Graduate.

OFFICIALLY GRADUMAWATED!!!!

Of course, all my buddies graduated too....even Dom, who is too busy to make it back to Chicago to walk.

On Saturday night, Audie, Rosie and Paige's families joined our crazy fam for dinner at one of our favorite week night hangouts, Derby. After four years of the four of us sharing everything and visiting each other's families, they finally got to meet, which in my opinion really made the weekend so much more special and exciting.  

The ceremony for LA&S on Sunday morning was expected to last all day, but fortunately only took a little over two hours. Anyway, I was super glad to walk out of there with a fake diploma and start focusing on the next adventure......

ALDERSON, WEst Virginia >>>>  http://www.aldersonhospitalityhouse.org/

This little town will be quite a change of pace and while I'm very nervous and frightened about the changes that this move implies, I know that where I am headed is going to be an incredible experience. 

I'll be joining the couple that run the Alderson Hospitality House, Brian and Kathleen, and their two young sons. From what I have read, seen, and heard, they run the place with an incredibly welcoming and loving approach. I'll be helping maintain the grounds, gardening, cooking, making reservations, and CREATING COMMUNITY! 

They have a "WISH LIST" under the giving and support tab on the website. If you want to drop anything off before I leave, I'd be so happy to take a little part of home with me to donate! I leave CHICAGO on Thursday, 19 and leave FREEBURG on Sunday, 22. Just let mom or I know!!!

I cannot believe how perfect this opportunity seems for my both my skills and interests. Like I've said, I'm extremely emotional about leaving my best friends and family and the best city ever, but I am confident that Alderson is where I should be headed right now. 

I plan to keep the masses up to date on my experiences and discoveries through this blog, but I want to hear from all of you too. Please send me emails, calls, and real mail so I know what you are doing and how life is for you. 

THANKS!! XOXOXOX