I Think I'm Going to Like It Here...

I am sitting on my landlord’s back porch listening to Brooke Fraser and watching the rain (and the rabbits). Other than lacking my coffee, life is pretty good. Here is the view I am looking at:

My family and I I arrived in Lynchburg last Monday. They left at 5 am on Thursday morning, leaving me to the real world. Despite a few challenging moments, I am learning to love this new phase of my life. For those of you that don’t know, I am living in an apartment above a lady’s garage. I moved here never having seen the place: it really was a leap of faith, but has worked out better than I could ask! The Lord really knew what he was doing when I found this living arrangement. I feel very safe, and my neighbors are wonderful! There are still a few last minute touches regarding décor, but my apartment is mostly set up and starting to feel more like home. I have no internet (hence the reason I am stealing wireless signals from my landlord’s porch), no cable, and my phone hardly gets any service in my apartment. I went to the AT&T store to see what could be done about this (and hopefully prevent getting a landline). The lady that helped me suggested leaving the phone where it gets service (aka: the back porch or propped up in the window) and to use a Bluetooth. So, if you call, just imagine me using my Bluetooth…yes, I know, I am a nerd. Hopefully, I won’t forget to take it off before I go into class…

People say that it is backwards here, but in the words of a Lynchburg native, “That is how we like it.” I would not go as far as saying it is backwards, as much as saying it is a little behind the times. For example, there is no 3G network here at all and AT&T has only been in Lynchburg for three years (not to mention the shopping is not quite up to par). Even though it seems a little outdated, everyone I met have been beyond hospitable. I think it is going to be the perfect setting for me to focus on law school, without all the high pace of life. It is amazing how productive one becomes without access to the outside world. I think I am going to like it here: it is very peaceful. I will post more pictures as my apartment becomes more “showable,” but until then, here is my peaceful little porch where I have found I spend most of my time. The weather is perfect for it right now!

Saturday morning during my exploration of the city, lookouts, and mountain trails, I stumbled upon the farmer’s market, where they have home grown fruit and vegetables. Since I was feeling a bit down, I decided to treat myself to some fresh flowers. I felt like they came straight from the flower shop they were so beautiful! There were so many, they filled a part of my entire house (and they were so cheap!). I have found that while the roads in Texas are grid-like, the ones here wind like a circle. It can be rather confusing. Last night, I got lost and wound up in the historic downtown. I was not disappointed and almost caused a few wrecks because I could not keep my eyes on the road. The homes were elaborate and really did look like something straight out of a movie. Did I mention that I think I’m going to like it here?

Other than shopping for my apartment, running errands, and exploring Lynchburg, I am already in full swing with homework. Classes do not start until August 24th, but I already have a lot of reading to do. Even so, I am finding time to relax, enjoy myself, and do a few fun things before the craziness of school begins. I am realizing more and more what I have gotten myself into with law school. While I am a bit intimidated and overwhelmed by the rigor of the program, I am mostly exhilarated at what is to come. This morning while doing my quiet time, I came across 2 Timothy 1:7 (Ironically, Jess also mentioned this verse to me before I left Texas). I will not be filled with “a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” I have a feeling that this verse will be the driving force behind many of my days…

Thanks for all the prayers as I journeyed here. I have felt so loved and encouraged by the support of those I left back home as I have ventured across the country to fulfill my dreams and goals. Even so, I am realizing more each day that absence truly does make the heart grow fonder.

Until next time, be blessed….