Okay, just a quick post and one that needs to begin with the perspective that I am doing fine, by the grace of God, in spite of 2 of the most unexpectedly eventful days of my life thus far. So here's a brief rundown, followed by things I'm thankful for, and then prayer requests:
What has happened:
1. So, as you know I'm in Santa Monica for the summer helping to lead the summer project. As staff we just hit the half-way point of our time here at 2 1/2 weeks. Yesterday I was picking up one of my lovely students for a lunch/discipleship appointment. As I was turning into a parking lot I did not see a car coming and we got into an accident. The impact on the passenger side was quite hard and as a result I personally think it's a miracle that NO ONE, especially my passenger, got hurt. This experience was still very traumatic for us but praise God that the woman who hit us (though it was definitely my fault) was gracious and helpful in terms of what needed to be done next. Both cars were still drivable. Tomorrow I have an appointment to assess the damage and then we'll take things from there.
2. Well, today is a whole other story. I rode my bike to a discipleship appointment and on the way home I fell because of uneven pavement and got scrapped up pretty bad on the knee and elbow. Just a couple minutes of walking away was a bike rental shop along the beach bike path that I was trying to get to so I told myself, through tears and frustration, that I would go there to have them put the chain back on my bike and then bike home slowly to take care of the injuries before my next appointment. Well, the guy at the bike rental was very helpful and gave me paper towels and band aids but it wasn't really doing the trick. By the grace of God a man and his young daughter approached (wanting to rent a bike for her) us and told us that he was first aid certified and could help me get cleaned up. I took him up on this amazing offer but as I was sitting down (he had just finished bandaging my knee and moved on to the elbow) I passed out for about 30 seconds and when I came to they were yelling for the lifeguards and for someone to call 911. All this to say the paramedics thought I might have had a seizure and decided to take me to the ER for lots of tests and scans. Turns out that I did simply lose consciousness (not really sure why), all the tests came back clear. They were able to really clean out my injuries and bandage me up well. One of our project staff girls was with me at the hospital and since being home (around 4) I have already gotten flowers, dinner, and lots of loving from the amazing people in my life here. I am in some pain but think that I should be able to sleep fine and I've been given orders to rest up so that's what's on the agenda!
Things I'm thankful for:
. . .where to begin. . .
- God's protection and provision (could have all been a lot worse)
- the body of Christ being gracious and loving on me when I'm away from the comforts of home and family
- insurance and how helpful people have been via the phone
- the graciousness of my passenger and the other driver in the accident
- the God-send first-aid certified man at the bike rental shop
- very kind (and rather cute :)) paramedics and lifeguards and hospital staff of Santa Monica
- God's Word and the opportunity to soak in lots of it this afternoon (2 Corinthians is rocking my world) because the internet wasn't working
- my staff leadership team who value me and my rest over the success of my work
- getting to invite the paramedics in the ambulance to church. . .I didn't want to waste my time with them!
- for eternal perspective: "For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal" (2 Cor 4:17-18).
Ways to pray:
- continued eternal perspective and God's comfort and peace
- healing (pretty sore knee, scraps and bruises, and I've had a cold the past couple of days)
- a positive assessment of my car at the shop tomorrow and discernment as to what to do next
- wisdom for the weekend. . . I'm in my roommate's wedding in SLO (yay!) and now there's a lot to figure out in terms of transportation and what would be best for my health
- safety and protection for each and every student and staff for the duration of project
- that I, and all involved (family, friends, etc), would trust in the Lord with all our hearts, and not lean on our own understanding, but in all our ways acknowledge Him and He will make our paths straight.
Wow - and I'm thankful for each of you! :) Feel free to call me, although I don't get service in my apartment so it may be hard for me to answer/return your call.
"Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you" (2 Cor 13:11).
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Day Off
Wow - definitely can tell I need this day to rest and do small things like laundry, groceries, and reading. It's been a great week but being busy can take a toll! It's been so neat to see how I'm beginning to feel more and more at home here. Riding my bike really helps - as I'm getting more familiar with the layout of the city I also getting to enjoy looking at all the cool architecture and interesting people. I've decided that if I'm going to be in any one place for an extended amount of time taking my bike along will be a must. It is certainly more relaxing for me then driving around here, plus it saves gas and gives me a bit of exercise - can't go wrong! On project here Thursday is the kick-off of a new week. . .there are our after-dinner evening activities with the students:
Thursday: teach and go - quick meeting together and then out sharing with the new evangelism tools for the week
Friday: free evening
Saturday: community event (tomorrow's is a thrift-store dance party!)
Sunday: men's and women's times
Monday: Main Meeting (with worship, speakers, MC. . .this is the evening I'm in charge of)
Tuesday: action group Bible study
Wednesday: Jesus Night (2 hours dedicated to concentrated time with the Lord, with optional prayer and worship at the end)
For students daytimes are filled with their jobs or classes where they have the opportunity to do natural evangelism at their "ministry site". For me daytimes are filled with staff meetings, discipleship of my 5 girls, evangelism times, my discipleship time with Vanessa, prepping Bible study and discipleship for the week, planning the main meeting, and the random things that always pop up!
There are 3 weeks left here - time is definitely flying by so I'm going to press on in seeing the name of the Lord be lifted high in this city and in the lives of the women I work with. . .as well as in my own life. It's all about the Gospel - preaching it into our hearts and sharing it with others.
God has entrusted us with the message of reconciliation. Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal though us (2 Cor 5).
Thursday: teach and go - quick meeting together and then out sharing with the new evangelism tools for the week
Friday: free evening
Saturday: community event (tomorrow's is a thrift-store dance party!)
Sunday: men's and women's times
Monday: Main Meeting (with worship, speakers, MC. . .this is the evening I'm in charge of)
Tuesday: action group Bible study
Wednesday: Jesus Night (2 hours dedicated to concentrated time with the Lord, with optional prayer and worship at the end)
For students daytimes are filled with their jobs or classes where they have the opportunity to do natural evangelism at their "ministry site". For me daytimes are filled with staff meetings, discipleship of my 5 girls, evangelism times, my discipleship time with Vanessa, prepping Bible study and discipleship for the week, planning the main meeting, and the random things that always pop up!
There are 3 weeks left here - time is definitely flying by so I'm going to press on in seeing the name of the Lord be lifted high in this city and in the lives of the women I work with. . .as well as in my own life. It's all about the Gospel - preaching it into our hearts and sharing it with others.
God has entrusted us with the message of reconciliation. Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal though us (2 Cor 5).
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The Days are Flying!
At times I feel as if the day goes by in the blink of an eye! I wanted to blog at the end of the day yesterday. . .and now it's the end of the day today! Thankfully life with the Lord is for an eternity because sometimes these finite days pass too quickly. I feel like the days are becoming more "normal", more what I'm used to doing on my campus. . .take yesterday for example:
- bike over to the church along the ocean path - so beautiful!
- staff meeting in the morning
- finalizing details for the main meeting, with my team, happening later in the day
- coaching the MC for the meeting on what needs to be said and how to say it (I REALLY enjoyed doing this, I think my background in elementary teaching has given me a good feel for conveying info in a way that is clear but engaging)
- preping for upcoming discipleship appointments and our action group meeting (Bible study with the 5 students that I lead) tomorrow
- went for a swim at the Santa Monica Swim Center. . .it's a great pool attached to the Junior College and I'm loving it!
- headed back to the apartment to type up and print out copies of the detailed schedule for the main meeting.
- back to the church to help facilitate the worship team try-outs. there are so many talented students and this job fell within the main meeting team because we'll need a worship band next week. there are many other opportunities to lead worship throughout the project so Lord willing there will be a place for everyone with this gifting to serve.
- dinner! this was the first night that Aaron and Jackie, 2 students hired by the project to be the cooks for the summer, made us a meal and it was delicious. . .and even ended with a pazookie as a special treat! It was so nice to have a home cooked meal and they did an amazing job feeding almost 100 people, what a task!
- next came the main meeting, happening every Monday night! 2 staff led us in worship, 1 staff was the MC (each of these roles will be taken over by students from here on out), the directors of the project spoke, and then the students were sent out to put into practice the things they just learned. While out doing evangelism one of the girls in my action group led someone to Christ - so cool!
- spent time encouraging and thanking those involved in the main meeting as well as cleaning up "sub-city". . .the room we meet in the church
- hung out in the Promise Land for a bit (the hang out spot at the Palm, the motel where the students are staying) and solidified some discipleship times with my students
- bed time!
Today was a packed but good day as well. . .in less detail: staff women's time, my discipleship time with Vanessa (so good!), prep time, swim, discipleship with one of my students, evangelism at Santa Monica City College, help set up dinner, dinner, action group Bible study on our Biblical Christian World View.
Whew, I am so glad to be here and it has been sweet to meet with the Lord in the midst of the madness. I need to start telling more stories of the people I'm interacting with. . .and posting pictures - be patient with me. :) Thanks for reading and praying!
- bike over to the church along the ocean path - so beautiful!
- staff meeting in the morning
- finalizing details for the main meeting, with my team, happening later in the day
- coaching the MC for the meeting on what needs to be said and how to say it (I REALLY enjoyed doing this, I think my background in elementary teaching has given me a good feel for conveying info in a way that is clear but engaging)
- preping for upcoming discipleship appointments and our action group meeting (Bible study with the 5 students that I lead) tomorrow
- went for a swim at the Santa Monica Swim Center. . .it's a great pool attached to the Junior College and I'm loving it!
- headed back to the apartment to type up and print out copies of the detailed schedule for the main meeting.
- back to the church to help facilitate the worship team try-outs. there are so many talented students and this job fell within the main meeting team because we'll need a worship band next week. there are many other opportunities to lead worship throughout the project so Lord willing there will be a place for everyone with this gifting to serve.
- dinner! this was the first night that Aaron and Jackie, 2 students hired by the project to be the cooks for the summer, made us a meal and it was delicious. . .and even ended with a pazookie as a special treat! It was so nice to have a home cooked meal and they did an amazing job feeding almost 100 people, what a task!
- next came the main meeting, happening every Monday night! 2 staff led us in worship, 1 staff was the MC (each of these roles will be taken over by students from here on out), the directors of the project spoke, and then the students were sent out to put into practice the things they just learned. While out doing evangelism one of the girls in my action group led someone to Christ - so cool!
- spent time encouraging and thanking those involved in the main meeting as well as cleaning up "sub-city". . .the room we meet in the church
- hung out in the Promise Land for a bit (the hang out spot at the Palm, the motel where the students are staying) and solidified some discipleship times with my students
- bed time!
Today was a packed but good day as well. . .in less detail: staff women's time, my discipleship time with Vanessa (so good!), prep time, swim, discipleship with one of my students, evangelism at Santa Monica City College, help set up dinner, dinner, action group Bible study on our Biblical Christian World View.
Whew, I am so glad to be here and it has been sweet to meet with the Lord in the midst of the madness. I need to start telling more stories of the people I'm interacting with. . .and posting pictures - be patient with me. :) Thanks for reading and praying!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
What a week!
It's hard to believe that I've been here for a solid week - so much has happened and the pace has been almost nonstop! These past couple of days have been particularly intense because we're doing long days of orientation with the students. This involves lots of different things. . .most of which revolve around evangelism - learning about God's heart for people, learning different methods to use when sharing the unchanging message of salvation, receiving training on how to share the Gospel, going out and doing it all over Santa Monica, and gathering back to reflect and process our experiences. The learning curve is very high for all of us and we're definitely seeing God do a lot. Two of our students shared with an Australian woman on the 3rd St. Promenade (where a lot of our evangelism times take place) yesterday and she prayed to receive Christ - super cool! We are also finding that most people here are not at the point to make a decision but that it's a joy to plant a seed (as my dad reminded me on the phone today!), perhaps bring them one step closer to the Lord and His plan for their life. Also, people ask really hard questions here! I continually need to come back to the cross and it's beautiful simplicity and ultimately any conversation that is had needs to come back to this as well.
More randomly, I have been riding my bike to the church where we meet for dinner and meetings (this is also the church we'll be attending on Sunday mornings - we double the size of their congregation). I so enjoy this time to get fresh air and take in the surroundings. Yesterday I saw 4 weddings in process, 2 on the beach, and 2 in 2 different churches. Also, there are all kinds of people out and about especially on the weekends. I haven't heard so many different languages spoken since I did ministry in Amsterdam! The pier is always loaded with people enjoying the carnival. The beaches are packed, kites are being flown, and there are lots of sailboats in the water. It's a sight to see! God has been answering my prayers to give me more of a heart for this city. I am beginning to feel in my element and know my way around - and as this happens I am beginning to enjoy my surroundings more.
Well, there really is so much more to write but I'm going to leave it at this. Off to dinner with a student and then our meeting tonight. We'll spend a short time in orientation together and then break off into men's and women's events. Have a blessed week!
More randomly, I have been riding my bike to the church where we meet for dinner and meetings (this is also the church we'll be attending on Sunday mornings - we double the size of their congregation). I so enjoy this time to get fresh air and take in the surroundings. Yesterday I saw 4 weddings in process, 2 on the beach, and 2 in 2 different churches. Also, there are all kinds of people out and about especially on the weekends. I haven't heard so many different languages spoken since I did ministry in Amsterdam! The pier is always loaded with people enjoying the carnival. The beaches are packed, kites are being flown, and there are lots of sailboats in the water. It's a sight to see! God has been answering my prayers to give me more of a heart for this city. I am beginning to feel in my element and know my way around - and as this happens I am beginning to enjoy my surroundings more.
Well, there really is so much more to write but I'm going to leave it at this. Off to dinner with a student and then our meeting tonight. We'll spend a short time in orientation together and then break off into men's and women's events. Have a blessed week!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
The students have arrived!
What a day. . .and time for a quick update! The long anticipated moment has come as most of the 73 students from all over the nation rolled up to the Palm Motel to begin Santa Monica Summer Project 2008 today! We had a quick staff meeting this morning, going over lots of last minute details and then we headed over to the Palm to finish setting up and begin welcoming students. I zoomed out to the LAX airport to pick up two girls from the University of Illinois - it was so fun to be the first to welcome them to sunny California! It was also kinda fun trying to figure out the LA airport. . .it's a whole other very fast paced world out here!
One of the girls I picked up, Megan, is in my "action group". This is the name for the small group Bible study that each staff member is leading. Megan is a 4th year student. Then I also have Rose, a 3rd year at UC Santa Barbara, Jamie, a 2nd year at Cal Poly Pomona, Flora, a 3rd year at UC Davis, and Anna, a 2nd year at Cal Poly SLO (yay :)). After dinner and a brief orientation with the whole project this evening I took my action group to Panera to hang out and get to know each other. I am very excited about these girls and am already enjoying them very much. . .which is a good thing because we'll be spending a lot of time together for Bible studies, one-on-one discipleship, evangelism, and tons of other stuff.
The Lord is answering prayers left and right so keep them coming! Tomorrow begins some in-depth orientation, the students' first time doing some evangelism in the city, and lots of bonding and connecting. Pray that I would keep the Lord as the center of my life, that I would connect well with the students in the coming days, that I would take time to rest, and that I would have wisdom and discernment from the Lord as to how each person on project and in Santa Monica need to hear and experience God's grace and truth in their lives. Thanks!
One of the girls I picked up, Megan, is in my "action group". This is the name for the small group Bible study that each staff member is leading. Megan is a 4th year student. Then I also have Rose, a 3rd year at UC Santa Barbara, Jamie, a 2nd year at Cal Poly Pomona, Flora, a 3rd year at UC Davis, and Anna, a 2nd year at Cal Poly SLO (yay :)). After dinner and a brief orientation with the whole project this evening I took my action group to Panera to hang out and get to know each other. I am very excited about these girls and am already enjoying them very much. . .which is a good thing because we'll be spending a lot of time together for Bible studies, one-on-one discipleship, evangelism, and tons of other stuff.
The Lord is answering prayers left and right so keep them coming! Tomorrow begins some in-depth orientation, the students' first time doing some evangelism in the city, and lots of bonding and connecting. Pray that I would keep the Lord as the center of my life, that I would connect well with the students in the coming days, that I would take time to rest, and that I would have wisdom and discernment from the Lord as to how each person on project and in Santa Monica need to hear and experience God's grace and truth in their lives. Thanks!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Welcome to Santa Monica!
Wow - so here I am, in a COMPLETELY different environment for 5 weeks. Truthfully - I wanted to be resting up right now before dinner but I know that if I don't write this update my experiences will soon be forgotten and the memories that are forming will be lost. I very much need time to process. . .and writing this blog helps me do that. So here I am to give you a quick update.
The drive down to Santa Monica was very smooth UNTIL I tried to find the street my apartment is on - I got totally confused and it was frustrating. It's going to take me a while to get used to driving around here. Good thing I brought my bike! After making it to the apartment some of the other staff were there to help me unload which was awesome. I am living in a one bedroom apartment with another single staff girl. We are in the complex with all of the other married couples. . .the other single staff are in another apartment in a different part of town but Becky, my roommate, needed someone to live with and asked me. It's a great little place and we can see the ocean from the front door of the complex. It's a brick building which I also like because it makes me feel like I'm in Holland. What I don't like are the loud chirping birds that woke me up at 5:30 this morning. So many new things to get used to!
We are a staff team of 24. . .plus a total of 4 kids. Yesterday we spent time learning about the history of the summer project (this is year 5 and the biggest it's ever been with 74 students), getting to know each other, and figuring out our schedule for the next couple of days. The students arrive on Thursday we we are spending these days in orientation and preparation for their arrival.
I went for a walk and had some time with the Lord on the beach this morning. Definitely my first taste of the fact that I am in a very different place. There were homeless people everywhere as well as many others jogging, roller blading, and biking - at 8 in the morning. Welcome to city life!
This morning's staff meeting was great. We were led in a devotion by one of the staff guys. He really took us back to the Gospel as we camped out in Galatians 2:20-21 for a bit. We then broke off into groups and spent some time swapping prayer requests and praying for each other. My main prayer requests comes out of the fact that I am completely out of my element here, especially in terms of evangelism and how to reach such a diverse population of people. Anyways, after prayer the project director, DJ, led us in a study of the Gospel and the need to contextualize it for those we communicate with. I am already learning so much.
Well, this was put into practice after lunch as we paired up and went sharing. The staff woman that I went with and I had three very different, and equally challenging, conversations. I am really being stretched here and I can already see how the Lord is going to grow my heart a lot for His people and for communicating truth graciously in the coming weeks. What a sweet stepping stone to Berkeley! I'm certainly in over my head but am for comforted to remember that the Lord is with me and will never leave for forsake me. Well, hopefully I'll start taking pictures soon and then begin posting them for you to see. Okay, I have a little bit of time before heading to the church (Trinity Baptist is the church in town where we have all of our meetings and dinners this summer) for dinner and another staff meeting. I'll try to keep you posted on life here regularly, thanks for praying!
The drive down to Santa Monica was very smooth UNTIL I tried to find the street my apartment is on - I got totally confused and it was frustrating. It's going to take me a while to get used to driving around here. Good thing I brought my bike! After making it to the apartment some of the other staff were there to help me unload which was awesome. I am living in a one bedroom apartment with another single staff girl. We are in the complex with all of the other married couples. . .the other single staff are in another apartment in a different part of town but Becky, my roommate, needed someone to live with and asked me. It's a great little place and we can see the ocean from the front door of the complex. It's a brick building which I also like because it makes me feel like I'm in Holland. What I don't like are the loud chirping birds that woke me up at 5:30 this morning. So many new things to get used to!
We are a staff team of 24. . .plus a total of 4 kids. Yesterday we spent time learning about the history of the summer project (this is year 5 and the biggest it's ever been with 74 students), getting to know each other, and figuring out our schedule for the next couple of days. The students arrive on Thursday we we are spending these days in orientation and preparation for their arrival.
I went for a walk and had some time with the Lord on the beach this morning. Definitely my first taste of the fact that I am in a very different place. There were homeless people everywhere as well as many others jogging, roller blading, and biking - at 8 in the morning. Welcome to city life!
This morning's staff meeting was great. We were led in a devotion by one of the staff guys. He really took us back to the Gospel as we camped out in Galatians 2:20-21 for a bit. We then broke off into groups and spent some time swapping prayer requests and praying for each other. My main prayer requests comes out of the fact that I am completely out of my element here, especially in terms of evangelism and how to reach such a diverse population of people. Anyways, after prayer the project director, DJ, led us in a study of the Gospel and the need to contextualize it for those we communicate with. I am already learning so much.
Well, this was put into practice after lunch as we paired up and went sharing. The staff woman that I went with and I had three very different, and equally challenging, conversations. I am really being stretched here and I can already see how the Lord is going to grow my heart a lot for His people and for communicating truth graciously in the coming weeks. What a sweet stepping stone to Berkeley! I'm certainly in over my head but am for comforted to remember that the Lord is with me and will never leave for forsake me. Well, hopefully I'll start taking pictures soon and then begin posting them for you to see. Okay, I have a little bit of time before heading to the church (Trinity Baptist is the church in town where we have all of our meetings and dinners this summer) for dinner and another staff meeting. I'll try to keep you posted on life here regularly, thanks for praying!
Friday, June 6, 2008
My last day in SLO...
Well, Friday has arrived - my last full day in SLO! Woke up early to my mom making tea in the kitchen before making the drive back to Oakdale with a car LOADED with stuff (yay for a smart brother who's good at filling every single available space in the car!). We had such a good and productive day yesterday: cleaning, coffee break at Ceslie's, packing, laundry, Balis-ing :), ironing, loading - lots of work but we weren't rushed and it all got done! We ended the evening with a tasty burger at the best burger place in the area, Sylvester's in Los Osos. What an HUGE blessing to have my mom come all this way and work so hard to move me out of this place and on to the next stage in life.
After my mom drove off, I spent some time reading snippets of Nehemiah. . .He so delighted to fear God's name and as a result prayed big prayers (1:11) and rejoicingly gave God all the credit when He answered them (2:8b). They prayed that God would strengthen their hands in order to rebuild the temple (2:18) and even though opposition to their work for the Lord came time and time again they prevailed because of a right understanding of who God is, "Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes"(4:14). Nehemiah kept an eternal perspective and fought the good fight out of a reverent fear for the Lord and a desire to bring God's goodness to those who come after him. That is my prayer for our day, our summers, and for anything that stands before us - would we have a right and growing understanding of the character of God, would we be prayerful people who's hands are strengthened with His might, and would we fight the battle before us in order that the glory of God would be displayed in our lives!
Now lots and lots of errands to run, one last swim in the Cal Poly pool, some friends to see, and a good night's sleep before making the drive down to Santa Monica tomorrow!
After my mom drove off, I spent some time reading snippets of Nehemiah. . .He so delighted to fear God's name and as a result prayed big prayers (1:11) and rejoicingly gave God all the credit when He answered them (2:8b). They prayed that God would strengthen their hands in order to rebuild the temple (2:18) and even though opposition to their work for the Lord came time and time again they prevailed because of a right understanding of who God is, "Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes"(4:14). Nehemiah kept an eternal perspective and fought the good fight out of a reverent fear for the Lord and a desire to bring God's goodness to those who come after him. That is my prayer for our day, our summers, and for anything that stands before us - would we have a right and growing understanding of the character of God, would we be prayerful people who's hands are strengthened with His might, and would we fight the battle before us in order that the glory of God would be displayed in our lives!
Now lots and lots of errands to run, one last swim in the Cal Poly pool, some friends to see, and a good night's sleep before making the drive down to Santa Monica tomorrow!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Oh Wow
SO, here we go. . .it's my last week in SLO. Today flew by:
- good time in the Word this morning. . .I'm focusing on the armor of God (Eph 6) as well as doing an in-depth study of John (it's slow going, Ch. 5, but I'm loving it)
- lots and lots of support raising phone calls; I am trying to touch base with my supporters before I leave for Santa Monica (if you're reading this and want to partner with me for the coming year check out give.ccci.org) as well as seek out potential new supporters (the cost of living is higher in Berkeley. . .crazy city life!)
- lunch and a sweet time of prayer with a good friend. . .trying to wrap up with friendships here, although I trust that this friendship will continue!
- small things like going to the bike shop to pump some air in my tires (bringing the bike to Santa Monica, so excited about that!) as well as changing my address through the post office (where else do I need to put in an address change for those reading who might have recently moved?)
- my last discipleship time with Jenn, the staff woman that has been meeting with me for 3 years, it was a very bitter-sweet time together. She has played a HUGE role in my life and partially through her prayers and godly guidance Berkeley became a reality. It's really hard to leave her and her great family - but I'm so thankful we get to be a part of the body of Christ for an eternity!
- ate some yummy Italian leftovers for dinner and then continued making phone calls and prepping mail for tomorrow
-wrote down directions for how to get to Santa Monica on Saturday. . .so soon!
- attempted a little research on churches in the Berkeley area. . .anyone know of a good one? A Bible-teaching, Gospel-preaching, God glorifying, non-compromising church (and having a post-college ministry would be a plus!) is what I'm praying for!
- had a little "soy cream" while googling the nearest Trader Joe's to where I'll be living. . .there's one 11 minutes away (something like Emmery Bay I think), although with all the traffic I've heard about I'm sure it'll take longer - I'll have to learn how to stock up only every so once in a while!
- and now off to go through one of my desk drawers to prep it for packing (my mom comes to help on Wednesday - yay!) before I head to bed.
And that's how I spent my last Monday in SLO!
side note - sooner or later I'd love to give my blog a fresh new look (notice the CAL colors used in this post :)) does anyone know how to make this blog look cool? :)
- good time in the Word this morning. . .I'm focusing on the armor of God (Eph 6) as well as doing an in-depth study of John (it's slow going, Ch. 5, but I'm loving it)
- lots and lots of support raising phone calls; I am trying to touch base with my supporters before I leave for Santa Monica (if you're reading this and want to partner with me for the coming year check out give.ccci.org) as well as seek out potential new supporters (the cost of living is higher in Berkeley. . .crazy city life!)
- lunch and a sweet time of prayer with a good friend. . .trying to wrap up with friendships here, although I trust that this friendship will continue!
- small things like going to the bike shop to pump some air in my tires (bringing the bike to Santa Monica, so excited about that!) as well as changing my address through the post office (where else do I need to put in an address change for those reading who might have recently moved?)
- my last discipleship time with Jenn, the staff woman that has been meeting with me for 3 years, it was a very bitter-sweet time together. She has played a HUGE role in my life and partially through her prayers and godly guidance Berkeley became a reality. It's really hard to leave her and her great family - but I'm so thankful we get to be a part of the body of Christ for an eternity!
- ate some yummy Italian leftovers for dinner and then continued making phone calls and prepping mail for tomorrow
-wrote down directions for how to get to Santa Monica on Saturday. . .so soon!
- attempted a little research on churches in the Berkeley area. . .anyone know of a good one? A Bible-teaching, Gospel-preaching, God glorifying, non-compromising church (and having a post-college ministry would be a plus!) is what I'm praying for!
- had a little "soy cream" while googling the nearest Trader Joe's to where I'll be living. . .there's one 11 minutes away (something like Emmery Bay I think), although with all the traffic I've heard about I'm sure it'll take longer - I'll have to learn how to stock up only every so once in a while!
- and now off to go through one of my desk drawers to prep it for packing (my mom comes to help on Wednesday - yay!) before I head to bed.
And that's how I spent my last Monday in SLO!
side note - sooner or later I'd love to give my blog a fresh new look (notice the CAL colors used in this post :)) does anyone know how to make this blog look cool? :)
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