As of Monday, I am officially accepted to my AmeriCorps position and am 100% moving to Orange County in a few weeks. There are still complications with my housing allowance and thus my move date (i.e. trying to navigate without getting stuck in the red tape), but I hope to move the weekend of August 8. Prior to that, I will be in Bellvue, WA (I think I totally massacred the spelling) from August 4-7 being trained.
Yesterday I was thinking about how few things are constant in our lives. It seems that circumstances and people are generally seasonal. I do believe that "the natural things speak of the invisible." Perhaps God designed the earth with seasons to show us that while some things are constant, change is normal and natural. Of course, we have all observed people whose lives seem to reflect a Mediterranean climate: temperate and stable. I prefer that myself, both literally and as a metaphor, yet with ample opportunities to travel and experience difference. I know this is one reason we treasure our families--their prescence is often constant in a world that is not. Praise God for His faithfulness and steadfastness.
July 16, 2009
July 12, 2009
July so far
As I was recently reminded, it has been quite some time since I have posted. My laptop is currently out on loan, which has curtailed the amount of time I spend online. (Our two home computers both have terribly uncomfortable chairs.) Moreover, though much has been on my mind, priorities have been elsewhere.
Last week a close family friend, Charlie Harris, unexpectedly went home to be with Jesus. Charlie was the assistant pastor at our church and has been a regular part of my life for nineteen years. My family and I have been spending a lot of time with his family and answering phone calls, etc. It has been a long week and a half.
Though it has been over a month, I am also still waiting to be confirmed from the national AmeriCorps office for my position in Orange County. It has been a frustrating process -- or lack of a process. There are about thirty other people in the same boat, but I am a bit more affected because I am one of the only ones relocating. My move date is August 3rd, but I may have to secure housing by July 20. I say "may" because the woman who sent me paperwork with that date is unsure whether or not that date is correct. This seems to be AmeriCorps modus operandi. Unfortunately, to summarize a long explanation, I have to wait for my confirmation to sign a lease. Despite my anger towards AmeriCorps' incompetancy and inconsideration, I do know that the Lord has a place for me. I'm not looking forward to moving back to Orange County, but I do think that is where He wants me for now. This means He also has a place for me to live. Thankfully, I am looking forward to my new job and shall probably be updating you on it.
My mom just told me: "Your days are numbered."
Me: "I am going to put that in my blog post."
Mom: "That's not good if your mother says your days are numbered."
Me: Unsympathetic chuckle
She was referring to me being on their health insurance.
My part-time job is proceeding nicely. Mary, my boss, feeds me chocolate and compliments me effusively, so I am pampered. I finished a small grant proposal for the City of Ventura, Cultural Affairs Division and turned it in on Friday. We are now working primarily on planning the Ventura Book Festival, which will be July 25. Last year almost 1,000 people attended, and we have twelve presenters and thirty exhibitors lined up for this year. It's fun to be a part of it, though I won't be able to attend the actual event due to being in Cabo San Lucas for Deanna and Chris's wedding. Last Wednesday Donovan and I walked through Main Street in Ventura asking the shops to display posters for the book festival. It was nice to be able to stroll downtown, ducking into all the stores on a temperate afternoon while being on the clock.
In other recent events, a group of friends from Orange County (Amanda, Becca, Donovan, and Ryan) joined me a couple weeks ago for a viewing of Les Miserables in Solvang. The show is one of my absolute favorite musicals, and it was good to be on the Central Coast again, albeit briefly. My friend and former London roommate Sarika visited me last weekend and we had a lovely time, despite the recent news of Charlie's death. We went honeytasting, saw a play in Santa Paula with Kate, walked around Ventura, played games with Donovan, and went to Orange County for the Fourth of July. It was a treat to have her here from out of state. Today, I met with Lindsay for the first time since December. She has been in West Virginia for a few months for a dietetic internship and is now home in Simi Valley for a season. It is good to have her back in the vicinity.
I aim to enjoy these last three weeks with my family, minus Emily who is in Israel. Soon I will be working full-time again in a new location, sleep-deprived and farther away from many of my friends. Still, the best place to be is where God wants you. I'll also be closer to my grandparents and Emily, Donovan, Heather, Joe and Suzanne, and my newer friends in Orange County. I praise God for taking care of me.
Last week a close family friend, Charlie Harris, unexpectedly went home to be with Jesus. Charlie was the assistant pastor at our church and has been a regular part of my life for nineteen years. My family and I have been spending a lot of time with his family and answering phone calls, etc. It has been a long week and a half.
Though it has been over a month, I am also still waiting to be confirmed from the national AmeriCorps office for my position in Orange County. It has been a frustrating process -- or lack of a process. There are about thirty other people in the same boat, but I am a bit more affected because I am one of the only ones relocating. My move date is August 3rd, but I may have to secure housing by July 20. I say "may" because the woman who sent me paperwork with that date is unsure whether or not that date is correct. This seems to be AmeriCorps modus operandi. Unfortunately, to summarize a long explanation, I have to wait for my confirmation to sign a lease. Despite my anger towards AmeriCorps' incompetancy and inconsideration, I do know that the Lord has a place for me. I'm not looking forward to moving back to Orange County, but I do think that is where He wants me for now. This means He also has a place for me to live. Thankfully, I am looking forward to my new job and shall probably be updating you on it.
My mom just told me: "Your days are numbered."
Me: "I am going to put that in my blog post."
Mom: "That's not good if your mother says your days are numbered."
Me: Unsympathetic chuckle
She was referring to me being on their health insurance.
My part-time job is proceeding nicely. Mary, my boss, feeds me chocolate and compliments me effusively, so I am pampered. I finished a small grant proposal for the City of Ventura, Cultural Affairs Division and turned it in on Friday. We are now working primarily on planning the Ventura Book Festival, which will be July 25. Last year almost 1,000 people attended, and we have twelve presenters and thirty exhibitors lined up for this year. It's fun to be a part of it, though I won't be able to attend the actual event due to being in Cabo San Lucas for Deanna and Chris's wedding. Last Wednesday Donovan and I walked through Main Street in Ventura asking the shops to display posters for the book festival. It was nice to be able to stroll downtown, ducking into all the stores on a temperate afternoon while being on the clock.
In other recent events, a group of friends from Orange County (Amanda, Becca, Donovan, and Ryan) joined me a couple weeks ago for a viewing of Les Miserables in Solvang. The show is one of my absolute favorite musicals, and it was good to be on the Central Coast again, albeit briefly. My friend and former London roommate Sarika visited me last weekend and we had a lovely time, despite the recent news of Charlie's death. We went honeytasting, saw a play in Santa Paula with Kate, walked around Ventura, played games with Donovan, and went to Orange County for the Fourth of July. It was a treat to have her here from out of state. Today, I met with Lindsay for the first time since December. She has been in West Virginia for a few months for a dietetic internship and is now home in Simi Valley for a season. It is good to have her back in the vicinity.
I aim to enjoy these last three weeks with my family, minus Emily who is in Israel. Soon I will be working full-time again in a new location, sleep-deprived and farther away from many of my friends. Still, the best place to be is where God wants you. I'll also be closer to my grandparents and Emily, Donovan, Heather, Joe and Suzanne, and my newer friends in Orange County. I praise God for taking care of me.
June 17, 2009
Something to contemplate
“Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty,suffering, and injustice when He could do something about it.”
“Well, why don’t you ask Him?”
“Because I’m afraid He would ask me the same question.”
- Anonymous
“Well, why don’t you ask Him?”
“Because I’m afraid He would ask me the same question.”
- Anonymous
June 10, 2009
SLO with Camera
Despite my limited time there, I had a lovely time visiting SLO last weekend -- and for once use my camera. I was unable to visit with everyone who I wanted to see, but was especially glad to be able to visit with Christy (who is rarely south these days) and Steven and David (whose graduations and subsequent out-of-state relocations are imminent). The weekend was filled entirely with people, and if I missed you, hopefully I will see you on the second round in a couple of weeks. My apologies in the meantime.
Highlights:
--> "You + Me = We" piece at Stephanie's dance show
--> Stephanie's dance show, viewed with Richie, Katie, and Aurina
--> Steven's surprise offer to join me in the intrepid adventure of traversing SLO through the creek tunnels under the city streets (with Christy joining)
--> Taco dinner with the Wesleyians
--> Two games of Settler's (also referenced as SOC)
--> Beautiful SLO
--> Lunch with Erica -- coupons!
--> Chocolate desserts from Richie and Steven
--> Hearing Calandra and Richie play the piano again
June 3, 2009
Got the job!
My enthusiasm is somewhat tempered due to a minor cold, but I begin work early August in an AmeriCorps position in Anaheim. It is part of a collaboration between First 5 Orange County, Magnolia School District, and School Readiness Expansion. I hope to find an apartment with the housing allowance they provide. The job description is below. Call me if you want more info.
Member Duties : The overall goal of this VISTA position will be to support the City of Anaheim School Readiness Collaborative with their planning and outreach efforts targeting families living in motels. Responsibilities include: 1. Solicit and coordinate receipt of donations including the development of a donor tracking list, request letter, etc. 2. Manage collection and distribution of donated items. 3. Establish donor relationships through follow-ups and marketing, including sending thank you letters. 4. Establish relationships with community partners for assisting motel families. 5. Identify and obtain basic needs kit for children living in motels to include shoes, clothing, school supplies and backpacks. 6. Coordinate an adopt-a-family program for Christmas for motel families. 7. Coordinate health fairs within motel communities served. 8. Conduct outreach to motel families on benefits and services available. 9. Professional Development, Training and Reporting participation expected.
Member Duties : The overall goal of this VISTA position will be to support the City of Anaheim School Readiness Collaborative with their planning and outreach efforts targeting families living in motels. Responsibilities include: 1. Solicit and coordinate receipt of donations including the development of a donor tracking list, request letter, etc. 2. Manage collection and distribution of donated items. 3. Establish donor relationships through follow-ups and marketing, including sending thank you letters. 4. Establish relationships with community partners for assisting motel families. 5. Identify and obtain basic needs kit for children living in motels to include shoes, clothing, school supplies and backpacks. 6. Coordinate an adopt-a-family program for Christmas for motel families. 7. Coordinate health fairs within motel communities served. 8. Conduct outreach to motel families on benefits and services available. 9. Professional Development, Training and Reporting participation expected.
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