Moving on...

Life if DC…

Well, I have been here in the nation’s capitol for about two weeks now. My work has been very busy and very fulfilling for these last two weeks. I anticipate that it will continue to be such.
My first week was pretty much a whirlwind in that I arrived on the 16th. The woman that I am living with-Sr. Sharon picked me up at the airport. I settled into my living quarters that first night rather quickly, it was a good thing too, because I began work at 9 that Monday morning. Whew!!!

I participated in a few activities throughout the week, but really didn’t venture too far away from the apartment during the evenings simply because I wanted to make sure that I had a rudimentary understanding of the area before I ventured too far. Friday of my first week was pretty unusual because one of my instructor’s was being sworn in as the new ambassador to the Holy See. It was a wonderful celebration and incredible day to participate. I met lots of wonderful people and did some great networking for my job. Saturday I went to several memorials on the mall with a group from the swearing-in. That night I went to my cousins new home in south east DC. The last week was much more subdued, and I was able to “relax” a bit more into my new job.
The biggest adjustment for me is the humidity. I have never lived in a place where I felt that humidity was sooo oppressive. It seems like the humidity is about 85% if not higher! I am able to walk to work which is really nice, it is a one mile walk each way- so it takes around 15-20 minutes depending on when I hit the traffic lights.

I have kind of been feeling a bit out of sorts, more to do with the need to set up a routine of spiritual formation- I am really missing spiritual direction, and REALLY missing my spiritual companioning group and the theological reflection. I am hoping to make some connections in the next couple weeks to reestablish those habits and to have the practices in place here in DC. One of the really amazing parts of my job is that I am able to attend daily liturgy at the Paulist Center.

This week promises to keep the pace of the previous two- with the exception that I continue to grow more and more confident in my place here in DC.