September: Broadway, Biden, and Building a Home

September felt like a whirlwind. A month of new experiences, breathtaking moments, and finally finding a sense of home (metaphorically and literally) in the city.

Early in the month, I saw my first Broadway show since moving here, The Notebook, and it did not disappoint. A few weeks later, I saw a play called Someone Spectacular, which truly was spectacular, and by the end of the month, I had also seen Water for Elephants, now one of my top three favorite musicals of all time, and The Great Gatsby, which was also completely unbelievable. Most, if not all, Broadway shows have a lottery to get very cheap, day-of, tickets, which is how I was able to see so many.

In between shows, I focused on self-care and reflection. Juliet, Tabatha, and I visited a community center in Harlem where we recovered free massages and acupuncture. We talked about the importance of how physical, mental, and spiritual health during our YAV year, and found free and easy ways to fulfill these needs. I also found myself seeking out coffee shops all over the city, remembering my love for a really good latte. I think I had more coffee this month than I've had all year.

One of the best moments of the month was a belated birthday dinner with my friend from home, Dominick, who now lives in New Jersey. We met up in the city, and just when I thought the night couldn’t get any better, we realized we were sitting next to Dylan Mulvaney at dinner. Such a New York moment.

At the UN, things were busier than ever as we prepared for the General Assembly. I was still overwhelmed but I was also learning so much. I got to attend the first day of the UN General Assembly and got to see President Joe Biden and other world leaders speak in person. It was surreal. I still can't believe this is my life. I also got to know my coworkers, Clare and Connor, better, which made showing up to work every day feel a little easier.

Juliet and I are still at Avenue Church and anxiously waiting to move into our apartment, it seems the date keeps getting pushed back. One night, we accidentally set off the fire alarm while cooking some eggs. It was a moment of pure panic but quickly turned into laughter, at least for us. The apartment is attached to the church and school, so the entire building had to evacuate, and multiple fire trucks showed up. It was one of those ridiculous memories that I know we won't forget.

By the end of the month, we finally moved into our apartment. After weeks of waiting, it felt almost unreal. The space is beautiful, and day by day, it’s starting to feel like home. As I continued settling into life here, I also spent time visiting different churches- Avenue Church, which is Presbyterian, Church of the Epiphany, which is the Catholic church I used to attend when I lived here in 2021, and Fount, which was a big, non-denominational church. It has been so fun to explore new places, but Avenue has been my favorite so far. I am feeling more connected to the Presbyterian church the more I learn about it, and am considering becoming an official member soon.

September was full of rich moments, challenging moments, and life-changing moments. It was overwhelming at times, but through it all, I’m learning to trust God's plan and feel excited about what God has for me next.