Gloom June.
A term I have never heard before used to describe California, however, it's true here in San Diego. It's cloudy in the morning, sunny, then cloudy again. It's also chilly. Sweatshirts are a necessity.
I haven't found a job... and although I am still looking... in the meantime I am volunteering at Invisible Children and am hoping to work with the Ronald McDonald house. I also realized, just this morning, that maybe not being busy every second of the day isn't so bad. Once I get back to school I am not sure when I have time to breathe. So maybe, I can spend a lot of time reading some books and studying some of the Old Testament (something I have always wanted to do). So I decided not to overbook myself. Enjoy it out here and not be so caught up on being occupied. This is a once in a lifetime thing, and I want to soak every minute up.
I went body surfing and boogie boarding this past week. The waves are so strong out here. And huge! It was really fun though. Today (Saturday) I am going to go surfing after I finish my laundry.
Cool story. I went to my church for the first time this past Sunday. It's called New Break Pacific Beach. The were saying goodbye to a couple and announced they were moving to Knoxville, TN. Afterward, I went up and introduced myself. Turns out that Freddy applied for a job at West! I sent the principal an email asking him to consider giving Freddy an interview for the position. When he moves to Knoxville, I plan on having him, his wife, and daughter over for dinner.
Also, I absolutely love my church. The people are friendly, the worship is fantastic, and most importantly they are teaching truth. The pastor is so humble and it is clear that he loves Jesus.
This past week has been called "Killing the Giants." We focus on struggles in our life that hold us back. Fears. Sin. Anything. One of mine was trusting in the Lord's promises. I tend to think "what if He doesn't show up?" So this week I stepped out in faith. I EXPECTED Him to keep His promises. Mostly, the focus was on being filled with the Holy Spirit and the frustration that I was experiencing due to His lack of presence in my life. Thankfully, this past week I have been so encouraged. I have such a peace now knowing that He is never going to leave me be. I had the head knowledge but not the heart knowledge.
I have also been learning how to have quiet times and pray. The importance of verse memorization is another important topic I'm realizing it's necessity.
Talking to people on the beach and campus can sometimes be encouraging and other times discouraging (or saddening). I have talked to only 2 people who know how to become a Christian. The majority say the have no idea or make up some crazy explanation. It's neat to see how open a lot of them are and willing to discuss spiritual matters. At first, it was hard for me to not look at them as a "target." I had the method in my head: survey, KGP. Now, I simply go up and try to get to know them and understand who they are. If the Lord leads to share the KGP, then great! If not, that's okay, too. I invite them to Friday Night Live (a ministry we put on).
The friendships here on project are real and honest. We know each others hurts and struggles, weaknesses, frustrations. Everything. Everyone is encouraging, but also ask the tough questions and hold you accountable. I feel like I have know these girls for years.
So all in all, things are going fantastic. I have been here for 3 weeks. Although it feels like months. haha. My mom is visiting in a week and a half. I am looking forward to going out to eat... oh yeah and seeing her, too. Just kidding, love you mom!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Week One: Whirlwind
Greetings from San Diego!
I have been here for a week and so far am loving it. There are about 110 students and 40 staff.
Day one I moved into my apartment with 13 other girls. Yes, that’s right… I share a bedroom with 7 other girls and one shower. No worries though, it’s been completely fine so far. I love everyone in “Condo 4” aka The Upper Room. We have a kitchen and got lucky by having the nicest sofa set and curtains at project. We are envied by all.
I am in a growth group, which is 3 girls and a leader. My leader’s name is Mallory and the other two girls are Lauren and Mercedes. We get along great and I am enjoying getting to know them better. It’s basically a small group that we meet with and do activities with. Also, I meet with Mallory for discipling.
This summer I will serve on the Community Life team. We are in charge of “uniting the project through intentional situations.” Okay, we may be referred to as the “party group,” but in all honesty we play a crucial role. We serve other teams and plan fun events to bring everyone together. I am enjoying it so far.
Alright, so a huge part of project is WORKING. Currently, San Diego is experiencing 13% unemployment. Everyone is persevering in pursing jobs. I have a few leads, but no success yet. If worse comes to worse I plan on working with Invisible Children or another non-profit.
Location, location, location!! I am about 25 steps away from the bay and a block from the beach. It is absolutely beautiful here. It’s so fun to people watch, too. Everyone is so athletic and loves to run, skateboard, inline skate, surf, boogie board, et cetera. I have access to free surf rentals so I plan on being a pro by the time I return to Knoxville.
Spiritually, this week has been encouraging and exhausting. Finding time to have quiet time means being disciplined by getting up early or dismissing yourself from social time at night. However, the revelation of its importance has dawned upon me. Without time in the Word I am more exhausted and rely on myself instead of Christ throughout the day. Being around and pursing relationships and spiritual conversation everyday is draining. So it’s a lesson I am learning quickly. ☺
We have had some training with the Knowing God Personally booklet and have already been sharing with people on the beach and college campuses. I have been assigned to Grossmont Community College, which is also known as the “Harvard” of community colleges in San Diego. There are 20,00 students. We will hold a weekly bible study on Mondays for anyone on campus who wished to attend.
There has certainly been lots of fun in between meeting times and job hunting. We had a staff hunt the other night. They walked around “in plain sight." Most of them dressed up like a different person. We had to find them and get them to sign a paper. It was all over Mission Beach so we had a vast area to cover. It was a blast.
This past week has felt like a month, but once we get a schedule going I have been told that time flies… and I believe it. I will attend Newbreak Pacific Beach Church. I have been told it is a beach bum church. It is held in an elementary school. I am so excited.
This is all I can think of now…. One week in a nutshell! I appreciate all of your prayers and interest in my project. Feel free to leave a question in the comments area of my posts- I would love to answer them!
Love,
Olivia
P.S. ALL pictures will be on my Facebook under my San Diego album. It takes forever to upload them on here!
I have been here for a week and so far am loving it. There are about 110 students and 40 staff.
Day one I moved into my apartment with 13 other girls. Yes, that’s right… I share a bedroom with 7 other girls and one shower. No worries though, it’s been completely fine so far. I love everyone in “Condo 4” aka The Upper Room. We have a kitchen and got lucky by having the nicest sofa set and curtains at project. We are envied by all.
I am in a growth group, which is 3 girls and a leader. My leader’s name is Mallory and the other two girls are Lauren and Mercedes. We get along great and I am enjoying getting to know them better. It’s basically a small group that we meet with and do activities with. Also, I meet with Mallory for discipling.
This summer I will serve on the Community Life team. We are in charge of “uniting the project through intentional situations.” Okay, we may be referred to as the “party group,” but in all honesty we play a crucial role. We serve other teams and plan fun events to bring everyone together. I am enjoying it so far.
Alright, so a huge part of project is WORKING. Currently, San Diego is experiencing 13% unemployment. Everyone is persevering in pursing jobs. I have a few leads, but no success yet. If worse comes to worse I plan on working with Invisible Children or another non-profit.
Location, location, location!! I am about 25 steps away from the bay and a block from the beach. It is absolutely beautiful here. It’s so fun to people watch, too. Everyone is so athletic and loves to run, skateboard, inline skate, surf, boogie board, et cetera. I have access to free surf rentals so I plan on being a pro by the time I return to Knoxville.
Spiritually, this week has been encouraging and exhausting. Finding time to have quiet time means being disciplined by getting up early or dismissing yourself from social time at night. However, the revelation of its importance has dawned upon me. Without time in the Word I am more exhausted and rely on myself instead of Christ throughout the day. Being around and pursing relationships and spiritual conversation everyday is draining. So it’s a lesson I am learning quickly. ☺
We have had some training with the Knowing God Personally booklet and have already been sharing with people on the beach and college campuses. I have been assigned to Grossmont Community College, which is also known as the “Harvard” of community colleges in San Diego. There are 20,00 students. We will hold a weekly bible study on Mondays for anyone on campus who wished to attend.
There has certainly been lots of fun in between meeting times and job hunting. We had a staff hunt the other night. They walked around “in plain sight." Most of them dressed up like a different person. We had to find them and get them to sign a paper. It was all over Mission Beach so we had a vast area to cover. It was a blast.
This past week has felt like a month, but once we get a schedule going I have been told that time flies… and I believe it. I will attend Newbreak Pacific Beach Church. I have been told it is a beach bum church. It is held in an elementary school. I am so excited.
This is all I can think of now…. One week in a nutshell! I appreciate all of your prayers and interest in my project. Feel free to leave a question in the comments area of my posts- I would love to answer them!
Love,
Olivia
P.S. ALL pictures will be on my Facebook under my San Diego album. It takes forever to upload them on here!
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