We are here! Champaign-Urbana is beautiful in the spring/summer and it's been a pleasant surprise since we first visited in the super nasty end of winter. It gets hot and humid, but so far I prefer this to the dry, extreme heat I grew up in. We are staying with an extremely fun and hospitable couple that has really taken us under their wing and shown us some great haunts to... uh... haunt. One pub especially got Jaron enthralled. No food, just great beer and amazing woodwork and room-like booths that almost convince you that you're far from the heartland and somewhere hilly and green.
We found a house! We're almost closed, just another week. I cannot believe we are soon to be homeowners. Or, home-owers, I guess. But we're thrilled with it and can't wait to make it home.
Here's a shot of the outside.
Jaron is getting settled at his new job and we're looking forward to finding our niches in this community. For being so small there is a lot going on both on and off campus. We're looking into getting involved in a food coop or two. Trying to eliminate the use of disposable plastic in our lives is just as complex as we expected and of course we keep realizing areas we have to adapt to make it happen. Even taking Banjo potty is more complicated. But, it's a good change, and I think it may even save us money when all is said and done. We'll see. I'm certain it will have us eating more healthy foods than we've done recently.
Lately I've been consumed by thoughts about working with youth again. It's been a while, but nothing has ever felt as good a fit, so I'm intent on getting back into it. As of now, I'm volunteering with a youth group and really hope to start assistant coaching volleyball this fall. I can't wait. Lord, may I never be stuck behind a reception desk again. Or a cubicle. But we'll see. This one's to be continued.
I've been mulling over some stuff lately, and I'm excited to write more soon! Jaron and I will be documenting the de-plastic process on video. As soon as it's edited I'll post it here!
