The brief update is that I was working 3 jobs before I left California. In 2 short weeks, I finished all 3 jobs. I finished work at Simpson on Friday, April 24, attended Simpson's graduation on Saturday, April 25 (where some of my closest friends graduated), left for Arkansas on Sunday, April 26. I drove for 3 days straight with my mom, and arrived late Tuesday, April 28. Wednesday morning, April 29 was my first day on the job at James+James! It has been a whirlwind since then!
I got here and hit the ground running! I was introduced to some people by friends of mine who live here currently, and have been getting involved at a church with one of the girls and in a Bible study as well! I've loved the community that I'm already finding, and I am definitely enjoying my time here!
I drove halfway across the country with just my carload of items, and the rest of my stuff is getting shipped to me later this week! I can't wait to have all of my stuff here and to put it all up in my apartment!
I will give you the picture version of the journey so far!
Thanks for all of the love and encouragement I've received since I've been here! I've so appreciated it!
Goodbyes Are the Hardest
Hanging out with a few of my favorites; one last indoor soccer game to watch before I left
Last day at Black Bear Diner
Saying goodbye to this little cutie, Levi
One last team hangout with my El Salvador mission team - where better to hang out than at Coldstone for some ice cream?
To my most dear friend, LP! After so many years of L-Dub and LP dates
Squeezing in some time with the sweet Lindsay
Saying goodbye to one of my newer friends, but still so very dear to my heart
One last girls hang out for breakfast with the 4 from junior high school
Saying goodbye to Dianne
Saying goodbye to Karla
Saying goodbye to one of the most amazing bosses, who has loved me and supported me through 5 years at Simpson - I've been so incredibly blessed by you, Beth!
The Advancement team took me out to lunch to say goodbye! 
Saying goodbye to Andre - one of the El Salvador team members! So proud of him and the team!
Goodbye to my favorite Webb family! Miss you Jud and Tash!
Got a chance to say goodbye to the sweet Bethany! Love these ladies!
Some amazing ladies in my life! So blessed to know you three!
I've loved getting to know Jackie and being able to spend time with her! Thanks for everything, Jackie!
Saying goodbye to a great friend! Gonna miss you Jesse Tyler!
I've been so blessed to work in Student Life with the amazing Lori! Thanks for your love, encouragement, wisdom and everything else you bring, Lori! You're such a blessing in my life!
Just became friends with the beautiful Nicole, and wishing we had become friends earlier! It's been amazing to get to know you!
Saying goodbye to these two sweethearts!
The amazing Anna Frandsen! Such a blessing to work with and be friends with this amazing woman of God!
Goodbye, Simpson University, until next time!
Saying goodbye to my best friend. Oh Sarah, how I'm going to miss being roommates with you and getting to see you each and every day and talk about everything happening in our lives!
I had so many more goodbyes, and these were just to capture a few! I spent the last two weeks spending as much time with every person I could before I had to leave the beautiful state of California! So thankful to know how many people love and care about me! I'm missing so many people from California!
The Journey to Arkansas
On the road bright and early!
So much yellow on our way to Southern California
Nap number 1 for Mom ;)
More yellow hills
We made it to Arizona!
And that definitely means more napping for Mom
The Arizona Desert
And yet another nap for Mom ;)
Got to stay with my best friend, Beth for the night! So glad I got the chance to see her for a bit!
Had breakfast with my great Aunt Char and her daughter (who is clearly missing from the picture). Mom hadn't seen my Aunt Char in over 3 years, and hadn't seen her cousin in about 10! Such a fun morning!
Okay, Arizona, I'll make sure to only go seventeen MPH through the parking lot...not a mile slower, and not a mile faster!
Road maps
Arizona, the land of cacti
Arizona, the land of cacti
And we made it to New Mexico - the Land of Enchantment
Some New Mexico scenery
Some New Mexico scenery
Stopped at Cracker Barrel for dinner!
Cracker Barrel
More New Mexico scenery - some beautiful places!
We accidentally stumbled upon Historic Route 66
We accidentally stumbled upon Historic Route 66
So of course we had to stop to write some postcards!
Just some more driving...Day 2
On day 3, we were in 4 states - started in New Mexico, made it to Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas! Wow!
Finally some greenery in Texas, and of course, cows!
Made it to Oklahoma! Getting close!
Continuing East
Some of the beautiful greenery of Oklahoma
Beautiful lands
Beautiful lands
And WE MADE IT! Welcome to Arkansas!
Welcome to the natural state!
Arkansas sure did welcome us with a beautiful sunset!
My first day at James+James, complete with a ride in the Jurassic Park Jeep!
Meet Paisley, my first friend in Arkansas! :) Such a sweet girl!
Enjoying an evening ride in the Jurassic Park Jeep with this gang
Welcome home! My new apartment (more pictures to come in the next blog post)
When you have no furniture, you might as well have a candle to make it feel like home
Just enjoying my new job on a rainy Sunday!
When I miss California, I can always remember it with this sweet gift from my second Mama!
Driving a UHaul truck to move some furniture
Rented my first UHaul truck
My first furniture purchase!
Scored this beautiful chair and ottoman at Goodwill for $10!
And just like that, my stuff is being shipped from Cali to Arkansas!
All loaded up in the trailer, ready to drive half way across the country to me!
Attempted to make some chocolate chip cookies for my new neighbors and coworkers, but proceeded to burn all 60+ cookies! Not going to impress them with my baking skills, I guess!
My burnt cookies! :(
Got my storage shelves installed above the washer and dryer
Lots of love from my dear family and friends on my refrigerator! So blessed!
Thank you everyone, for the love and support you've sent me with! I'm so blessed to know that I have so many people cheering me on! Love you all, and miss you lots!
Love, Lauren
