Happy Friday!

It was a fun Friday!! I got out and enjoyed more of Wilmington with the pastors, David and Andi. We headed down South this time - down through Carolina Beach towards Southport/Bald Head Island. It was a beautiful day!

We walked around a little area called Kure Beach and it had a cute little arcade/games place, ferris wheel, and other games. It was cute!! They wanted to get a Britt's donut. I'm trying to eat healthy this week since it's been quite a Southern Welcome, but who can resist a hot-now donut!

Then we headed further down the road - we stopped off at Fort Fisher. It was one of the biggest forts in North Carolina - made out of sand to receive the impact of canon balls during the Civil War.

There was a tour of the fort area and a man who demonstrated how to shoot one of the rifles. It was pretty cool! Across the street was a pretty beach.

Then we went to the North Carolina Aquarium. Not going to lie - I was super jumpy! They had an alligator just laying there that kind of creeped me out. Then I noticed they had an open area of turtles and a snake. Totally freaked me out! So when I was looking at the venomous snakes behind the glass, even the tiniest pin-drop made me jump! It was a great aquarium though. It made me really really sad to think about all the animals covered in oil. As if I had a can of oil and could just dump it in one of those tanks -- I couldn't even imagine. I am hoping the clean up continues!

We took a ferry ride across the Cape Fear River and drove back towards Wilmington. It was a fun ride! I must admit I was a little disappointed to not spend all day at the beach relaxing, but it was nice to get a feel for the area. Its just been a lot to take in this week! Probably what I'll do all day tomorrow =)



Instead of taking a nap, I got in a great workout at Gold's Gym. I really love working out at gyms - there's such an energy you get being there and having unlimited resources and time to stretch your body. I like running on the treadmills too. I sweat SO much though - I think they keep it warm in there so you feel like you're burning lots of cals. Who knows though?! Its quiet back here -- everyone is gone. I was invited to go walk this evening down at the beach, but I'm just really wiped. I would have gone more at 6, but by 7:30 I was ready to just relax. Had a nice salad and an Amy's Organic pizza. I'm SO SO spoiled as our host mom buys pretty much only organic food. And she stocked up on my favorite beer. I feel nothing but spoiled... =)

More tomorrow!

Updates

Hey -

So I'm still really tired. I guess finally slowing down has made me realize just how tired I have been lately. Excited for a weekend of rest and rejuvenation. Today, my pastor said to me, "why don't you grab a book and go incognito - head to the beach and read!" It was perfect! I'm excited for the opportunity to have peace and quiet to catch up on some good Christian Education and Leadership novels...

The other morning, I headed to the Farmers Market with Elizabeth and Phyllis. There were lots of cute vendors!



I had the great pleasure today of seeing some cute little pre-schoolers graduate! They are just adorable little things and so excited for kindergarten!



The following are pics from this week. The first is the view from the beach today, the second is the 'sound' side of a person's house where parking has been offered at Topsail Beach, and the third is the view from Mr. Foy's house.





More this weekend!
Amie

Great week...

I am still very tired, but glad to have gotten settled a bit more. It's amazing how exhausting it is to get your bearings, meet new folks, and plan out your summer (so to speak..) I have a few learning goals/objectives for the summer, but also planning time to relax and renew. Next week I'm hoping to get out and meet more folks, just have felt like a hermit lately.

Elizabeth and I had a nice tour of Topsail (pronounced - Top-sill) beach. I may head up there on Monday to go to the beach, as Wrightsville will likely be jam-packed!

Tonight we're having steak and potatoes. As you know, I'm not much of a red-meat eater, but going to enjoy a homemade dinner. I didn't get to the gym, but did get a nice walk in this morning. We also went to the Farmers Market, so it was fun to see some local vendors and products. I especially liked the gals who were selling cupcakes in the corner! Phyllis bought some organic blueberries, they're amazing!!

More later!

Whew!

First day on the job!

Not too bad - didn't have to be to the church until 10. I got up and did the 30-day shred with Jillian Michaels. Always feels great to get a workout in. I wish there were more hills out here to run on, but I'll just be patient with that. There are gyms here, but I'm not sure if that will work out. Just like having an excuse to take some time away and go workout.

Elizabeth and I met with both the pastors this morning. It was fairly laid back, but got some dates on the calendar as well. Looks like I'll be preaching a few times and jumping in for other opportunities as well. We did lunch at Flaming Amy's and it was fun to sit back with a burrito in a little dive.

From there, we went on a driving tour of the area and stopped at the hospital. We walked around to get a feel for that. Not my favorite place, but I didn't get woozy... :)

We did more driving and by the end of the day (4PM) we were wiped! I am glad to have some 'down' time before our dinner tonight! Looking forward to some more great cooking!!

Great first day!

I had a fun time getting to know the people of Wesleyan Chapel UMC. It was silly of me to eat an apple on the way – my hand was quite sticky and I finally got rid of that! There are two services each Sunday – 8:30 and 11, and a Sunday School class in between. I’ll be teaching the Older Adults class next week, and then the next Sunday will be the 4^th and 5^th graders. I’m looking forward to that!

We had a nice brunch with the host family, the co-pastors and the head of our Lay Training Committee. This is a group that will be meeting with me to discuss my goals for the summer and be a resource of individuals aside from the pastors. It was an awesome lunch! Shrimp and grits, fresh tomatoes and mozzarella, buttermilk biscuits and my fave – fresh fruit! (including mango)

I took a nice beach walk with Elizabeth – walking through the sand and burn off our huge lunch! It was gorgeous weather, too! Bright sun and a cool breeze. It was funny, though, because as we were driving off we stopped at the little lemonade stand. We ordered two lemonades and were told “$4!” Holy cow – inflation eh?!

It was nice to get my things unpacked and settle in some more. I watched a couple of episodes “Girl meets Gown” and am currently watching Lost with E. I’m looking forward to sleeping well tonight and taking time before I head out tomorrow! I don’t have to be to church til 10AM! It’s a rough life!

More pics!

From Wilmington Girl

From Wilmington Girl

From Wilmington Girl

From Wilmington Girl

From Wilmington Girl

Made it!

Had a nice Saturday today! It was fun to think I’d be spending the night near the beach! Most of the day I spent in Cary getting things ready to go, doing breakfast with Mike’s parents and Mike, baking, and cleaning. I was doing fine until all was ready to go, and then came the tears. I hate goodbyes, but it will be 10 short weeks! I’m also really blessed to spend the summer with my friend Elizabeth – another Duke Divinity Student. She was my friend before, so its great to share this with her.

It was a nice and easy drive, straight out 40. Right when I got off the road there was a Harris Teeter – knew I was home! The house I’m staying in is VERY nice and in a good neighborhood. It’s a one-level country home with an adorable couple – the Blakes. I love the front porch – red rocking chairs overlooking a nice front yard. They have a huge vegetable garden in the back. Our dinner was baked chicken and lots of fresh veggies. And a nice Pinot Noir!

We spent some time visiting this evening as well. Sounds like it will be a relaxed summer and I’ll do well to let myself take a break and rejuvenate for the fall ahead. Not too shabby to spend a summer with a friend in a nice house, my own room watching a favorite summer movie – Swiss Family Robinson! Church tomorrow… more then!

PS Pic of the day is my stab at Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip cookies!! =)