and the vote goes to.....

Tonight I exercised my right and privilege to vote as an American citizen in the good ol' U.S of A. Although it wasn't the presidential election, it was almost as important. It was my first time voting in a reality show, and since I'm such a big fan of Dancing with the Stars, I know I needed to show my commitment by voting for my favorites. It was a great experience, and I think I will become a dedicated voter to the show now. Oh, and they just came out with a Dancing with the Stars: Cardio Latin Dance workout tape. Mom, I would like this for Christmas.

In other news, I had an incredible day at the beach with my new friend Colleen. Although we had some trouble finding our way (it took us 2 hours for 35 miles....Mapquest is not good, I really need a GPS), we had a blast asking people for directions while rolling down our windows at stoplights. Californian's are extremely friendly when asking for directions, and everyone we motioned to rolled down their window to talk to us. It was also one of they ten days in the year it rains in SoCal, the one day we picked to go to the beach. We got just a little wet, but it was fun to see Cali has more weather than just sun. We went to Corona del Mar in Newport Beach, and explored tide pools, climbed rocks, watched cliff divers, and enjoyed the sand. I was so happy I wore my Chacos, they were perfect for exploring. Then we went to Balboa Island, ate at a great place (I had an amazing Avocado Burger!), walked around the whole island looking at the huge & unique houses, then enjoyed a World's Best Frozen Banana. I always get excited when I see something that says "World's Best", because I think of the movie Elf, and just want to yell at them "CONGRATULATIONS!" Anyway, it was delicious, and a fun place to explore. Because we didn't want to hit bad traffic, we decided to also go to Laguna Beach, and it was beautiful. It was a great day, so good to share with a new friend!

Corona del Mar beach in Newport Beach, you can see the rain!

Colleen exploring

World's Best?

Yeah, we think so!

Laguna Beach

living without fear

So many times I let my fear get the best of me. Today, I decided to not let this happen. Lena & I have been going to church together, and this weekend Lena was out of town. So that meant I could choose to go to church alone, or go with Erin. I wanted to hear the message at Mosaic, so I decided to venture out alone. I don't know why, but I've always hated going to church alone. I'm a pretty independent person, and have no problems going anywhere else by myself, but church has always scared me, especially when going to a fairly new church. Maybe because of past experiences in going alone, people thinking I'm a seeker and trying to convert me, insincere people, going to some crazy churches, and just having strange conversations. I'm a lot more confident in myself now, but still prayed all the way to church that I would be open and that I would not just walk in and find a seat. God definitely blessed me.

As I walked into church, Sarah from a small group I've been going to, almost tackled me with a huge hug, saying how much she missed me on Friday night, and how she's so thankful for me. It was such a blessing to get a warm welcome. As I was talking to Sarah in the entry, another girl, Colleen, came to talk to us. She just moved from Chicago the same time I moved here, and we became almost instant friends. So I didn't have to sit alone, but in the company of two amazing women. After church, I stayed a long time talking and meeting people, then went out to lunch with a group. It was so great to be in community, each person I have met has been such a "God-thing".

The service was on Fear today, and really hit home for me. The speaker talked about Peter, as he was walking on the water. He had the courage to step out into the unknown, then noticed the "wind", and let his fears get to him. The wind was his "what-if's", and they come when we are most stretched. Jesus knew that if Peter never stepped out into the deepest of fears, he would never know the dynamic life that could be imagined for him. When you live in all the "what-if's", you will drown in the ocean of all fears, never grabbing on to your potential future. Another thing the speaker said was that our fears dance with our insecurities. But we can chose to live in perfect love with Christ, and as it says in 1 John 4: 16-18, perfect love drives out all fear. With the perfect love that God provides, and Godly fear, that's when we can truly live the life God has for us. This sermon was good for me to hear, because of my fears that are eating at my insecurities. The fear of not finding a job fast enough, or fear of what I will do, they work on my insecurities of "what if I'm not good enough, talented enough, strong enough, etc.". They are irrational thoughts.

Through my counseling methods class at APU, I've been finding out the theory I like best, and using it on myself. Its the Rational Emotive Behavioral Theory (REBT) by Albert Ellis. This basically says that we control our ideas, attitudes, feelings, and actions, have little control over what happens or what exists, but we do have choices and control over how we view and react to difficulties. So we are responsible for our feelings about ourselves, others, and the environment. If I interpret an event with irrationality, I will internalize the feelings, and it will result in anxiety, guilt, and depression. The way we react to situations is based on our belief about the situation, not the situation itself. So if someone cut in front of me in line, and I got instantly mad, I would have to look at my belief system about the situation. In looking at my belief system, I could then realize the reason I got mad was because I feel like its disrespectful to me. Anyway, in the case with me having no job, and feeling upset, I realize its all about feeling like I'm not good enough. So, I've gotten to use my counseling skills on myself to realize its an irrational thought, and an irrational insecurity, and I need to change my negative belief system about the events in my life. :)

I've been learning a lot, challenging myself, and growing through this, and am thankful to God for the people and situations he's brought into my life. I am challenging myself to not live in irrational fear, but fear in my Heavenly Father in perfect love, and to grab on to the life He has for me. I can only be excited for what the future will bring!

could it get any better than chinese take-out & santa monica pier?

Yesterday was a great day. It was relaxing, as I did some homework, watched 3 episodes of Psych (love Shawn & Gus), read Soul Cravings, talked to family on the phone, mailed some people... it was just a wonderful & relaxing day. Erin & I took Lena to the airport, gave her a wonderful goodbye for the weekend (yes, we made a show by hugging then yelling out the window...), and decided to have an adventure.

We picked up Chinese take-out and headed to Santa Monica Pier. We found amazing parking, walked to the beach, and found a bench on the pier. Prime people watching, fantastic food, the smell of the sea and sound of the waves made a perfect night! On the pier we were able to watch fishermen catch lobster & sting rays and watch people try the trapeze, then we headed over to the promenade, to watch street musicians. It was a fun & random night!

Santa Monica Pier

New York Trapeze School

Santa Monica Pier

Erin doesn't like sea food....but I do!

Eating our take-out on the pier!

feeling fall....

It's been feeling a little more like fall here, with temperatures only in the 80's and its getting cooler at nights. We've been feeling it a little more here at Brownfield Lane, with Erin's subscriptions to Better Homes & Gardens, and their yummy fall recipes. Last weekend we made a Cranberry Chocolate Walnut pie....this weekend it was my chili and apple dumplings. Can't wait for the other recipes I found, pumpkin soup and pumpkin pancakes.... :)

Yesterday was a fun and eventful day. Lena & I went to Mosaic Inland, then I did some sightseeing with Erin and her friends that came from northern CA. We went to lunch on Olvera street, saw the Hollywood sign close up, drove down Rodeo Drive and Hollywood Blvd. It was fun feeling like a tourist in the city I now live in. After all this, Lena and I went to the Mosaic service at the Mayan (nightclub) in downtown LA. It was a lot of fun, and reminded me of Club 3 Degrees.

Mosaic is now doing a series on Falling Forward. In the morning the service was about failure, especially failure in relationships. The pastor gave the example of Jesus, when Judas betrays him, he never tried to fix Judas. Even though Jesus knew it was Judas betraying him, he didn't sit Judas down and talk to him about it, or try to reason or help him. So many times in our relationships, we feel like we have to "fix" everyone and every situation, but really, we have no control over another person. In our relationships, we only have control over what we do and how we act, and if its pleasing to God or not. Jesus invested everything he had into his disciples, and on his last our of need, when he asked them to pray so they would not fall into temptation, they fell asleep. And when Jesus was arrested, his disciples ran away, and disowned him. So many times we get disappointed in relationships, people fail us, we fail others, and we fail God by our sin and disowning Him. Even with our failure, God is there with us, loving us.

The evening service was on fatigue, and it was really good. I learned that fatigue isn't about not having enough sleep or being too busy. Fatigue is from disappointment and discouragement. Fatigue comes when you start to get discouraged and don't lean on God and on community. So many times I've felt just exhausted, at the times in my life when I'm disappointed in myself and discouraged. I'm praying in my pursuit for a job, I don't become fatigued, but completely lean on God and cast all my cares and worries on Him. So...I had three great sermons this weekend (my minister from home e-mailed me his), and they were all things I needed to hear. I'm learning and growing....and trying to fall forward to God :)

Here are some pictures from yesterday!

Erin's new guy :)

My first Churro experience! Mmmmm...Olvera Street is good!

Up close & personal to the Hollywood sign!

Some pictures from the roadtrip to California....

blessed...

I got a card from my mom this week, and it came at a perfect time, when I was missing the Midwest a little. Not that I don't love it here in Cali, its just lacking some of my favorite people :)

Its so great to have a mom that knows me so well, and knows what I need to hear. Here's what the card said:

Always remember, when God made you He did so with a purpose and a plan. He saw all your days before you lived one of them and placed over you the covering of His protective love. He has allowed nothing to come into your life that has not first been screened through that love. His hand has remained upon you to this very day. He calls you by name. You are His beloved child....the apple of His eye....the delight of His heart. Today you are in the exact place He wants you to be, and tomorrow He will be with you as He has always been - in goodness, in kindness, in faithfulness.

I have been so blessed being here in California, with incredible roommates and their friends (some of who I haven't even met!). They are uplifting and I can feel God's hand in my being here. I have been blessed to have met people from Mosaic. Just being here three weeks, I'm amazed at how God has worked. I know I am God's beloved child, the apple of His eye, and the delight of His heart, and he knows me, searches me, and chisels away the areas in my life that are not pleasing to Him. I just feel blessed, even in my uncertainties and missing the people I love most. God is faithful and is with me. And His love pours over me.

Anyway, here are some things I miss from the Midwest:

My backyard in Wisconsin....the river, the trees, the birds, the clean air...

Friends.....

Family....

My kids...Haily, Emma, Henry & Sarah

I even miss this little guy Henry so much, I've been shopping here:Silly, I know, but it makes me think of him!

Even though I miss these things, I know I'm supposed to be where I am, and they will be waiting for me at Christmas! I feel blessed to have such wonderful people in my life!

I heart fairs...and 5th graders

Today I was a chaperon for Ms. McGee's 5th grade trip to the L.A. County Fair. What an EXCITING day! We saw the animals....played in "snow" (what a joke for a midwest girl!)....got free stuff...ate a good lunch.....looked at souvenirs, and so much more!

I really just love 5th graders, its such a great age. I remember when I was in 5th grade, and I loved my teacher Mrs. Gasior. It was in 5th grade my mom had cancer, and it was such a transitional year for me. The kids I have always volunteered with have been in 5th grade...and I just love it.

Anyways, here are some things I've heard...

"Ms. Sheena, congratulations on pursuing your Masters"

"Ms. Sheena, are you and Ms. McGee sisters? You totally look alike"

"I saw things here [at the fair] that nobody should see" - in reference to watching a cow give birth

and....one girl was singing "Can't touch this"....haha!

It was a great day, and I felt blessed to hang out with these awesome pre-teens :)

55 things about me....

I liked Jaci & Mariko's "Facts" so much...I decided to add my own random things about myself. And yes, it is to procrastinate from homework :)

1. I love movies in parks. It was one of my favorite Twin Cities summer time things.

2. I love everything about photography. Digital, film, darkrooms, printing, framing. I'd pursue this as a career if I wasn't afraid of failure.

3. Fall really excites me. I love Thanksgiving, and the smells and food that go along with it. Hunting season was one of my favorite times as a child.

4. Kristi Yamaguchi was one of my heros as a child. I used to pretend I was her in my basement with my roller skates, making up routines to Mariah Carey.

5. Celine Dion's These Are the Special Times is still my favorite Christmas CD. Second is Mariah Carey Merry Christmas.

6. I've been in 23 countries. And I'm currently 23. I want to keep this up.

7. I love the colors red, yellow and green. Especially when they are together.

8. I believe raspberries, chocolate chips, coconut, and ice cream were made for eachother.

9. I really love earrings, scarfs, and all accessories in general. I love finding one-of-a-kind pieces.

10. I absolutly hate ants. They always ruin perfect picnics.

11. I have many shoes, although I'd always prefer going barefoot.

12. Elf and Dwight on the Office always make me laugh. I love my Dwight bobblehead.

13. I love anything vintage. Old things are treasures to me.

14. I love the style of the 30's-50's. Sometimes I think I was meant to be in that era.

15. I love to cook and bake. And I rarely follow the recipe, I'd rather add my own spice.

16. The first occupation I wanted to have is a missionary. I told this to my mom when I was 3, because I liked the missionary's outfits when they came to church. I'd still like to be a missionary.

17. One of my dreams is to skydive over the Swiss Alps. But skydiving over Colorado would do.

18. Homemade salsa and guacamole are to die for.

19. I love the feeling in my stomach when I ride on rollercoasters.

20. Someday I want to get all dressed up and go to a ball, and dance.

21. I'm accident prone. Surprisingly I've never broken a bone.

22. I'm passionate about justice. And love. And peace. And Jesus. And believe they all go hand in hand.

23. Dove dark chocolate is my favorite. Great taste, and the messages are fun. I love quotes.

24. I know self-defense. It was one of my favorite classes.

25. I like doing the dishes while listening to Madeline Peryoux.

26. I always wanted a brother or sister, but have been blessed to have many cousins and friends that fill that want.

27. I have all 4 grandparents, and am incredibly blessed to know them and be close to them.

28. My favorite part of summer was always Christian Harbor Youth Camp.

29. Giving back the rented moped in Greece was hard to do.

30. I fell in love in Amsterdam and with Amsterdam.

31. Children's books make me happy.

32. I've seen the incredible power and majesty of God and tremble at the thought.

33. My favorite sound is the sound of children laughing.

34. I have to take a shower and wash my hair every morning otherwise I feel gross all day long.

35. Pandora.com is great.

36. I'm from a town of 256, and I love it. It's home.

37. I'm not a picky eater, usually anything makes me happy.

38. Being at an airport is so exciting to me, its the best people watching ever.

39. I want to make a difference in the lives of youth.

40. My Rand McNally map was a prized posession of mine in 2nd grade.

41. Kids convinced me I was adopted as a child. I believed them for awhile.

42. I always start journals and don't finish them. I'd like to get better at this.

43. I get excited about my future.

44. I wish I could dance better. I love dancing movies and TV shows.

45. I like to take tests. Filling in blank spots with answers I know excites me. So do good impromtu essays.

46. I love learning new cities and cultures.

47. Watching people hurt hurts me so badly. It makes me wonder how God feels.

48. I love the feeling of fourwheeling.

49. I am seriously addicted to coffee. Although, now I only need 1 cup instead of 3 per morning. There is nothing like the smell of coffee beans and a fresh pot.

50. I love making cards and sending them to people.

51. I can type an average of 88 words per minute. My last clerical test was last year, and I got a high of 102 words per minute. I used to be obsessed with typing, and as I would talk, sometimes I would move my fingers like I was typing out the words. Court reporting would be a good profession for me.

52. I still use my fingers to count sometimes. I didnt' get the smart-math-enginerring genes like the rest of my family.

53. I like my freckles.

54. I absolutly love hanging out with my parents. I've always been happy they are mine.

55. Above all, I know I'm a child of God, and want my life to be honoring to Him.

California dreaming....

Today I decided to go to the beach to do some "studying". It was awesome. I woke up, put on shorts and a hat, made my coffee and packed a lunch and headed out. With Jack Johnson blaring on my radio, I ventured to Huntington Beach.

I am just in amazement to be living SO close to the ocean. Only 35 miles and I'm there with the crashing waves, sea gulls, and terrific people watching (I just love watching people surf....maybe one day I'll give it a try!). My feet were so happy in the sand, getting a natural pedicure, and my skin was happy getting sun kissed (although now I do have nice raccoon eyes because of my sunglasses...). It was so nice just sitting and watching people, journaling, reading, and taking a nice walk on the beach. I could get used to having no job.... :)

Watching people ride their vintage single speed cruiser bikes made me so jealous, I've wanted one for years. The one I want looks like this, except I want a basket in front. I can see myself riding it, on the boardwalks, with a sundress, lunch in my basket.....mmm...California dreaming.

"foot-watching"

Today was a "cool" day in the Inland Empire, with a high of just 82 degrees (it was also cloudy for a few hours today, and then.....sun.....again!). I decided to take advantage of this cool weather, get away from my computer screen, and burn some endorphins by taking a nice walk.

While I was walking in this nice park-like area, I saw a huge pile of dog poo. And though right away, "thank goodness I was looking down!". Well, this made me think, and I've come to the conclusion that I am a foot-watcher. Instead of looking around and at the sky and trees and the beauty around me, I often just watch my feet. In the back of my mind, I'm hearing "watch where you're going Sheena, careful of your steps, watch out", and I've always just watched my feet. This has probably prevented me from quite a few accidents, since I can never walk quite straight, and I am a naturally clumsy person (i.e. Mexican fast food on gray/white skirt story).

I don't know when this foot-watching started. As a child, I never wore shoes, had cuts all over, and never thought twice about running on rocks barefoot. I remember some trouble I got myself into as a 9 year old, while taking a walk with my mom I got stuck in the mud, because I wasn't watching where I was going. I got stuck, and my mom left me to get myself out of the mess I got into. I finally did get myself out, after figuring out that frantically moving my legs and feet got me deeper in the mud, and I had to be more calm.

Anyways, this foot-watching syndrome applies to more of my life than just my walking habits. I try to be adventurous and step out, but in the back of my mind is still "watch where you're going Sheena, don't fail, don't walk in any poo". Do I really get a lot out of experiences if I'm continually watching just my feet? I am too cautious, and don't really live with all that I have to give. My fear prevents me from being used like I should.

I am determined now, with this new adventure in my life, to not be a foot-watcher any longer. I want to get all I can out of this new experience, to get all that I can out of what God is teaching me here. In the back of my head now are the voices of my former dance teachers, yelling at me to NOT watch my feet, that they are still there even if I'm not looking at them. Telling me to dance with my head held high, with a smile on my face, and light in my eyes. So I will walk (or dance), and soak it in, trusting that my feet will carry me. And who really cares about stepping in poo or stubbing a toe once in awhile if it means I can enjoy all there is to offer.

Psalm 121:2-3 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber.

the endless job search.....

I hate searching for jobs. It drains me. Its such a long process, and I always forget that when I get upset with myself for not instantly having one. I mean, I've only been here a little over a week. I hate finding a job that sounds so perfect, and realizing I don't have the qualifications. Or finding a job that sounds nice, but the hours won't work with my class schedule. Or finding a job, but I just need to take this test, and get those papers, and letters of recommendation, etc. Its such a process looking up jobs on Craigslist or edjoin, changing my resume and cover letter, trying to convince places that I'm worthy of hiring. Its a full-time job just looking for a job. I always have the fear I won't find something fast enough, or that pays enough, or that's the right fit.

I've made myself do some reading and devotionals, that don't have anything to do with homework or the job search. Otherwise I would spend all day and night online doing the job search, or doing homework, and freaking out. In this time of "making myself" read, I've picked up Abba's Child by Brennan Manning. I read it once my freshman year of college in Personal Growth and Helping Others, but just kind of skimmed through. Now, picking it up again, I realize what an amazing book it is. I've only read a few pages, and already I'm blogging about it (who would have thought!). Something that hit me is this:

"One night a friend asked his handicapped son, 'Daniel, when you see Jesus looking at you, what do you see in His eyes?' After a pause, the boy replied, 'His eyes are filled with tears, Dad'. 'Why Dan?' An even longer pause. 'Because He is sad.' 'And why is He sad?' Daniel stared at the floor. When at last he looked up, his eyes glistened with tears. 'Because I am afraid'.

Manning says this "The sorrow of God lies in our fear of Him, our fear of life, and our fear of ourselves. He anguishes over our self-absorption and self-sufficiency. Today the heart of God is an open wound of love. He aches over our distance and preoccupation. He mourns that we do not draw near to Him. He grieves that we have forgotten him. He weeps over our obsession with muchness and manyness. He longs for our presence."

Wow. In my attempts to live my life, sometimes I forget that God desperately wants me to draw near to Him. Instead of keeping myself busy and worrying and being fearful, He WANTS me to lean on Him. Instead of being self-absorbed, He wants me to remember WHO is King of my life. When I was in South Africa, we prayed everyday, for hours, not because we just remembered to do it, not because it was the right thing to do, but because our LIVES depended on it. Why don't I live my life like that in the United States also? My LIFE is to serve the Lord, to live out the gospel, to love. Everything else compared to that is meaningless. In this time of uncertainty with a job, I need to rely on the Great Sustainer and Author.

So...what am I praying for in a job? I don't want to settle. I want to be used. I don't want it to be a waste. I want to serve, and feel like I make a difference. I want to be challenged and grow, but don't want to be too overwhelmed and busy. Too much to ask? With every experience I've had with jobs, I've been so blessed and have learned so much. God hasn't let me down yet, and I'm running to Him and being embraced by His presence.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, wiht thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcents all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:5-6

Weekend Recap...

My first full weekend here in California was pretty eventful!

Friday night I was able to go out to eat with some people from Mosaic Inland and my roommates. It was a great night of fellowship and excellent pizza! I felt extremely blessed to have this community within my first week in California. And, my roommate Lena and I ended the night with an episode of Psych, my first time watching the show....so funny!

Saturday night my roommates and I went to In-n-Out Burger, it was a must-have experience. Overall, burger and malt shake was excellent....much better than McD's, but not as good as Culvers! We followed this by going to the House of Blues in Anaheim, for the Lucy Wainwright Rouche and Amos Lee concert. Concert = excellent. Guy standing next to us shouting every couple seconds "wooohoooo, bring it Amos" = not so excellent. This Amos fan told my roommate Erin no one can listen to Amos without a glass of whiskey. It made for an interesting night!

Sunday I went to Mosaic, and really enjoyed it. The congregation seemed very real and sincere, which is something very important to me when looking for a new church body. I couldn't have left there without being stopped for conversation, which is great. And I really like the vision of Mosaic. After church we went to eat with some people, some that I met on Friday, and some new faces. We went to Que Pasa, a Mexican fast-food place. Heres where a "this-would-happen-to-Sheena" moment happened. I got my tray of fresh fast-food Mexican, a tray full of Quesidillas, salsa, guac, black beans and rice, and decided I needed water. So I leaned my tray against the counter to get water. Well, the counter wasn't wide enough for the tray. The next second I had black beans and rice all over my shoes and feet, and a beautiful array of colors on my grey and white skirt. Great first impression! I tried to clean up, but the worker was so gracious and cleaned it up, and brought new food to me after I had gone to the bathroom to wipe the beans and rice off my feet, and wash my skirt as best as possible. I've had enough of these experiences to not be embarrassed too badly, and it will make for a good memory! And, with Shout Gel being one of my best friends, my skirt has no more stains.

Conversations were great though at this after-church-lunch. It was great to meet people, hear stories, and share mine. After lunch, my roommate Lena and I went to Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, to conclude our eventful weekend. Yes, cheesy, but a wonderful feel-good movie (and plus, I've read all 4 books, so I had to watch the movie!)

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus". 1Thessalonians 5:16-18

new city....new adventure....new blog!

I've always hesitated to start a blog, basically because I don't like talking about myself, and there's always the fear that I'll start something and never finish, not know what to say, say the wrong thing, etc. But, I'm in a new city and new adventure now, and would like a way to keep my family and friends updated. So...here it goes!

I'll start this blog by sharing a little of how I came to L.A. My journey to California has been quick, although its been on my mind for over 3 years. While in Lithuania, I started looking up grad programs, and Azusa Pacific University just stuck with me. I couldn't find a program I liked as much as the one here, and couldn't get it out of my mind. So...I started the application in April 2007, and then put it off. Then started it again in February 2008, then put it off. Then I went to South Africa, and when I got back, I had no idea what to do or where to go next. "The Plan" was to start APU in Fall 2008, but I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. And not sure what God wanted of me. So after the summer spent in misery not knowing God's will, and only knowing that where I was at that time was where I was supposed to be, I finally felt a peace about going to APU.

I quickly finished my application, but part of that included getting my fingerprints for a Certificate of Clearance. I talked to the admissions counselor on a Wednesday, and found out I could only do this in the state of California, and had to get it done by Friday for the application to be in by the due date. So on a Wednesday afternoon, I searched for flights, found one for a Friday morning, but there wasn't enough seats for my parents (which I talked in to coming). My mom suggested leaving the next day, and there were just 3 seats left on that flight, so we purchased it quick, and left the next morning! That day, I found out the place to get the fingerprints done was closed on Fridays for the summer, so our arrival on Thursday was perfect. While in the airport security line, I saw my friend Sarah Sandberg's parents, they were going to visit her and her husband, Ryan, in L.A. So, I got to see them when they picked their parents up at the airport, because we were on the same flight! We had no problems with our luggage, rental car, and finding our way around. And we were able to spend a few days with Great Aunt May, who lives only 6 miles from APU. The whole trip was a "God thing", especially when I found a place to live. Before getting to L.A., I printed off a list from the APU website for people seeking roommates. I looked it over, and nothing just looked right. My parents and I were praying for affordable housing, and I finally looked at the website again. A new one had been posted, looking for a "fun Christian girl", and I thought, well, I think I fit that category! So I responded, and Erin and I e-mailed back and forth. I also responded to another one, to a girl named Sally. We went to Sally's place, and a 60ish year old woman answered the door. It was the strangest place, she creeped us all out, it was dark and dirty, stairs broke, smelled, and a 60-year old woman staring at us the whole time. We left there quick, and were releaved when we got to Erin's home, it fit me perfectly. Erin had been praying for someone, and so I had I, and I responded right after she posted. Thank God!

Many things needed to be set before coming to California. I found out by the admissions counselor that the week I got my fingerprints done for the application, Arnold laid off some people, including those who were processing my fingerprints. He said it wasn't likely they would get there in time, so I would probably have to start school in November. Well, on the last day, they got processed. But I still needed to be accepted to the program. On a Friday afternoon I found out I was accepted, quickly packed, played piano for my friends wedding on Saturday, and left for California on Sunday after church! What a whirlwind, getting everything packed and ready to go! But once we were on the road, with my parents and 90-year-old grandparents, we were ready for an adventerous road trip. We were able to stop in Fort Collins, Colorado to see my cousin Danine and her husband Walter, stop in Colorado Springs to see some other relatives, see the Royal Gorge, drive wolf-creek pass, see the Grand Canyon, and finall get to Pomona, California where we moved me in! It was an amazing adventure, and I felt blessed to be able to spend that quality time with my parents and grandparents!

Its been an adjustment being here, but I've felt held by God through it all, knowing that I'm supposed to be where I am. I do miss my family and friends back home, but I've been blessed to spend some time with people I haven't seen in a long time, including Sarah & Ryan Sandberg, Andrea Wallace, and Aunt May. And I have been so blessed to be living where I am, instant friends and community with my roommates Lena and Erin. And I've gone to a small-group and church already, and have found some community at Mosaic. And my classes have been interesting, and I've had some good conversations with my classmates and collegues. It sounds like the cliche thing to say, but God certainly is good.

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God." Psalm 143:8-10