transplants.

I am writing this blog post from my apartment in Brooklyn, NY.
I can't lie- it's still surreal.
I can't lie again- I love this city, but I miss my family so much.

These past few days have felt way out of body. I can't tell if that's in a good or bad way yet.
Anyways.

I finally made it! I'm in the city where there are enough weird people to make me look normal. And I look at my surroundings and well...I'm happy to be here. 

Friday night was my last night at home...and my sister planned me a surprise going away party...she did a great job because I honestly had no idea and therefore I whacked my friend in the face when he popped out of the closet by the front door. Epic last night home. Great reminder of all the reasons, or motivations really, I had for moving, but also for all the reasons I almost didn't want to anymore. But you know, someone once said that life begins at the end of your comfort zone...

I moved in Saturday night...I am so glad I didn't have to bring furniture because it was already a pain to move every thing up 3 floors...in a building with no elevator. Hooray walk-ups! As we were moving in, my parents befriended my neighbor- this sweet, old, Dominican lady. She is super nice and she makes me the best food...so thankful. (See? I have like...no money, yet God has provided. Love him)

Anyways. My family all crammed into my tiny room so they could rest before they made their way back home the next morning. Pretty sure I woke up halfway through the night because it hit me that they were gonna leave in a few hours, and that I wouldn't go back with them. That I'd be on my own for good this time. I surely didn't feel empowered. I felt so helpless. I am quite a family person...I never wanted to leave because I couldn't stand my parents anymore or anything- on the contrary, they are the best people I have ever known and they taught me so well. If I screw up it's my fault, not because they weren't the greatest parents a girl could've asked for.

Saying goodbye to my family Sunday morning was without a doubt the most heartbreaking thing I've done. I couldn't even look at my mom...it's getting better but I miss them SO. MUCH. Like I'm pretty sure I spent half the day yesterday crying on the subway, whenever they called me, etc...but I don't care. I pay good money to live in the city, and can cry in public all I want to. But it's getting better. Going to church on Sunday was amaazing- I love Hillsong NYC. They are my family now and it feels good to be here. The message was killer and it makes me so excited that venues fill up to capacity service after service....Jesus is very much alive and going in this city. I'm blown away by how willing people are to serve and give their precious time to serve other and make them feel at home. I am blessed to be a part of this! 

My feetsies hurt so bad from walking everywhere...I mean yeah there are subways but you still gotta walk everywhere. (I'mma have to work some foot massage therapy into my budget forreal) It's not like I didn't know that...I guess brain and muscle aren't as readily prepared for things. And the things you see on the subway! LOLOLOLOL. This one guy tried selling us his "bestseller" called "Don't beat your kids or they'll turn out like me"...uh ok. And the free and awesome subway music! A love it. A diverse city this is indeed... 

So I guess that entails these first few days here. I love it here. But I do miss home. I miss my family. I miss my mom. Dad. DIANA! Who's cheeks am I supposed to pinch now!? and even my brother man...I miss his weird self.

The joys of becoming independent.
P.S. I GOT A JOB!!! makes all the millions of blocks trekked worth it. phew.