I am home.

I woke up this morning only to find out that the Easter bunny had visited me through the night. I am almost 24 and I believe this is the first time the Easter bunny has visited me and left a basket of goodies. In fact I am eating my chocolate bunny's head as I write this (May he rest in peace). All that to say, any day starting out with chocolate is a good one (for my mood at least - not my figure)!

Not only was today Easter Sunday, which in and of itself is a wonderful celebration of life, it was also my first Sunday in Philly. Walking into the church this morning was like coming home for me. Granted with all the moving I have done in the past couple of years there are a number of places that feel like home to me. My parent's place, Jello's parent's place, and Philly. I wish you could be here to experience a morning service here in the inner-city. First of all, I am about one of five Caucasian people who attend the church, so I stick out like a sore thumb in the congregation of about 150. The rest of the individuals are primarily Liberian and African-American. But what would especially strike you if you attended Grace church would be the singing. Imagine a large gospel choir, the drums going, people clapping, and a man leading the worship in joyful exuberance. Then whatever picture you have in your head, times that by about 20. These people are so into their worship. It just feels so real and refreshing.

Of course, every time my family visits they call us the "frozen chosen" because we just are not able to get the rhythm or convey the same passion that they bring to the table. Just imagine a pew full of white people clapping randomly and stiffly moving from side to side. Thankfully they love us despite our awkward attempts of following their clapping and hip swaying. They've asked me to be part of the choir, and I can only imagine that this position will provide entertainment to all who are there as I awkwardly clap out a beat and sway with the best of them. I predict it will be similar to my first aerobics step class experience. Everyone went left and I went right. Everyone stepped up and I was stepping down. Thank goodness for the ability to laugh at ourselves. I am sure I will be learning a lot of that in the next few months.

The church is also extremely welcoming. In fact when the time comes to greet those around you they have to actually put a time limit on it or it would go all day. People are so friendly and open. I feel truly loved and accepted there, even though some of these people have never met me or know me. To them I am the girl from Canada, and they welcome me with open arms.

My day was capped off with hanging out with my coolest Aunt and Uncle who live about five minutes away from where I am staying. It’s day two in Philly, and I feel like I am home.