Back in the Rat Race...

New Years Eve with the Kittels

in Birmingham with my sister and bro-in-law

well I am back in the rat race of life in New York City.  I went south for 11 days and it was really great!  This was my first time to go home since I moved here 6 months ago (I went to SC in Aug for a wedding, but did not get to go home).  It was really weird to be out of the city.  Life here has become pretty normal, but when I go home I realize that life here really is SO different!  It was easy for me to compare so many things and even question why I moved to New York!  Being away from the city made me realize how fast pace this city is, how crowded it is, how tiny of a space I live in, how expensive it is, and so many things!  I could compare and compare and compare!  But then after being home about a week it just hit me, "I can't keep comparing"  I feel so called to this city.  It was a dream of mine to live here and God called me!  It many ways it really is a sacrifice.  Life goes on without me and I feel like I am missing out on time with my family and friends.  It was hard to say good-bye to my family and not know exactly when I am going to see them again.  I spent 4 days at my sister and brother in laws new house in Birmingham.  They have the cutest house with so much space!  As I looked around their house I thought "my whole apt could fit in their living area."  That is honestly hard for me!  It is funny that as much as I love NYC and wanted to live here,  going home made me struggle with specific things that I had to give up in order to move here.  So on the cab ride from the airport I just felt so lonely.  I looked out the window and said, "what in the world am I doing here."   But then I got back and I have quickly realized why I live here.  Besides being called here I really do love it!!  I love my my tiny apt.  It is home to me!  I love that I live one block from Central Park and that I got up yesterday morning to run in the park.  I love that every nationality in the world is here and that I am exposed to so many cultures.  I love that I go to Redeemer and that Tim Keller is my pastor.  I love that I work at Redeemer and that my job is children's ministry.  I love all the kids and families that I have developed relationships with at church.  I love that I don't have a car and I walk everywhere.  I love all the opportunities that I have in New York that I would not have anywhere else.  I really do love my life here.  I have to tell myself that, because it is hard sometimes!  I know living in the middle of Manhattan is not for everyone and I know I may not want to live here forever, but I am thankful for my life here today and for as long as God has me here.  

So one thing that is hard for me here is that I really miss the familiarity of the restaurants that I love.  There really aren't many chain restaurants here or just those "familiar foods that you love." Some of my favorites from the south are" Moes, Panera, Texas Roadhouse, Zaxbys, Chick-Fil-A.  You know just those "normal" restaurants. Which by the way, I managed to try to cram in as many of my favorite places as I could while I was home.  My mom said she had not ever seen me eat as much as I did while I was home. It was kind of funny:-), but I had to take advantage of all the places I miss and the free food (thanks dad!)   

Well tonight my friend Amy and I went to eat after church and she took me to a place she just found called "cosi's".  Well let me just tell you, I walked in and got so excited!  I felt like I was walking into a Panera and it really just brought joy to my heart. It really is a NYC version of Panera Bread.  and one of the best things was it had a drink station with fountain drinks where you can get FREE refills!  I know you think I am crazy, but I love fountain drinks (my friends know that about me:-)  ) and it is hard to get fountain drinks especially with free refills!  My friend was laughing at me as I was filled with so much excitement!  Not only that, but since I have moved here I have not found a good spot to get away to have a quiet time or just read.  WELL this place had this back corner that had small tables and people were back there with computers studying and working.  I am so excited that after 6 months here I have finally found a place to get away and get my diet coke fountain drink and just read and journal!  I use to love going to Panera Bread to do this and have missed it greatly!  I just can't tell you how much joy I am filled with having found this place!  and the best part is its only 8 blocks from my apt!  Okay, so I know you are probably thinking I am crazy for being this excited, but I just had to share.  I love having other people share with me on things that I find exciting,  so thanks for hopefully being excited with me as you read this:-)  

By the way, the two pictures are from my time at home during the holidays.  

peace like a river...

bethany