Christmas is Coming!!!

With Thanksgiving behind us, and Christmas just around the corner, I find myself in a fairly comfortable place.  The past few months since graduation have been simply filled with so many difficulties and struggles, ranging from loneliness and family drama to just adjusting to the working world after 16 years in school.

After what seemed like a VERY long time, things are starting to settle down more.  I finally anticipate being able to take a deep sigh of relief from the crazy life.  Here is a lil preview of what's been going on lately:

Living Situation

I was previously thinking about and planning to move out.  This would have meant more freedom in my personal life and in ministry, while obviously putting a strain on family life.  It would also have meant that I would have had to look for a more steady-paying job, which would have caused enough stress in and of itself.

Currently, I am still living at home.  After many many hours of long and hard prayer and thought, as well  as many meaningful conversations, I decided to continue living at home for the time being.  I am still open to go where God leads and do what God directs, but for now I get to save money on rent and food at least :)

Employment

Though I really enjoyed working with the after-school program (THINK Together), I needed to look for a position that paid slightly more so I could pay all my bills (payments for student loans are almost going to begin!).  I now work as a customer service representative at an online retail shoe website, and am pretty well-adjusted to it by now.  I've been working at this position part-time for about a month, and just started full-time last week.  Even in this short time, I've run out of tasks to do (either I am working really efficiently and learning well beyond their expectations, or I'm doing a lot of things wrong :P).  As a people person, I enjoy being around the people here, and am looking for ways I can love them as Christ loves me.

Ministry

In the midst of all this other stuff, I've been very actively learning what it looks like to love and serve international students at two community colleges in Monterey Park and Pasadena.  In doing so, I've eaten good food, gotten to know some really cool people, and learned so much.  The highlight of my time so far has been starting a small group Bible study with a few students.  Everyone is so open to learn, engage, and discuss each week!  And they all bring their own experiences, questions, and personalities to the discussions...which makes it even more exciting >:)  I can't wait to see what God will bring next in this whole group of international students!

Personal Stuff

With all these things going on, I've also suffered the loss of the InterVarsity community I had while I attended Cal State LA.  I've tried to find the same community in other places, but have utterly failed.  It's just hasn't been as easy to connect with people and grow together in serving like Jesus after graduation.  As a result, loneliness has become my frequent companion the past few months.  Despite this struggle though, I've been able to stay connected with a few close friends—I just long for the stimulation of being around a lot of people all the time.

In other news, I'm still trying to find ways to hone areas of my life I KNOW I need more discipline, specifically in reading.  (It used to be running too, but I don't have easy access to a track so I'm kinda giving up on that one.  Regular tabata workouts are enough!).  Especially with all the 'down-time' I have at this customer service position (they are still in the process of developing new programs to make things run smoother, but in the meantime I just have less work), I definitely have time to catch up on all the missions updates I've missed out on from friends, and organizations like Servant Partners.

Closing Thoughts

With that said, please pray that I will be continually obedient to Jesus' call for us to love God and love people—whatever that may involve.

As always, if there is anything at all you would like prayer for, or if you have any questions about ANYTHING, please don't hesitate to let me know :)  I would love to just talk or catch up (when I have time of course...working full-time also means I have less free time).

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful.  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

- Colossians 3:15-18