Some Lancaster Favorites.

Josiah and I have been here for almost three months. We have had our ups and downs living in this little city, but I think it is safe to say that we've settled in and are calling Lancaster "home."

Before moving to Lancaster, I had only been to a farmer's market a couple of times. I liked the idea of them, but didn't know much about why it was better to buy local or organic. Once we came here, It didn't take long to make the switch. Living three blocks from Central Market, the oldest operating farmer's market in the country, was the perfect incentive to make changes in how we eat. I look forward to my Tuesday afternoons, when I grab some grocery bags and walk to market.

Despite our switch to clean eating, my sweet tooth is alive and well. Whoopie pies, a Pennsylvania original, have a special place in my heart. Shady Maple's Shoofly Pie whoopie pie (pictured above, with a red velvet whoopie pie) was the first one I tried, and it seems to have become my go-to.

I have this thing about food where I decide I want something and I can't. stop. thinking. about. it. until I get it. Chick-fil-A, scones, and chocolate chip cookies fit into this category. While I was living in Scotland, Indian food was added to this list. I would get Indian carry-out probably too often. On my first trip to Lancaster, I spotted Himalayan Curry and Grill. The word "curry" on their sign called my name. We went there for our first Lancaster date. And then I fell in love. Their curry has been quickly climbed to the top of my list of "I want this NOW" foods. They are a straight shot from our apartment, and you'd better believe that whenever we go out for dinner, Himalayan Curry and Grill is my top choice. I'm married to a man who likes variety, and thankfully this restaurant has a menu full of Indian and Nepali choices. He tries something different every time. I, on the other hand, tend to stick to Chicken Tikka Masala or Chicken Korma. They're just too good.

After talking to some Lancaster natives about my new favorite restaurant, Josiah and I learned that there is a large Nepali refugee community in Lancaster. There are multiple non-profit organizations that work alongside our government to place refugees in cities around the country, and Lancaster is home to at least two of these organizations. From what we understand, this little fave of ours is owned and operated by Nepalis. Lancaster is far more diverse than we expected, and we love it.

So. If you're ever in Lancaster City and you see this little blue sign, stop in for your curry fix.

the day I married my best friend.

falling asleep last night, j and i talked about being best friends. we talked about how thankful we are because our relationship was built on the foundation of a two year long friendship. he told me that he knows everyone says they marry their best friends, but that some best friends are just closer than others. and we are a little biased in thinking that we are the closest.

almost three months in, we have seen more bad things about each other than we thought possible. we have gotten angry over things that don't matter and said things that cut to the core. but oh man, am i crazy about my husband. i didn't know it was physically possible to love someone as much as i love him. we know that these months are building the foundation for the rest of our lives, and we are striving to share our hearts, forgive quickly, and love deeply.

so. the day i married my best friend was magical and beautiful and marvelous. we had our wonderful friends, Juliet Cangelosi and Christina Schuman, capture our day, and they did a perfect job.

  

Photo Locations: Covenant Presbyterian Church, downtown Chattanooga, the Ringgold Depot, and Sunset Rock.

For more photos, check out my Facebook.

tbt.

Throw back Thursday. It's happening right here.

26 years ago today, this happened.

Happy anniversary to the most wonderful parents I could have asked for. Their marriage has served as a beautiful example of Christ's love. So thankful for them.

living.

I've found myself just living lately. Going through the motions, and jot really taking time to enjoy or to pay attention to the beauty in life. I'm not a fan.

After praying through this for a while now, I'm beginning to see more and more what Ann Voskamp talks about in One Thousand Gifts. It's the Eucharisteo, the giving thanks, that makes the difference. When I celebrate the little things, I have the opportunity to acknowledge God's work. 

This month, I want to do more of this. More thanking, more praying, more acknowledging. 

absence.

girlfriend needs to catch up on this little blog. pardon my absence.

j is in africa on a business trip. i'm staying with my family in chattanooga. life will resume in lancaster on october 8th, and we will be making some changes and updates on this little page of mine.

marriage.

I am marrying my best friend today. And I can hardly wait.