Understanding where each of our journeys begins is very important. It gives us a benchmark from which we can look back on and see how far we have come. I heard that the Bishop of SC, Bishop Salmon, has been known to say, "We do not learn from our experiences, but by looking back on them".I hope that we all have many experiences, but most of all have the ability to look back and learn and grow from them.

What was that Dr. Seuss book?Oh yes, "Oh the Places You Will Go"! I distinctly remember when I left in the middle of my 6th grade year to venture to Rome, Georgia; my teacher gave me that Dr. Seuss classic.I have since lost or passed on this book from my favorite 6th grade teacher, but I sit here now thinking oh if she only knew.Before we get there though a little about that benchmark.

Thank you to all my close and soon to be close friends for responding to my last email with such support and good wishes.The warm wishes and congratulations on my big step was yet another confirmation that I have truly been called and am being led in the right direction.

Charleston is truly an amazing town with amazing people and I am blessed that I have been able to live here and get to know so many people.I really did not realize until the responses started pouring in how many people I knew and how many cared for me.I am looking forward to sharing my adventures and hope to hear about all of yours also.

I am hoping to keep this blog as up to date as possible to keep you all rushing home or back from lunch to see where Marcus is now and what crazy adventure has befallen him.Some of you have experienced the adventures of Marcus just here in Charleston…now take that and add a couple of foreign countries!If you have yet to get a full Marcus Adventure under your belt….well buckle up and hold on tight for the ride.So in my Charleston Photo Album you can catch a glimpse of some of those adventures!

Watch you mailboxes for the September 28th party invite.You won't want to miss this last Maybank Bash and it is official, my flight leaves October 4th for Belfast, Northern Ireland!