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

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

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.

People ask me what I do with all my free time.

"And it will be said in that day:
'Behold, this is our God;
We have waited for Him, and He will save us.
This is the Lord;
We have waited for Him;
We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation."
Isaiah 26:3

What beautiful language of faith looking forward to the defeat of Israel's enemies. Today is one of those mornings when all of a sudden I realize that the half-dozen things I have to do are actually a dozen things -- and for once I do not exaggerate on my numbers. I suppose I should not have procrastinated so much for the past couple of days, though I have been industrious in some areas. (Does loading two photo albums to Facebook count?) Regardless, nothing is in crisis mode. I can make a few phone calls on the road and sacrifice some reading time. This verse reminds me that small to-do lists and larger plans for the future swirling around in my head are really of no consequence compared to knowing that God is faithful and will take care of me.

I know I'm being awfully vague, so I shall type my current list here as I get it squared away in my head.

Call the eye doctor
Call Tom
Call Veronica
Call my grandma
Call Amanda
Fold my laundry
Edit Daniel's thesis
Look over Cultural paperwork
Shower
Go to work
Email Donna
Clean the kitchen
Write Jon's thank-you
Put sheets on the bed
Straighten my room
Email Leanne

All right, off to the races.

Brief Update

As most of you know, I have been unemployed for the past five months and thus residing in Fillmore with the parentals and the two youngest siblings. This has certainly been a time of growth as I continue to pursue working in the nonprofit field, preferably with an organization that seeks to alleviate crisis needs in Christ's name. A few times I thought the end was in sight, but the door was closed. As of yesterday, I am now employed part-time through July by the California Literary Arts Society. It is a small nonprofit that primarily focuses on writing workshops for underprivileged kids. I was introduced to one of its members through my grantwriting class and will also be helping them write a grant. The work is slated to last through July, which would time nicely should I be accepted to work beginning early August at a nonprofit in Orange County through AmeriCorps. Though only truly interested in one, I have applied to five positions through AmeriCorps and feel that I am a strong candidate. Competition for other jobs has been quite incredible; it is discouraging at times to realize that I am often being compared to candidates with three to twenty years of experience. Still, I know that God will take care of me.

It is rather frightening to see how easily I revel in the luxery of unemployment. It is like a perpetual vacation, and I was never one to be bored during summers off school. My time is quickly and (generally) pleasantly filled, and I still watch relatively few movies and virtually no television. This has indeed been a pleasant interlude with plenty of time to lavish on the people and activities I love. It has also been an excellent learning experience, one of the lessons being that I will never have enough time in the day. Contentment is so much more of a choice than we suppose.

Thanks for your time. :)