Yee-haw.

I am back to packing again. Story of my life for the past year and a half but what adventures I have had.

And now I am on to another.

I was sitting on the LIRR (as I have so many Friday nights of this summer) heading into NYC to see my friends, flipping through some paperwork from the conference I attended in June.  The sun was setting and the scenery was a beautiful colorful blur as it passed me by. My eyes settled on information about anti trafficking organizations located in the Midwest. One was in Oklahoma City. And just like that I knew where to go.

And so I’m off- New York City to Oklahoma City.

It’s been more than a little remarkable how doors have opened, one right after the other, since making this choice. For me, I see this as God showing me I am going the right way. A good friend of mine from NYC now lives in OKC. I sent her a text telling her about my idea of relocating and I received an ecstatic text back: “HECK YEA!!!! Viva OKC!!!” The same friend works with a company, which has connections to the anti trafficking organization (OATH) I’m interested in volunteering with. Her co-workers dad is the lawyer for OATH and head of Catholic Charities out there who was kind enough to take my call. We chatted about various organizations out there, my time in Thailand and, surprisingly, about the Thai and Burmese refugee population in OKC. Seems my Thai may come in handy somewhere else besides Thailand. Who knew?

OATH has recently opened a shelter for women who have survived sexual exploitation and also have a “Train the Trainer” series where they educate law enforcement agencies, domestic violence shelters, churches, etc. on signs of trafficking. Often these organizations are treating the symptoms (drug use, ‘domestic’ violence, eating disorders) instead of the cause (sexual abuse). OATH also applied for grants and if they are given them, will hire two full time advocacy speakers who travel around the state presenting a larger and more in depth version of “Train the Trainer”.  That would be my dream position. I really look forward to seeing how I can be a part of this and grow within the organization and realm of anti- trafficking.

I’ve also found and secured an adorable 2-bedroom duplex (special thanks to my friend Lauren for locating it and for going in my place). Just another door opening wide as my landlord rented it to me sight unseen and knowing I do not have full time employment. I also have a washer and dryer in my apt. Be still my New York City renters heart. No more hauling 16 lbs. of laundry 12 blocks rain or shine.

Things are looking good.

I am scheduled to depart- cross country (all 27 hours of it) in the next two weeks.  Prayers said and brakes checked (yes, I am a first time car owner at the ripe age of 29).

If you had told me two years ago when I was still a city girl resident, I’d be moving to OKC from NYC, I would have outright laughed in your face. If you told me a year ago when I lived in the middle of a rice field an hour south of Burma, I’d be moving to the middle of America, I would have laughed. But for a different reason. Because I have learned two things 1. You never know where life will take you and don’t presume you do and 2. Life is what you make of it.  So hats off to all the twists, turns and choices which have brought me here. I couldn’t ask for a better place to be poised to take my next leap of faith.