Bring On The Day

I've been in Philadelphia for about 5 days now, and I'm ready to get in a routine. It's been fun moving into my new apartment, going shopping (several times), and just walking around the city. But, it's time to do what I came here to do. Tomorrow morning at 8:30 I will begin another leg of my journey toward becoming a CHT. I'm enjoying this ride headed toward my final destination but all of these small trips are necessary. I have a lot of emotions running through my mind about the fellowship. I'm so excited about what all I will learn, but also scared about the unknown. But, I'll never know unless I try. So here goes nothing!

Just what have I been doing in Philadelphia the last week?


1. Moving/Furnishing my new apartment. The walls are still bare, but I've got ideas in mind.



Yes, it's all one room. A small (less than 300 sq.ft) studio, but everything I'll need for 6 months.



2. Celebrating like the locals. New Years Day, the street that leads to City Hall is closed and there is a 6 hour parade. It's the Mummer's Parade. Like nothing I've ever seen. Anyone and everyone dresses up, to some theme, and parades up Broad Street toward City Hall. The smaller groups have simple costumes and come dancing through the streets. The large groups and string bands are very elaborate. They use all sorts of feathers and glitter. The common theme though seemed to be gold spray painted shoes. The party goes on all night long too. Apparently there is an after party in South Philly.





This group did a take on Slumdog Millionaire. They filled the streets dancing!


This is part of one of the bands. They can't have any brass instruments. They can have saxophones, but most of the instruments are string instruments. Quite talented!