Love Is Something Lived Through: The Simple Things

I guess you really don't know what you've got until it's gone. It is such an over used phrase, but it is so true. For some reason Sabbath's in California remind of that.

California has definitely been an experience so far. I have met a lot of amazing people and am having a great time being a dean, coach, teacher, and everything else! It keeps me really busy most of the time, except the weekend. Now, many of you would think, "That's awesome, you have no studying or anything so you can do what you want." Well you are wrong.

I am a full time dean with one week-end off a month. This means my weekends are spent with the girls in the dorm, which does not give me freedom to go places. Now it may sound like I am complaining, but I am not. I love spending time with my girls and getting to know them. But on Sabbaths, the school doesn't plan anything so there really isn't much to do. These are the days when I miss home the most.

I live for Skype dates and phone calls. If I get none, then I spend my time on facebook, wishing I could be with my friends doing something awesome and not missing out on their lives. I have to constantly remind myself that what I am doing is awesome, because I was called by God to do it. But that doesn't always cure the lonliness.

I like to think I am a pretty positive person. I seem to be able to find something good in everything. But when Sabbath's role around that is really hard. California is a very liberal state (religiously) and I hate that most of the people's idea of Sabbath is sports on Friday night and a trip to the mall on Saturday. Also, like I said before, all I want is a hug. A real hug from someone who isn't just hugging me because I look sad, but because they love me and can tell I needed it without me saying anything. Those are the simple things that I miss the most.

But my girls are awesome! I am really starting to bond with a few of them, especially one girl, her name is Vivian. She is on my volleyball team and everytime we see each other we say, "Hey, girl heyyyyy" It's the simple things.
And then there is Van. She is so sweet. She is an international student from Viet Nam, who always has a smile on her face. It's the simple things.

Also, I am having a blast coaching volleyball. My co-coach is so much fun and loves to tease me about... well anything and everything. He keeps me laughing. It's the simple things.

It really is the simple things in life that keep me going day to day. So please do one simple, but powerful thing for me and just send up a prayer! And remember it's the simple things that can pull you through life. Recognize those on your worst days and they won't seem so bad any more.

Love Is Something Lived Through: Hugs

Today I needed a hug.

My first run in with homesickness.

It has only been three weeks and I am already feeling like I am missing out on so much back home. All my friends are starting to go back to school and my nephew and niece are growing up with out me.

Today was a great Sabbath. We took our 7-day dorm students (mine are all international students from Viet Nam) to a special Sabbath school that a family (the Papayanis') does for the international students that is an intro to God's love because many of them don't know God at all. We just played some get-to-know-you games and had breakfast.
Then we went to church at The Place. This is the local church that is full of young families, so it is very contemporary. They always have an awesome song service and the pastor is full of energy.
Then we all went to the Papayanis house for Sabbath lunch and games. As we were playing games, I was having a great time until it hit me. I suddenly felt alone. I didn't know any of these people and they don't really know me. All I wanted was a hug and to be told that everything was going to be alright and I couldn't get that from anyone.

Sometimes I really wonder what I am doing out here and how I am going to make it a whole school year so far away from everything I know. I have to constantly remind myself that God is a God of Adventure, and He has got my back through this all. Often trusting His plan is so hard because of all of the unknowns, but I know in the end I will look back and see all the places He held me and pulled me through.

Here Goes... Everything

Russell Crowe couldn't have said it better, "Terrified... mortified... petrified... stupefied... by you."
I am completely and utterly terrified.

My adventure starts tomorrow. I am getting on a plane and moving to California for a full school year.

I never thought leaving home would be this hard, especially since I have worked at camp out of state three times. Two months seems like nothing compared to the ten I will be spending in California. For months I have been awaiting this move, but now that it is here I would rather lock myself in my room and never come out.

God has called me to Task Force this year and for the first time I am really stopping and questioning why. Why do I have to leave everything I have ever known? Why do I have to leave yet another comfort zone? Why now? Why there? Why that?

All I know is I can keep asking why or just say yes and follow God's plan for my life. So here it is. No more questions. Here goes... Everything!

*Prayers are appreciated*