to register for assistance, and report on our findings so that resources can be allocated effectively.

The best part is my lovely teammates who crack me up and teach me things every day.

Denver!

Right now, I am living on a college campus in Denver with around 180 other 18-24 year olds. We are training here until mid March for our year of service. Here are some fun things I've gotten to do thusfar:

> Went to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater
> Headed downtown, 16th Street Mall, etc.
> Read some of my poems at the Mercury Cafe's poetry reading
> Dungeons and Dragons
> Trained to drive a 15 passenger van
> Was issued uniforms
> Visited Lookout Mountain where Buffalo Bill is buried
> Making new friends
> Lots of public transit

This Friday I will be assigned to a team and job which I will have for the rest of the year. I cannot wait!

Pictures

At any point, if you'd like to check out pictures of what I'm up to, click on the "My Flickr" link on the right side of the blog. Enjoy!

Go!

On February 11th, I boarded a plane at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport with one checked bag, a backpack, and a pillow. This was the beginning of my new adventure. For the next ten months, I will be living out of a suitcase, traveling in a 15-passenger van, and working in several different communities around the United States. This is a year of service and simple living. I hope to learn and grow a lot and to experience many new things.