Generals and Presidents

So today I learned (through visiting the Goodell clan in Richmond, VA) that we are (very) distant relatives of Robert E. Lee and George Washington and Lady Astor (the first woman in Parliament). Thanks to Uncle Jim for doing all the homework. Thanks to Helen's son-in-law for putting together the impressive 8-foot-long geneology.

This came after the memorial service for Paul's great aunt, Kitty Langhorne, at the very cool old church downtown Richmond--2nd Presbyterian Church.

'Da Fonz

Well, life as a temp continues to surprise me. Today I started my new stint at the Smithsonian Zoo. I am now answering crazed inquiries about Washington's favorite (and newest) bear, who made his debut this past July. My coworkers call me "the panda hotline". Zoo members are going to be allowed a previewing of this little guy next month, and everyone who knows about it is chomping at the bit. And next Monday...he will even receive his new name...

I tell you--there's never a dull moment. From PCM Construction, to Morgan Stanley, to Freedom House, and now to FONZ (Friends of the National Zoo). Perhaps I should quit the job search and just sit back and soak in these random receptionist adventures...

Dead Cow Thrills

Yes, I may be unemployed, but ta-da! Ladies and gentlemen, I can cook steak. Tonight I broiled my first steak ever just in time for my husband to return home from class. Boy was he excited! Ah, it was a beautiful moment...

...okay, okay. There are times when being a new wife in the kitchen isn't so bad after all :)

Ellie-belly, my one-year-old niece. 

Just Faith

In a few minutes, I will drive to St. Charles parish for JustFaith. Just Faith is a nation-wide small group started through Catholic Charities. It attempts to educate laypersons on the Catholic social justice teachings (which, sadly, many Catholics are unaware of). Father Creedon gave me something to think about when he said this: "We wouldn't dare not to have professionals in the positions of liturgical and educational ministry in our parishes...why is it then that we don't have professional social ministry people?

This weekend we had our first retreat, which was designed to help us get to know each other. In my desire to meet people (especially fellow members of the body), this was an indespensable experience that I almost missed. When facilitators and members of my first group jumped ship after the 3rd week, I almost considered doing the same, even when invited into the 2nd group. I was so discouraged that I thought of quitting. But, as God often does, he nudged me into obedience even though the outcome was uncertain. It may seem like a small thing, but the fact that I went and met a group of warm and loving Christians who are excited and humble about learning how they can more effectively serve Jesus is, to me, no small thing at all.

It was a comfort, this weekend, to learn that there are others out there, older, with jobs, with degrees, with families, with talents, that wonder about the direction of life as much as I do. That aren't satisfied with how they're representing Christ. That want to be more and are stuck.

It was a comfort to know I'm not alone here.