Dear Seattle...Thank you.

I passed my two-year mark of living in Seattle about a month ago. Sometimes I feel like, aside from my mission, moving to Seattle was the best decision I've ever made in my life. This is where I've "grown up" and learned to love myself. I've been presented with fabulous work and career-growth opportunities. My Seattle friends are some of the best people around...incredibly intelligent, wise, well-rounded, warm, accepting and kind. And the vibe of Seattle fits my personality so well. It's a hard-working city, but easy going. A driven city, but not extremely competitive. I belong here. In contrast to the decision to serve an 18-month mission for my church, I did not pray much about the move. I just felt in my heart and soul that it was THE choice to make. I knew before even uttering a prayer, which is honestly how the Spirit often moves me. Some people thought I was crazy to leave Georgetown and a Communication job in D.C. in order to move to Seattle without a job lined up and no friends at all. But nope. I'm so grateful for the agency God gives us, along with the choices and opportunities to take giant leaps of faith. And God has been with me every step of the way. So I thank God, and I thank Seattle. I'm happier and more fulfilled than I have been in a looong time.