Firsts

So the other day Aggie gave me her portion of the rent. It was the first time she had to pay rent. You should have seen the smile on her face. She's lived on her own before, when she was growing in her faith in the Honor Academy in Texas, but this is the first time she's had any part of supporting herself. Can I tell you a secret, me too. I've never lived outside of my parents home, except on that month long mission trip to Eastern Europe (best. experience. ever. btw).

I think its interesting how God orchestrates our lives. I'm mean look at this little list of firsts for me: My first time riding my bike alone was in a North Philly playground. My first journal was filled while I was in third grade. (I thought about it this morning, and I laughed over the 3rd grade politics, and where everyone is now). My first date was in Windsor, England at a McDonalds (I was 13 and it was awkward). My first mission trip was to Mexico. My first kiss was in college. My first mystery book is due out at the end of this year, by Wine Press...

I think this first year of living on our own will teach us a lot of things. Not only about getting along(Aggie and I are both very strong personailities so we have heated debates...a lot); but also about money management, time management and faith in God.

That last one makes me nervous a little bit. Because God is unpredictable, and thinks bigger than we do. His ways are not our ways. So I have to ask you, when's the first time you thought about allowing God to have some say in your life? What are some other first's you've experienced?

Beginning my Adventure

When I turned an innocent 15 years old some years ago, I thought that by the time I was 23, I'd be planning a wedding, signing copies of my latest bestseller in the grocery store, and having weekly luncheons with my BBFs from high school.

Well, I when I turned 23, I was single, unemployeed, unpublished, and my two bestfriends were married and settled in their own hometowns, three hours away from my parents humble abode. So, My sisters (pictured here) and Mama took me to see "Bye Bye Birdy" in the Big Apple, and I decided began my job search in earnest.

Fastforward six months, and I was hired as a temp at a predominately Spanish Speaking Latino Community Organization. We fell for each other. I'm now official, and I love it, and so far they love me. So, there I was begining life at 23 and 6 months as a Career Girl. Thank God Marie Claire has a column devoted to us.

Good thing I'm a saver, not a spender, because mis padres said they were moving to Miami, with my younger siblings. After much debate, prayer, and trips to the cinema, we decided that I would focus on my career, live here, and get my own apartment with my younger, college-aged sister.

So, we found an apartment in the shadow of the King of Prussia Mall, and move in together in four weeks. Today is her 21st birthday, so I thought it fitting that I celebrate by beginning this record of our Christian, Latina, bacherlotte experience together. Who knows, maybe it will serve as the inspiration for that best seller I've been meaning to write. (Doubtful).

Bendiciones y Besitos,

Mandie.