Yikes

I had my first ever "on call" shift of CPE from 8:00 a.m. Saturday to 8:00 a.m. Sunday. I was nervous. That pager just puts me on edge. But, I think I did pretty well. To pass the time between pages, (I got two within those 24 hours) I read a book. Sis also called, and I called Ma to wish her a happy birthday (it's today). I have two more "on call" Saturdays, but not for a while. I'm anxious to start regular visits which I believe will be less stressful because that pager is just intimidating... hehe.

Because "on call" lasted til 8 this morning, and it snowed a good amount up here last night and this morning/afternoon, I knew that I wouldn't be able to make it back to SeminaryTown to go find a new place to worship. Therefore, I planned ahead and looked at www.elca.org's website to find a church in CPETown. I mapquested it, and set out a little bit early to find it. Let me just say this: Mapquest Cannot Be Trusted! They told me to go north when I should have gone south! I mean, I'm in a big city with which I am not at all familiar, and they're telling me the exact opposite of where I need to go. I ended up stopping and asking some guy who was shoveling his walk. And because I had gone fairly far out of my way, he wasn't exactly sure how to tell me how to get where I needed to go. I followed his directions, and then stopped and asked some kid (I know, that probably wasn't good; but I stayed away from him while he talked to me. I don't want to be accused of kidnapping or something). So, I found the church and walked in just as it was starting. It was a nice service. Not what I was used to, but nice. But I am looking for a church in SeminaryTown and I'm slightly disappointed that I wasn't able to do that this weekend. Me and my momentary insanity with volunteering, I guess! But really, I want to find a church similar to my church back home for right now. That might change in the future, but I think continuity and routine will help as I continue to adjust to living here.

On my way back to SeminaryTown from CPETown, the roads were BAD! Not too bad for the first 40 miles or so, but the last hour of driving was just AWFUL. I was very thankful that there was an SUV type vehicle in front of me leading the way. And when I got to Seminary, I pulled into the parking lot and gunned the car so I could get through the snow pile. It was kinda fun because no one was around for me to hurt.. And I was going up to the higher parking lot and gunned it through some snow the snow plow man had just pushed out of the way. It was also fun. As I was getting out of the car, I realized I couldn't find my phone, so I was looking for it. I found it as the snow plow man drove up to my car. I talked with him for a minute. Nice guy; seems really cool.

Anyway, I also wanted to thank those of you who have offered me advice on living in this "strange, new place." :) I appreciate it. I will have to take you up on your suggestions when I can, because I know that they will help me integrate into life here. See you all later, and make sure to drive safely if you got blasted with winter weather.