Our First Week in Dallas

On Sunday, June 3rd, Taylor and I left Kansas City and drove down to Dallas! We were so grateful for everything Taylor's family has done for us the past three weeks we were there. As we approached the city, we couldn't believe how big it was. There were so many highways crisscrossing each other and the city stretched so wide. It was definitely intimidating. We really got exposed to the city because Taylor had to meet downtown at the Teach for America offices to study for the Science 9-12 Exam. We got a little lost and had a hard time finding parking, but we got it all figured out and he was able to get some studying done. We then drove to Keller, TX (near Fort Worth) to stay with my cousin Emily and her husband Russ and their son Levi. They introduced Blue Bell ice cream to us. Delicious!!!

On Monday (our 2 year anniversary!!), Taylor and I had to wake up really early to get to downtown Dallas for Taylor's science exam. Taylor had to pass the exam or else he would not be able to teach in Texas so we were hoping and praying so much that everything would work out. We started driving and we got to experience Dallas traffic. The trip should have taken us 40 min, but it ended up taking 1 hr and 40 min. We were so worried that we wouldn't make it to the testing center on time, but luckily we did and we had to end up spending $18 in parking! After he took the test, we went to look at apartments. We found some online that are 1.5 miles away from Taylor's school. They are called the Greens of Kessler Park. Taylor and I were very impressed by these apartments because they are in a very nice area and right next to a golf course. We will feel safe and at home in them and they are in the perfect location for us. We couldn't sign anything on Monday because we still had to wait and find out if Taylor and passed the test. 

From our Wedding June 4, 2010

We celebrated our anniversary by going to Chili's! That night was going to be our last night together for 6 weeks because the next day Taylor had to go to Southern Methodist University (SMU) for training for the first week and then Rice University (in Houston) for the last five weeks. 

(SMU's campus is gorgeous)

On Tuesday, I had to take Taylor to SMU where Taylor was going to be staying. It was very hard to say goodbye, but I knew I could see him on Friday. I drove by myself from Dallas to Fort Worth when I got a phone call from Taylor. He passed his test!!!!! We were so happy and felt so blessed and relieved. Taylor had studied 93 hours for this test. He had to teach himself physics and relearn everything else with science. It was a very difficult test but I am so proud of him! Now we knew for sure that Taylor can officially teach. After I found out, I drove all the way back to Dallas, and put a deposit down on the apartment we really liked. 

On Thursday evening, Taylor called me and said he found someone who is driving near Keller that night and could give Taylor a ride! I was so excited to spend one more last night with him. It was such a great surprise! We woke up Friday and drove to Dallas and got to sign the lease on our apartment. We get to move in July 7th. I am going to Ohio in two days for three weeks to visit my family so the timing is perfect. After, we got to tour the Sunset High School. It is a very old high school but we are excited about it. His classroom is decorated with painted planets on the ceiling. It is perfect for astronomy. We got to meet the principals and they were very welcoming. Later that day, Taylor and I had to say goodbye for five weeks. It was really hard and I am going to really miss him, but it is going to be worth it! Taylor has been having a good time already with the training and meeting other Teach for America members, and he is looking forward to more training in Houston. 

Taylor and I have been so blessed recently with safe travels, passing the science test, getting an apartment, and Emily and Russ letting us stay with them.