My very own California adventure

Landscape near West Campus. The "A" is for the city of Azusa.

Azusa is a special place in that instantly I felt comforted and hopeful that I could call this area home for awhile. In some ways it reminds me a lot of the Tri-Cities. In other ways it differs greatly. I'm not sure that I can pinpoint exactly what makes me feel at ease here beyond that it just feels familiar to me and that God has been so intentional to start the process of weaving community together for me.

First day surprises :)

When I first arrived my time was mostly devoted to deep cleaning and organizing my belongings in the condo. There was a bit more work to be done than I had anticipated, but that's all taken care of now and I am very happy to with where I've ended up. I live near campus with three wonderful roommates (Laurelyn, Yazmin, and Saemi).

About two weeks ago I started my assistantship at the Center for Academic Service Learning & Research (CASLR). I was greeted on my first day with a welcome sign and gift (and my own name plaque!). The first few days were focused on just laying a foundation of what APU and CASLR are all about, and getting to know ourselves and our team (i.e. Myers-Briggs, StrengthsQuest, workplace values). There are several full-time, permanent staff in the office, as well as a total of five graduate assistants (GA's). I have really enjoyed the process of getting to know everyone. After the first week the supervisors and GA's went on a hike together for some bonding time.

From Left to Right: me, Adrian, Cindy, Rhea, Anthony, Stacie

Overall I have been extremely reassured about what a positive experience my assistantship will be by the thoroughness and intentionality of the training. The office supervisors want to build us up as competent and effective professionals and team players, but are also interested in knowing our stories and personal goals. Our theme for the year is "Journeying Together."

Last week was more independent for the GA's as we individually explore materials and procedures that have to do with our roles. My role as the Coordinator for Student Professional Development is highly focused around providing mentorship and growth opportunities for the undergraduate interns (a.k.a service learning advocates or SLA's). I am really looking forward to this role.

This week the GA's are participating in and assisting with SLA training. It has been an exciting and exhausting week so far, and with that I think I will bring this entry to a close :)

A snapshot of West campus where I will have most of my classes.

On my way... Almost.

The last month has been devoted to "see you later's" and I must admit I am a bit exhausted and sad from the process (although I am confident that both sentiments will pass). I've been in Oregon this past week reconnecting with some important people and spending many hours in coffee shops. While it has been time well spent it has also led my tired state... I've spent almost every night with a different friend and have been reminded that I'm not particularly fond of the vagabond lifestyle. I have also become increasingly aware of how blessed I am by my community of friends, family, and mentors in the Northwest and find myself missing them already.

That said, this coming Monday I will be leaving for California and am really looking forward to settling into my new home. No regrets here! I am fully confident that this is the Lord's will and have great joy in that. My friend Violet will be accompanying me on my travels down and staying with me for a week to help me get moved into the condo. I am so grateful for her generosity of time and resources as she shares the beginning of a new adventure with me.

I have been asked on several occasions what I am most looking forward to and what I feel most challenged by in the upcoming season of graduate studies and SoCal living. Although I don't always feel I have ready answers for those questions the process of hearing them multiple times has given me the opportunity to reflect on my hopes and concerns.

I am excited to be a student again. To study, read textbooks, and write papers. To intentionally and actively learn how to serve God's people better and develop into a competent professional that reflects His light. I am eager to start my assistantship and begin my journey in serving students as a career, as well as embrace the structure and guidance of a healthy work environment. I look forward to providing my undergraduate interns with support, encouragement, and mentorship, and to affirm their value and help them realize their potential. I am also excited to rest in where God has placed and be open to His teaching and blessing in this new season.

I know that I will also be facing transition with such a significant life change. I've been lovingly warned that I will be experiencing some major cultural differences moving from Eastern Washington to Southern California :) I am not a city girl and definitely prefer landscape to concrete and two lane highways to multi-lane freeways, but I know that God has led me here and trust that I will come to love SoCal too. If not for it's unique beauty and diversity, for what He works in my life during my time there.

Thank you for your love, support, and prayers! I am so blessed to have you as part of my story.

Lion's Heart

This past week I was blessed by the opportunity to reconnect with a precious sister in Christ. We sat out on her family's balcony in the glow of the evening sun and shared the joys and sorrows of the seasons we are journeying through. As I was leaving she spoke words of affirmation over me, saying that I seemed to be doing really well. I was so alive and strong - that I had a Lion's heart. I was so grateful for her words as they helped me to acknowledge the work God has been doing in me during my time back home. Even though the past two years have been a near-constant struggle marked by brokenness and frustration I now see an inner strength and courage emerging from the process. The Lord has made it clear that in the midst of trials that He has given me many sweet blessings and refined me for His glory.