Feeling at home...

Well...I felt like it was finally time to add some thoughts to this page again. First let me say, yes to Steve and Lex. Totally agree with your thoughts on the VTech incident. Man you guys have some great thoughts! It only makes me miss being around you guys that much more. And Heather...you definitely have a full-time job, and a full-time life...but I have no doubt in you, because you have proven to be one of the most capable people I know...as all of our friends are.

Things are well down here in Tampa, and as I've titled this entry, it's actually starting to feel like home. Up until recently Tampa just felt like the place I lived in because I was in school here. But things have started to change...I can actually say that I like it. Not only have a developed a great group of friends, but I've also found a wonderful episcopal church that is very connected to the house population down here. It is not uncommon and actually a regular Sunday thing, to have your typical church going congregant, all dressed up with their hair done well, and a homeless guy kneeling at the alter together, sitting together, singing together, and having coffee together afterwords. I really love the church and am glad to be back in my episcopal home. The rector is great as well! I'm still leading the Friday night service at my dad's church, and that service is still growing and in popular demand, but I no longer attend there on Sundays. Geoff, my dad, totally understands and is just glad that I've found a place I really enjoy. I also just moved into my own place!!! So now you guys definitely have to come down for a visit. Well, I'm not totally on my own. My friend Bryan has moved in with me, but we're having a ton of fun. We've got a pool and we're two blocks from the bay. It's in a great location and I actually can bike almost every where. In fact the only times I use my car are to get to school and the grocery store...trying to reduce my carbon footprint! The people in my office think it's kind of funny but they've gotten use to seeing me walk into the office with my bike over my shoulder.

So, yeah, Tampa is starting to feel like home. Never thought I would have said that. Definitely don't see myself here for the long haul, but at least until school is over, which will probably be another year and a half to two years.

Blessings all and I love reading all your updates. Know that you are loved and prayed for. Samuel