on driving directions & destination

I like to pride myself on being able to navigate places. Since arriving in D.C., I've gotten turned around almost every time I've gotten in my rental car.

Influencing factors: I'm not familiar with the area. I don't have an actual map (until now - just bought a downtown one). I have no visual map in my mind of where I'm going, and that's a biggie for me because I'm a very visual person.

Then, of course, there's also the issue of clarifying your destination. This morning, the directions seemed simple. I wrote them out and had on my phone. But things didn't seem quite right. I didn't turn off at the Metro sign (where I was headed) because my directions didn't say to. I passed the Metro station twice on the highway before taking control. I realized that my directions (and the annoying GPS lady I turned to for help) were confused. They thought I just wanted to SEE the train station, when what I really wanted was to reach the parking lot and GET ON the train.

Clarifying the destination really is key - in finding the Metro station and in life.

Washington, D.C.

Today was the first day of my new adventure.

I worked as an improptu chaperone/escort helper for a recent refugee from Myanmar/Burma who had just arrived in the country and was flying to live in texas with his brother and brother's wife.

I enjoyed meeting "L" on my first flight. I ended up talking with her about a loved one who'd chosen abortion and now wasn't the same. I was able to point her to a couple good resources, and I got her email to follow up.

I rented a car for the first time in my life.

I met my host family and they are great.

Father God, Thank you for such a beautiful day.