After an eight hour minivan road trip, countless toll roads, driving through the heart of NYC and Baltimore, and the beautiful sights of Delaware, I finally made it to DC! With U2 and Mariah blasting from the speakers, club Esther was on the road rockin' away~

I made it to my new place--- just in time for a huge thundering storm that pelted me and my hired help while we moved in my boxes. Needless to say, I was soaking wet at the end and all my new roommate could do was laugh while handing me a towel. DC definitely gave me a memorable welcome.

Since my arrival, I've enjoyed a lazy afternoon out in Linden winery, enjoyed the Fourth of July in Georgetown, and browsed the stalls of Eastern Market for fresh produce. I've zipped out to Annandale for Korean food and groceries, grooved to live music at Rumba Cafe and sampled the tasty tapas at Mantis.

But the best thing is when friends host get togethers or parties at their homes-- or better yet even cook for you. I was a lucky recipient of an invitation to such a dinner party- the grand-daddy of all dinners because it was at the home of my friend Ron. (Cheryl- this is for you!~) He started us out with fresh mozzerella balls drizzled with olive oil, pepper and herbs. Then proceeded to stuff the remaining mozzerella balls into squash blossums (edible flowers) and lightly fried them to a crispy golden brown. Delicioso! Then the main course followed which consisted of roasted vegetables with fresh herbs and a whole rainbow trout for each guest that was seasoned with herbs, crushed almonds, lemon and garnished with fresh home made pesto sauce made from fresh arugula. Finally for dessert, he presented hot chocolate molten cake topped with fresh raspberries. Soooo goooood! I had to practially roll myself out his front door like a bowling ball :)

In ways like this, God is constantly encouraging me, surrounding me, blessing me during this transition. I am sweetly reminded of my community of friends outside of DC through the thoughtful phone calls from my old college roommate, Ellen "KB" who lives in NYC. Go ma wuh, Youn Shin-ah~

Watch out DC! Esther is in da' House!! (gotta pump myself up for the impending battles...)