And so it begins...

Today marks the first day on a four-month journey.  Getting to this point was unbelievably easy.  In fact, I am going to have to give all credit to God for this one. 

When I applied to the Spring in New York program I really had no intention of going because, in all honesty, I didn't think it would happen.  I thought, this is just one of those things that will be a little out of my reach but it's fun to dream.  Well, God had other plans.  I got the e-mail while I was in class, but I couldn't read it right away.  I had to wait until after class because no matter the outcome, I would be distracted.  When I finally opened the e-mail, I scanned the first two lines for the words "I'm sorry."  Instead I found the word "congratulations."  WHAT?!  Re-read.  Yes it definitely said congratulations.  Professor Adams knew something was going on and asked if everything was alright.  I assured her everything was better than alright and I went outside to call my mother. I apologize to anyone that might have witnessed this next scene, as I'm sure it was confusing.  I stood outside of Humanities surrounded by about 100 of my fellow students, crying, laughing, jumping, dancing, and shaking as I'm trying to talk on the phone.  I was so excited, I'm pretty sure I skipped my next class. 

"So are we really doing this?" I asked my parents.  Because not only did I have to give NYU an answer but also $300.  Even after sending in the $300, I wasn't sure if it would still happen.  I mean NYU is not cheap.  "Dad's making a list of the things we can sell," Mom informed me one afternoon.  But it turns out, this was going to be taken care of too.  When I applied to the program, I also applied for the scholarship.  That e-mail came in about a month later.  Again "congratulations" graced the first line of the e-mail.  How much?  Oh just $15,000.00.  That's a one, five, comma, three zeros.  Believe me when I say I checked the placement of that comma about 5 times before I actually called home. 

So here I am.  Sitting in my apartment (alone at the moment.)  Mom and Dad left about 4 hours ago.  The past couple of days, I have been really nervous about doing this.  It was all okay when New York was just a dream, a plan, something of the future.  But when it really started to become a reality, I really started to freak out.  I had a feeling that as soon as my parents left and I was truly on my own in New York that I would have a mental break down.  And it really didn't help that the one person I kind of know (my new roommate Joanna) left for work. But surprisingly enough, I'm going strong right now.

I'm taking assurance in the knowledge that this is where I'm meant to be right now.  This is were God wants me to be.  This is where God needs me to be.  And I know that God will not only protect me, but guide my path as I navigate this strange new world.  And I'm nervous but excited to experience all that New York has to offer and to share those experiences with you.