Beginnings

I haven’t known how to start this blog…..I have thought about at least twenty different ways.  First I should come clean by saying that I am not “officially” IndyAnna yet.  I am moving in August.   This blog will chronicle my adventures of moving to a new city, beginning a new calling, and a way to stay in touch for the next two years.  It is surreal for me to be moving to Indiana, especially because all of my family lives in the Carolinas.  As a kid, I always thought I would stay in the South, but you can never predict where life will take you.  Although it is far away from home, I am excited to explore another part of the country, learn, grow, and meet new people.

On Sunday, I will be ordained as a Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church.  For those of you who are not Presbyterian, this means that I will be ordained as a minister.  It is surreal that I am being ordained.  Although I have been preparing for this calling and am so excited about Sunday, I am still amazed and surprised at the way God is moving in my life.  Everything feels like it has happened so fast: the past three years have flown by.  So here I am.  In many ways my ordination feels like a culmination, but it is also a beginning.   It is the start of my calling to ordained ministry.  I am excited but also inexpressibly thankful for all of those people who have supported me and brought me to this place.  As I imagine Sunday, I immediately want to cry.  I know I am going to be overwhelmed by so many people who I love all in the same room.  People who have raised me and supported me in my faith.  People who counseled me and helped to heal my broken places. People who coached me, pushed me, and cheered for me when I overcame obstacles.  People who loved me when I was not always lovable.  People who have prayed for me.  I am so grateful and can’t believe how lucky I am.  Thanks to all of you, and I can’t wait to share in the new adventures that are sure to come!