Official Resident of Arizona!

Our trek to Mesa finally ended Monday afternoon. Thank goodness we are here! As we made our way down from the Grand Canyon and into the desert, we felt a definite change in temperature. Even the car struggled a bit as the sun began to beam down and roast us!

It is hot, hot, hot here, and humid even. The monsoon storms have been coming through and so the "dry heat" many Arizona residents talk about is nonexistent--at least for today. Mesa is about 1/2 hour outside of Phoenix in a blown-up version of Woodbury. Lots of development and shopping centers. This is true suburbia. The only difference from home is that all of the buildings are earth toned, we can't find anything by its normal color or signage. Even Target was hard to find! Thankfully, the GPS continues to be of great help as we explore the area.

It has taken us a full day to set everything up...but most of it has found its place in the apartment. We had a few complications with setting up the internet, but UB has been a lifesaver, once again, via the phone and Log Me In. Both my mom and I have fallen in love with the space--especially the big kitchen. Instead of taking photos, I am posting a video of the apartment on YouTube--made especially for family. (Hope the bumpiness doesn't make you nauseous.)

Click here to see it: HGJ's Apartment

Other than that, we are enjoying our time--except for missing family and friends. One of the biggest adjustments has been with the time change. We are now 2 hours behind home and 3 hours behind Brian in Florida, which makes it complicated for talking time, but somehow we are making it work.

Work has not officially started yet, but we have visited Our Saviors and most of the staff already. My first services are this weekend, so these next few days will be spent with more organizing and relaxing.

Hope you are all doing well.

peace,
HGJ