Pilot.

The city?

Chicago. The capital and crowning glory of the midwest. The windy city. Oprah's kingdom. Gangster's paradise.

The girl?

Kristi. 22 years young. MSW student. Florida born and bred. Christ follower. Truth searcher. Chronically single. Avid whiner. Hopeful and humbled by this brand new life experience.

The mission?

Move clear across the country, away from emotional and physical warmth? Check. Begin a masters program in a new field and learn as you go? Check. Score an internship with high school students? Check. Move into an amazing apartment with an even better roommate? Check. Attempt to purchase coats, boots and all things wool in preparation for the most brutal season change of your life? Ehh.. well, it's a process.

I've been in Chicago for two months now, and it seems like a lifetime! Though I really haven't even begun to explore this incredible city or get very deep into my degree. Choosing this career path has been an emotional one, and hasn't been easy, but so far it's been rewarding and I'm excited to watch how I grow as a social worker, a student, and a person. Currently, my time is divided between taking classes (Loyola Chicago!) two days a week, working at a Chicago high school as a restorative justice counselor two days a week (I refer to the students as 'my kids'), nannying for two little boys (Ben and Sam) on Fridays, getting involved with a small group and attending services at Park Community Church on Sundays, and trying to squeeze in time for myself and the few friends I've made. Phew.

This blog will be the outlet to my frustrations, my questions, my happy moments, sad moments and everything in between. I hope it will aid in the learning process as I journey along this game we call life and attempt to figure out how to be a single woman of faith in the social work profession!