And so this is it.

It is approximately 2:21 am. I'm sitting in my little room in my apartment in the wonderful New York City. My boxes are packed. My walls are blank. The journey now awaits ahead of me...

Six months ago I did one of the craziest, most exciting, hardest things I've ever done. I packed my bags and moved across the country. I left the comfort of my beautiful room, my loving family, my amazing students, my wonderful friends, and most of all the biggest blessing in my life, my fiancé (boyfriend at the time). Opportunities were coming up and I knew God was calling me out to pursue part of my dreams. During these six months more of my dreams have been unravelled. I have learned from and trained with some of the best in the ballroom industry. I have been pushed outside my comfort. I have seen mice in my apartment, sat next to some pretty crazy people on the subway, seen movies being filmed, spent multiple times walking in the rain because I didn't own an umbrella, cried because I missed my loved ones, laughed because my roommates and I kill bugs with kitchen cleaner, seen broadway shows, showed the world my beastly frizzy hair due to the humidity, sat with a homeless man and gave him $60 to help him start his poetry career, searched intensely to find my favorite iced tea, did the bar method, got a slightly invasive asian massage, watched the entire 10 seasons of Friends, and blogged for the first time in my life. This doesn't even begin to tell all the memories I have made out in new york. In the course of these months, I have gotten engaged, turned 23, competed professionally, and most importantly learned so much. 

It blows my mind how God is so in control of all situations. I have had the opportunity of a lifetime that I will most never forget! This was a dream of mine since I was a little girl to live in NYC. God doesn't forget about our dreams! He instills us with these for a purpose. All to bring us closer to Him and our callings in this silly life! I have had the wonderful privilege of dancing everyday with a wonderful dance partner. We had so many great times laughing and sweating and pushing each other to become better dancers. I am so thankful I had the chance to pour my heart solely into my passions for the time I did. 

I am excited for this next chapter of my life. I get to continue to pour my heart into my passions....in ARIZONA! Some of which include, preparing to become a wife on Feb. 15th to the most perfect man God has fashioned for me, loving on my family that God so perfectly placed me in, teaching students who I care about so much, and being obedient to where I feel my heart is. I feel so accomplished that I was able to do everything I set out to do in NYC. Now my dreams continue to unfold. I am still pursuing professional ballroom dancing, teaching passionately, and planning my wedding (which I've only been thinking about everyday since I was a little girl!) 

I am so overwhelmed with emotion that this journey is coming to end, but also so excited to start the next. Thank you to everyone who has supported me in this endeavor- especially my fiancé who has so patiently chosen to support me in pursuing my dreams-even when it means we're thousands of miles away (although I think we can both agree we support being close to each other a whole lot :))

The city will always hold such a special place in my heart-I will always remember my crazy exciting adventure in 3A! 

Life is short...so dance.

As I sit here in my little room in my little apartment, I am overwhelmed by the fact of how life has flown by. I recently received my engagement photos. They turned out wonderful and captured by an even more wonderful friend. I can't help but think, where did the time go? I feel as if I was just a little girl and now I am getting married. Time flies!

I sit here and think upon how blessed I have been. My entire life, I have been able to express myself creatively through dancing. Ever since I was a little girl, I knew this is what I have always wanted to do. I am so overwhelmed that I have had the privilege of teaching the students that I have. It sounds so cliche, but it truly has brought me more joy then you will ever know. I truly truly miss teaching. Those who I have worked with in the past, your beautiful spirits have meant so much to my journey as a dance teacher. Although I am now pursuing ballroom dancing, contemporary dance will always have my heart. There is so much freedom. Even now, I am listening to music and just can't help but dance in my head and long to choreograph to different pieces.

I miss teaching classes. I miss working with those who I got so close with. I miss working with my precious sister and being able to witness her understanding of concepts I give to her. There is something so beautiful about working with her, that I absolutely miss. I miss dancing contemporary. I know this isn't the end. Although I pursue just ballroom dancing right now, I know contemporary is also in my future. My hope and prayer is to truly bring people joy when I dance. I am laughing at myself so much right now because I sound like a walking cliche. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing someone smile when you dance. Not to mention the feeling I get when I can move and dance through time and space and let everything else go.

I remember the days I was competing like it was yesterday. They are so incredibly special. I have had a crazy journey through competition days and into the whole professional dance world. When I was younger I let myself get far to into the results of competitions. At times it took the joy away. The pressure and expectations I put on myself became too much to handle. It is my absolute prayer that I can encourage others to never let that happen. To enjoy every possible minute of dance. Even if you don't go on to pursue dance when you are older, it will always be with you. It will always have served a purpose. I am so grateful for mine. I am so grateful I never gave up. I won't give up. I won't let results take joy away. Not from me, not from others. Life is absolutely too short to not enjoy the present.

I am actually unsure of why I am writing this post, or to whom I am writing it to, maybe its just for myself. But needless to say, I will continue pursuing dance. I will keep pressing in to my gifts. I will continue to reach out to others and pushing students to reach new levels. I will continue to inspire my sister with the undeniable potential she has. I will continue to strive to push myself outside of my own limits. I will continue to strive to provide choreography that is special and unique to the dancer to whom it is given. I will always dance. Life is too short not to.

Humidity.

Well hello there beautiful people! It is so good to see you all again! Ok, so I can't see you, but it is great to have some time to sit and write! I am currently sitting in my cozy little room with my AC unit cranked.

Let me start by saying that this week was an adventure. I experienced first hand what it is like to live in high humidity...and I'm not sure if I agree with it yet. Ok who am I kidding, I do not agree with it (and neither does my hair) I walk outside and it's as if I have just run 3 miles in the heat. Then add having to go into the subway...and then things get interesting. Luckily it's suppose to be relatively nice this week-yay!!

My mom is coming to visit me tomorrow which I'm sooooo excited for! I can't wait to do some wedding planning and have some quality mother-daughter time. The past couple times I have been home things have been a bit crazy with all the wedding stuff/proposal/mckenna's bday/brothers graduation. Therefore, It's going to be nice for it to be just us. Yay!!

Dancing is going great right now. I practice with my dance partner, Edson, nearly 6 days a week. There is so much to work on it really blows my mind. Its like a never ending cycle. But that's what keeps things exciting! We are working towards our goal of competing together for the first time at Empire State Dancesport in Manhattan- in the beginning of August. I have a few trips before then-therefore we are going to have to really buckle down and get to work.

 Studios back home that I have previously taught at are currently preparing for nationals-including my sister. It is definitely a weird feeling not being able to be there for Mckenna and prepare her. I feel a bit helpless, but its good in terms of her having to step up to the plate to get herself ready. I know God is allowing space for all of us to really grow into who we are called to be. Not to say I won't always be there to help her and support-but it is healthy for us to have separate roles as dancers and to release any pressure/expectations that we place on each other.

Travis and one of my dearest friends Kaitlyn are coming out in about a week for just the weekend to shoot our engagement pictures! I'm beyond excited for this!! There are so many locations I want to go to and explore-its going to be two full days of non-stop adventure!!

Just recently I have been very reassured of my Jesus having everything in control. No matter how crazy life gets, or how unsure I may be of my future, He is ultimately always in control! I feel in the center of his palms right now. I am exactly where He wants me. Its tough sometimes being away from people I love and from the comfortability of my own home, but I am growing and learning so much. I am constantly reminded of my parents love for me. They do so much to support me out in New York and I have forever grateful!!

I am getting so excited to be married to the love of my life! Although it is still a ways away, I can't help but just get so unbelievably excited to know I get to live life with my best friend at my side! It is such an amazing feeling knowing and being so confident that this is the person God has fashioned for me. Truly, I dreamed about this all my life. Being able to trust my life and love to another person...let alone a man. I didn't date around or have any boyfriends before Travis and I couldn't be more thrilled to have saved my heart for him! Ok this is getting really mushy-I will stop going on :)

That is it for now (I think all this heat/humidity makes me sleepy). Thank you to whoever reads this for taking the time. I pray you are blessed and have a glorious day!

So much love,
Erica :)

I'm getting married?! Here is the story...

Well first off...Happy May everyone! I'm sorry its been a while since i've written. I would just like to say Jesus is crazy amazing! Beyond amazing! Beyond words! I am so thankful right now to be his daughter and just beyond grateful for the blessings that have been pouring out. He is so faithful and so good. He is for us! He wants to bless his children! If you ever doubt if there is a God-look around. Look at the people that fill this earth. What an absolute miracle! Every person with their own story-their own dreams-their own beauty. It blows my mind sometimes how unique each person is. The way we are all created so beautifully different. Thank you Lord for giving us eyes to see Your beauty! Your creation!

Well if you've been anywhere near my Facebook this past month, you have probably noticed that IM ENGAGED! I honestly could not be more excited, more confirmed, and more confident that Travis Marr is the man of my prayers and one who God has designed for me! I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with him! I could go on and on about the way he has blessed me and points me to Jesus, but I will save that for my vows :) I posted an entire album of pictures so I'm sure you may have got an idea about the proposal...but I will give you all the backstory :)

Well it started out saturday April 21st, being picked up at the airport by my love. It had been about 6 weeks since we had seen each other, so needless to say we were crazy excited to see each other. We then went to grab some dinner at CPK and shared some yummy pita and hummus. Now I knew the next day we had planned to spend the day together. Because my birthday was that wednesday and he had to drive back and forth between phoenix and tucson for school he said he wanted to celebrate my bday with him on sunday. So near the end of the meal he said, "sooooo we are starting the day out early tomorrow" After questioning how exactly early he meant...he finally told me we'd be leaving my house at 415am. WHAT?! He said the place we were going had a beautiful sunrise spot and great food. HMMMM...???
So I'm thinking maybe we are going on a hike and having breakfast and watching the sunrise??

So there I was getting picked up in the dark at 415am. We are driving, driving, driving...and soon pull into..."Deer valley Airpot." Needless to say I was confused. I soon learn that we are going on a HOT AIRBALLOON RIDE! We have both always wanted to go on one (something we checked off our bucket list) He said, "Happy birthday!!" sooo I am so excited and he rented it for just the two of us and a private flight! Wow! So we are up in the air and enjoying the beautiful sunrise and angelic floating in the sky. It was such a wonderful experience. We are on are way coming down and Travis is saying, "look over there, there's a roadrunner" ...I didn't see a roadrunner. "Here you need to use the binoculars" (as he's fumbling around in his backpack, but me not noticing because I'm trying to see out the fuzzy binoculars) He said, "oh you don't need them anymore. Look over here!" THERE IT WAS! A huge 40ft long poster that said, "Erica, Will you marry me? Check Yes or No"

All that my mind registered was the word "marry" because it was in bright red compared to black. I looked back at him and just started saying, "oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh" He then said some beautifully sweet words and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him presenting the most beautiful ring! We then immediately hit the ground and I kind of launched over him and it was a bit rough but we were cracking up. I of course said YES!!! and he slipped the ring on my finger! I did not even realize they were there until I hear my entire family and Travis's parents shouting! They were able to video and get pictures of it all! I ran to check the yes box and hug all my family members! It was so surreal! We then celebrated with a toast of champagne and headed to brunch. I was on cloud-9. I am sitting at breakfast sipping on some sweet iced tea with my fiancé by my side, surrounded by all my family members.After brunch, we head back to my house and I get to spend time with my beautiful nephew. He is just such a bundle of joy! I could sit and stare at his adorable face all day long! Now here comes the next surprise...

One of the venues I had been dreaming of for a while was having their open house none other but today! Well, we are now engaged soooooo we go check it out! We drive down to florence to The Windmill Winery, and I of course instantly fall in love and am confirmed this is where I wanna get married. We then head back up to Gilbert and decide to chillax a bit and go to a movie and see The Lucky One. Moving on....

Next we are heading home and I naively think the day is done. Only to find some my close friends and family all at my house for a surprise engagement party!! It was sooooo fun! I got to share the proposal story and show my ring. I got some meaningful cards and it was altogether a magical day. The rest of the week was spent in absolute bliss. It was soon my birthday and we of course celebrated with loved ones.

I head back to new york and come home to a sweet surprise of a bridal magazine and champagne from my amazing roommates! How did I get blessed by the people in my life?! Really Jesus, He is just too good to me! Now I am back, and starting to plan on continuing my training and dance partner search. Only to get a text saying a guy had recently moved to NY looking for a partner. Well after we had a tryout, we decided this was a great fit! We have been training ever since! It is beyond wonderful to have a partner to train with and start thinking about upcoming competitions.

WOW! So if your not overwhelmed by now, I congratulate you. I continue to be blown away by God's goodness in my life and am SO SO SO SO SO blessed by my parents. Every day I feel as if Jesus is revealing more and more how absolutely wonderful they are. I have no idea where I would be without them. My dad is the best father I could ever imagine. Truly, he does everything in his willpower to provide for his children. This is such an example of Jesus to me. I truly see his desire to support his kids in their dreams and passions. I am beyond blessed. Words will never be able to describe how much I appreciate my dad.
My mom, is one of my biggest supporters as well. Always encouraging me in what I choose. I get closer to her each and everyday. I could go on and on about how much I love my mom. She is truly like no other woman.

Now I will leave you on this crazy note. Ever since Travis was in High School he claimed to wanted to purpose to whoever he marries in a hot air balloon. He of course never told me this. About a year ago, I had a very clear dream of Travis proposing to me in a hot air balloon. WHAT?! I of course never told him this, because I didn't want to A. freak him out B. put any expectations on him. Now I can LITERALLY say ...I am marrying the man of my dreams! :)

Many blessings!
Erica :)

God is able

Hello beautiful people!
It has been a little bit since i've last posted, so please excuse my minor leave of absence. But no fear, I am back! Well first off-I hope you all had a beautiful Easter! It is such a wonderful celebration! As a christian this day is the reason why we're here on this earth-Jesus overcame the grave, giving us the Holy Spirit to guide us and live inside us! It still is crazy to think that the living God is inside me. :)

My family was here this past weekend to come visit me and celebrate Easter out here on the East Coast! It was such a joy to have them here. It actually worked out awesome because both of my roommates went home for the weekend, therefore my family was able to stay with me! My dad appreciated the money savings ;) I got to show them some of my favorite areas including: Central Park, Chelsea Marketplace, Soho, Union Square, and much more. We went to church on Easter at the church Hillsong NYC. What an incredible and powerful service!

The pastor talked about Jesus being an anchor. He gave the description of God dropping Jesus in the world like an anchor. People often view following Jesus as bondage to something-however it is the exact opposite! It is pure freedom! People will attach themselves to many anchors in their lives.--Jobs---financial security---Acceptance---personal achievements---drugs/alcohol---fame----doesn't really matter what. He went on to further say that the storms in life are bound to come. They are inevitable. But when they do, what are we anchored to? Jesus is the anchor that will never forsake us, never leave us, guide us without falter. Storms never change who we are, they expose what we are anchored to. This image is branded in my mind.

As difficulties arrise in my life (which in the big scheme of life are not very difficult) what is being exposed? The apostle Paul was singing praises of joy to God went he was bound to chains in prison. Wow. And when things don't go exactly as I plan, I somehow need to remind God that I need a partner or  ask Him to make sure He's heard my prayers. He has comforted me today knowing that He has heard them and He has a plan. Trusting in His timing is something I am definitely learning each day. I have no control over certain situations and thats the beautiful thing about Faith. Even though I don't know exactly who I will end up dancing with, or when he will come about, I do know that God is going to provide and it will be the perfect partner for me. God is able. He is the God of the impossible. Instead of focusing on things that I don't have going for me-I choose to believe that God is able to bring about an amazing opportunity for me. I choose to give thanks no matter what I am feeling. I choose to be joyful despite my circumstances. This is extremely hard at times and if I was trying to produce this strength believe me I would fail-and have many times-but when I rely on my Father's joy and His strength-that is a different story. He is willing and able to give me all I need.

I pray for those of you in my life. The ones God has specifically placed in my path. I thank you so much for your constant encouragement and prayers. They are more of a blessing that you will ever know!

Much love from me and the city! :)

Blooming

Hello fellow friends! (If anyone actually reads this ;)

Well I'm not actually sure if anyone reads this, but I enjoy writing it anyway! This week has been so fun watching the trees start to bloom each morning. Every time I go outside I feel like I notice another tree thats come alive :) There are these beautiful little white flowers on the twigs that look so cute. I'm so excited once they're fully bloomed and to be able to have my street lined with trees on both sides. I've always dreamed of living on a street like this, maybe this is my chance! (Its a little more difficult to find this type of street in AZ).

Anyways, Its my Sunday evening writing time--hah at least that has what is been these past few weeks. I have officially been here 3 weeks now. Almost a month. wow time goes by pretty fast! However, slow in terms of missing my loved ones :) I just got home from Connecticut today-I was there for like 24 hours watching the TriState Challenge ballroom competition. It was really fun to be in the competitive environment! You walk in the door and your transferred into a world of the most rhinestones you've ever seen in your life, hair-dos and costumes that are questionable how they are even staying on, and tanning that makes a person's nationality unknown.

Overall, the competition wasn't huge because it was just a local one. I have to admit I was kind of disappointed in watching the Pro Rhythm (my division) portion of the competition. Not only did it start at midnight, but it just lacked a large amount of energy and technical precision. Now I may not have all the experience in the book, but I can definitely recognize good technique and how pro's should represent the style. It left me having different emotions. On one hand I was sad to see it represented not at the highest quality, but on the other hand I was encouraged that I know I can compete in the pro division and look half-way decent :)

This past week I had a try-out with a guy who offered me partnership and job and moving compensation...to LA. It threw me for a loop because I literally just relocated. I had to take time to pray and just process if this was the right opportunity. I feel as if I am still suppose to be out here in NY holding off for a bit of a better opportunity. I am waiting on trying out with a guy who recently just arrived here from Serbia, so maybe that one will go well?

In the meantime, I am working with past World Rhythm Champions Jose and Joanna, who I have been enjoying tremendously!! Joanna is showing me ways to improve my technique-while still staying true to body rhythm. Jose will be working on me with my connection with my partner-using my back to relate and be easier on my partner to lead me. I absolutely love the process of improving. In fact, it is something I will continue to do for the rest of my life! I love learning new things each lesson and then getting to apply it to my dancing. I strive to always humble myself and never consider myself to good to learn from certain people. Every coach has a different "method" or style of teaching, but I believe we can truly learn from them all. I definitely know we can connect and relate with certain people and its important to find them and build consistency and relationships with them. But I dont think this should turn into a negative attitude towards other coaches.

I am really learning the process of fully being a student right now. I am not teaching at the moment and just blessed to have the opportunity to train right now. It can get frustrating at times while I am trying out and waiting for the right partner for me, but I am trying to embrace the moment. While there are definitely exciting things ahead, I have been encouraged this week to embrace where I'm at right now.

I reconnected with a guy this past weekend who recognized me from comps a while ago who is opening a new studio in Stamford, Ct. We are going to practice smooth together, which I'm really excited for! I have just been focusing on Rhythm right now and definitely excited to feel the beautiful traveling movement of the Viennese Waltz- or the jazzy styling of the Foxtrot.

Well I pray for more opportunities this week and pray that I come closer to reaching my goal! I will continue to press in to learning and being the best student I can and applying all the knowledge given to me to my dancing. I pray for all my loved ones-friends and family- you are all in my heart more then you know! I can't wait to see you soon!

Blessings from me and the city!
Erica :)

Life in the city.

Well here it is...day 10 of living in the big city. I have learned a few things far...
1) It can be like 40 degrees one day and apparently like 70 the next.
2)My hair is not going to like this city's humidity and definitely a waste of time to blow dry.
3) Musicians in the subway are AMAZING!
4) There is a day completely dedicated to the macarons in NYC (not the coconut macaroons people :))
5) It is very convenient to own a little personal shopping cart to haul groceries
6) Times square has way to many people
7) Do not try to surprise your boyfriend at the airport terminal unless you actually know which terminal he is arriving in
8) I love broadway shows
9) The bar method kicked my butt
10) Central park makes me seriously miss my dog
11) Daylight savings time...whats that?

Ok so those are few little things I've learned on this journey of mine. Well it is currently thursday evening and I'm sitting in my cozy little room on my cozy little bed taking some time to update you all. I feel as if today was my first actual day of starting my life out here in NYC. Up to this point it has been transitioning, moving in, and spending the most amazing few days with my boyfriend (which i will explain more in detail in a bit). I am both excited and a little anxious to actually give this whole, "trying to make it in the big city" a try. I know God has called me out here and wants to do big things-even if its different than what I think, so I am ecstatic to continue on my journey!

So lets take it back a few days, shall we?
It is a beautiful sunday afternoon. Travis is arriving at the Newark airport about 215pm. I told him that he would be taking the bus/subway to my place, but had a different plan in mind. Soo i get on the express bus to Newark before he arrives. I have my iPad with a huge font just saying, "TRAVIS MARR" waiting to stand and act like a driver. Soo he is off the plane and gives me a call, "just go to baggage claim and tell me when your there," I say. Once he claims he's there I am hiding my face with my note saying his name and standing with these old men. They were looking at me weird, but hey when your in love you'll do crazy things! Another few minutes go by and we are both very confused. I soon realize I'm not even in his terminal, so to my dismay I had to tell him my surprise. We quickly reunite and all is history...just kidding. I'll briefly describe what we did!
After making it to my place, we quickly start are trip nowhere other than the amazingly beautiful Central Park right outside my apartment. It was so beautiful and relaxing just walking hand in hand with him and people watching. From there we change settings a bit and head down to Times Square. It was his first time so needless to say he was pretty excited! We got some dessert at an old time favorite of mine...Roxy's.
The next day is started by having brunch at one of our favorite cafe/bakeries in the city "La Maison du Macaron" pure, authentic, french. You think you've tasted good bakery items until you've been to this place. mmmm...(puts magnolia bakery/sprinkles to shame) From there we spend time in an amazing area called Chelsea Marketplace. This is one of the coolest indoor/vintage/trendy shopping places I've ever been! Cafes, vintage clothes, markets, european imports, new upcoming designers/artists, bakeries. Amazing! Those of you making a trip out east make sure to go there! We continued to go to this place called "High Line Park." Trav gets all the credit for finding this little treasure. It is an old above ground subway system converted into a walkway/park. This was ridiculously cool, I kept thinking about how many good photo ops there were. It was like long walkway through the buildings with trees and benches and birdhouses. All just open air and in between buildings for miles. Very very neat.
The next day is amazing...I mean any day spent with Travis is nothing short of amazing and adventurous. We head down by the south ferry near the world trade center memorial to get discount tickets for broadway shows. There were so many options, but we settled with Mary Poppins. And boy am I glad we did! We spent the next few hours going to...you guessed it more bakeries (this is product of my mom being a baker and my boyfriend and her starting up their new business-get ready world they hit the market in about a month!) We go to the world famous Waldorf Astoria hotel where I've stayed more times then I can count and have more memories then i can remember there. It was almost like every summer I spent there and won two of my national titles in this magical hotel...and people it really is nothing short of pure brilliance. We walked to different cathedrals and stopped and spent some prayer time in St. Barts. So beautiful! Then the time came and we got to go to Mary Poppins! It was a such a joyous time! (besides the fact the lady next had a bit of an odor problem ha) I'm so glad we went it was amazing.





Our last day was spent near central park, visiting the waldorf and enjoying our favorite macarons from Bouchon Bakery. Then it was a hard goodbye knowing I won't see him for at least a 6 more weeks :( But on the bright side, each day is one more day closer to being together again! Here are a few pics from the trip...

Now after he left I had to face the fact that real life is now taking place. It is time to get my butt into gear. It is definitely exciting. I visited two studios and scheduled lessons with Melanie LaPatin, Joanna Zacharewicz, and Tomas meilnicki. I'm beyond excited. Not to mention I took my first class in "The Bar Method" in Soho and it kicked my butt. My legs were shaking so bad ha but I can't wait to get them into gear :)

I am excited to see what God unfolds to me through working with these coaches and having more tryouts with professionals. He has the perfect plan and I am learning to trust him more and more. I will be doing more updates when things start unfolding.

Much love from me and the city,
Erica

The beginning of a big journey

Well well well...I've never done a blog before, but I think it will be something really fun to try! I thought this would be a fun way for family and friends to stay updated with my life :) 


As most of you already know, I have recently moved to New York City. The Big Apple. Manhattan. NYC. The city that never sleeps. Ok, you get the idea. It has been a fairly smooth transition. Granted, I was very busy and pretty much working until the day I moved, I was somehow able to get everything packed up basically the night before (Thank you Jesus). 
I was so blessed to be able to have my mom come and help me move in. She is amazing! If you spend a few days with this woman, you will understand. She has an undying amount of energy! I'm 22 and should be the one on the go, but whew it was hard to keep up with her! She definitely has a passion for decorating, which has always transfused into me as well. Therefore, the two of us in nyc and an empty apartment to fill, makes a deadly combination. I have to say In about a day and a half we were able to make my room so cozy and add amazing touches to the apt. It makes me so excited to come home to my cute little room :)
Some of you may be wondering how I came about this apartment. Well it was completely God. I came out about a week prior to moving with no place lined up yet. I kept praying for God to provide and make it very clear...and boy did he ever! I ended up contacting a few people through a church website out in nyc, which has classified ads. This one was one of the ones who responded. It was two girls my same age who have graduated school and have full-time jobs in the big city. When I saw there place I instantly fell in love! I have my own room and a nice spacious living room, not to mention its about 100 ft from the beautiful Central Park. Hello running and journaling in the park :)


Anyways so thats where I live now and its awesome. Everyone has been asking...now what?? Well thats a good question. I'll let you know when I figure it out. lol just kidding. But it is just kind of the process now at this point. My first order of business is locking in my professional partner. I have had a few try-outs with some guys and am waiting on some more. A guy from Serbia is coming to the US march 20th so I am lining up a try-out with him. It is a crazy process trying to find a partner. It is so much more then dancing. You have to be like-minded with the same views on dancing and goals in mind. Not too easy to find, but I know God is going to bring the perfect partner for me. I'm just hoping sooner then later (hint hint Jesus :)) 


But in all this is going to be a amazing growing experience for me. I am being completely challenged in my faith to trust not only in God's timing, but also leaning on Him as my Comforter. I have never walked away from everything I have and everyone I know to go across the country. It is amazing how much peace about it I have though. God is stretching me in ways I could not imagine. Everything is new. Learning how to live with roommates, learning how to ride and travel on the subway, learning to cook at home more instead of eating out all the time :), learning to not let fear control my decisions, learning to release the control I want of my life over to God, learning to be confident in my dancing and put myself out there for potential partners, learning how to be an extravagant lover of Jesus in an industry based on image and perfection. I can't wait to see how I grow and where God takes me in these next months. 


I am absolutely overwhelmed by the support of my family and friends to be able to do this. Not to mention the most amazingly perfect boyfriend ever. Wow, the fact that he is supporting me to pursue my dreams across the country when we want to be together says so much! I am so blessed by his love! Thank you to everyone who has been praying for me and this transition, I can honestly say your prayers have done wonders! I will be sure to keep you posted on further adventures! :)