Ready, Set, Go! (on August 19...)

Greetings!
You found my blog- yippee!! I hope you like what you see. I've spent quite some time getting things set up and playing with color schemes and such. (Which should not be surprising to those who know me well..) Don't be alarmed if throughout this year you visit an updated and
different-looking set up. It's what I do.

In just about 3 weeks, I leave for the next big chapter of my life-- a year of service through the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission Program. An application process, phone interviews, Discernment and Interview Weekend, more interviews, an official placement and a Pittsburgh summer full of fundraising and preparations have all lead me to SPEC; an organization affiliated with the Westminster Diocese of the Catholic Church in England. SPEC runs 3 youth ministry retreat centers, and though they are still officially placing me on one of the teams, I know I will be part of the SPEC community in London Colney, about 20-30 minutes outside of London in the London Colney/St. Albans area. Check out SPEC here! http://www.spec.org.uk/ (FYI: the acronym is pronounced "speck", as in a speck of dirt. :)

I'm so excited to be sharing in my experience and having all my friends and family "go along" with me through this blog. God has blessed me so much already through this discernment and preparation period of this experience. I am so fortunate to have such love and support from so many of you. I know my Australia blog was a big hit with many, so I hope this one won't dissapoint.

It means a lot when people say, "Marta, this sounds SO like you.....They are going to love you.... God is going to do amazing things through you this year.....etc." I have tried my hardest to visualize and expect only so much throughout this preparation summer--with the understanding that this year with unfold in a variety of crazy, challenging, emotional, and captivating ways. I'm just thrilled to "not be in control" and so happy just to be along for the ride!
I shall leave you with just a few bullet points of clarification for inquiring minds!
-I begin my placement on August 27th. Before I fly across the pond, we have ELCA Global Mission orientation in Chicago starting Aug. 19th
-The retreat center I will be working at is residential, so I will have my own room and shared bathroom facilities (Hellloooo college dorm! Yesss!)
-It is strongly enforced by the ELCA to not come home during your year of service...and that doesn't bother me! I look forward to traveling Europe during my time off (ex. Christmas Break), and also welcoming a visit WBD and Sue sometime in the Spring! (and maybe my sibs too!)
-I will be paid through a small living stipend and through room and board. Sounds like Camp Luther, huh?
-I will be home most likely at the end of July or beginning of August 2010.
-The ELCA works with a larger ecumenical volunteer corps called Time For God. http://www.timeforgod.org/ TFG is comprised of around 100 volunteers all over the UK and was responsible for my placement with SPEC. There are 13 other YAGMs (Young Adults in Global Mission) in the UK this year-- 2 of which are placed with SPEC with me!
-If you want to talk with me online, check out Skype! http://www.skype.com/

And finally- I really want to start getting an idea of who is reading my blog. I promise fun, interactive polls/games/Marta-esque "community building" strategies for those who read my blog. So-- roll call-- state your name, hometown and how you know me/stumbled across my blog- Post in a comment!

Thanks again for making your way over here. I look forward to bringing you along!
Peace,
Marta Diehm