Just wanted to pop on here really quick and give everyone an update on how our new life in Philly is treating us a little over one week after moving in.
First off, thank you to everyone who has checked in, sent a quick note or text, and made us feel like we are still loved and not forgotten by our D.C. friends! You have no idea how much that means. To update everyone more generally, I figured I would offer a few praises, as well as a few prayer requests for the weeks ahead.
So to start, praises:
The clerkship. Zach is loving it! One week in and he’s already been hard at work. His co-clerks are wonderful. We already got to celebrate the 30th birthday of one of his fellow clerks, and I got to meet a few others. Unfortunately, some of them will be transitioning out and moving on to additional clerkships or firm jobs, but there will be new folks to meet. They have been so welcoming and helpful as Zach learns the ropes. Zach really loves the substance of his work and feels intellectually challenged and ready to grow.
The apartment. After a few bumps and bruises in our hunt for our apartment, we are now settling in. All but one box is fully unpacked, and I’m in full-fledged nesting mode. Still need to buy a few house plants to spruce up the place, but otherwise, we are pretty settled. I’ll likely do a blog that gives you a tour of our cute little loft apartment in a week. In the meantime, here are a few photos of the cute homes in our neighborhood.
The food scene. We heard before we moved here that food was yummy, but we have been completely blown away by how much delicious food is here. Hoping and praying we don’t eat ourselves into oblivion. Also hopeful that my new Pure Barre membership will stave off any extra unwanted pounds from all the yumminess we are consuming.
The work set-up. So far, so good. I still feel connected to colleagues in D.C., have been able to publish articles, and am still taking interviews from local studios here. The work-from-home arrangement is great because I have the ability to really set my schedule and emphasize the tried and true things that I love, like researching and writing. I’ve added in books to my research process — first up, Henry Kissinger’s World Order. I’m pretty convinced that this will enrich my writing and thinking and am excited for the depth of work I can achieve in this season.
Next, prayer requests:
The community. We are really early on in our move, so it’s pretty natural that we don’t have a friend group yet. We just returned today from visiting our first church in Philly and really, really liked it. We are hopeful that this can become our church family. I actually already met a girl who goes to the same Pure Barre studio as me and we went to Reading Terminal Market with others for lunch. One of the guys is even helping Zach pick out a commuter bike as we speak. That being said, because I’m working-from-home, this extrovert is super lonely! I think I’m a bit of an over-eager puppy when it comes to being around people, so pray that I don’t scare off any prospective friends. And that I wouldn’t wallow in my spirit of loneliness and missing friends!
The routine. The older I get, the more I realize that I need a routine and structure. Our new life and new city have thrown off the regular rhythms of life. Even simple things like not being able to go to Ebenezers Coffeehouse make life feel out-of-whack right now. I know these are first world problems, but please pray that Zach and I settle into a good routine, one that enriches us spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
The fear. Finally, and arguably most importantly, please pray that we would not be fearful. There have been many times over the past week where I have felt really terrified after our experience on 4th of July in Philly. Getting punched was a real wake-up call, but it has ignited in us (me, in particular) a fear of people that I never had before. I’m especially scared at night when we take the dogs out, but even when we see large groups of kids, I kind of can’t resist the urge to turn tail and run. Please pray that we would forsake feelings of fear and embrace feelings of love, power, and a sound mind.
Anyway, I hope that you all appreciate the update. We miss everyone and can’t wait to show you the fun sides of life in Philly in the months ahead.
Cheers loves,
Liv
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. ~ Ephesians 2:4-5
Liv in the District 