Drum Roll Please....

I AM GOING TO CAMEROON!!!!!!

I got my packet last night telling me I will be going to Cameroon on June 1st! My Dates of Service are August 14,2011 - August 14,2013. I will be a Small Business Advisor. My first stop is intensive training for 3 months in Bafia, Cameroon. From my understanding I will be submerged in the French language and learn about my project. The Pre-Service Training is from June 3 - August 14.

As you all know this has been a long process, so these dates are all tentative. I will keep you posted as I hear more information.

Thank you all for your prayers! I am beyond exciting! I keep looking at pictures of where I will be going and I am gitty!

We come to You...

On my first time to Pearl Church I was given a cd of worship music. On my way to work after I put in the cd. The chorus of this song by Derek Webb stuck out.

We come broken and we come undone
we come trying hard to love everyone
But we come up short in all that we do
Because we do
We come to You

This song is beautiful and the lyrics are posted on my wall in my room. This song is also constantly on repeat in my car.

Psalm 103:9-12

Short and Sweet!

I got to see snow fall for the first time! Things I love about Portland

1. Amazing coffee! Why go to Starbucks when you can try local places that they roast the coffee right in front of you?

2. New wardrobe...seeing as I am not used to weather in the 40s, I get to stock up on new boots, coats and scarves!

3. Hearing the rain...it is so relaxing sitting on the couch and looking out the windows to see and hear the rain.

4. Pearl Church...found my new Trinity in Portland and I LOVE it!

5. The leaves actually change colors! Novel idea that I still in awe of!

6. There is always something to do...I love getting lost because I find something new!


Overall Portland is amazing! Currently I am sitting on my couch listening to Christmas music. Loving life right now. No complaints!

Be strong. Be courageous.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. -Joshua 1:9

When decided to move up to Portland, it was on a whim. I just wanted to live somewhere different. I am struggling adjusting to living somewhere completely different. Nothing is bad...its just different. Change was necessary. I wind up liking change in the end...but the process of changing is difficult.

Now that I am starting to get a bit more settled, it has hit me what I have done. I moved over 999 miles away from my parents and 1448 miles away from my home for the past 4 years!

This bible verse from Joshua is what has kept me sane during this transition. Things will come into place, not in my time but in God's time. There is no need for me to be scared, God has paved an amazing path before me. Although I might not know exactly where I am going, at least someone does. It is beyond comforting to know that wherever I may go, I will always have God to share my journey with.

Be strong. Be courageous.

Portland!

I am finally here! I have been in Portland for a little over a month now. I found a place downtown and so far I am loving my job. I first moved in with my cousin Kate and Brent and their 2 year old son, Ian. Having them has made the transition so much easier. It is so nice having family around.

My place downtown is walking distance to great restaurants and shops. It is really a great location without the hassle of trying to find parking. It is nice to have a place and to start getting settled.

Now that I have a place, my next goal is to start to explore Portland. I joined the Tri Delta Alumni group and I plan on possibly joining Junior League of Portland.

Here are some pictures of my journey with my dad going up to Portland. It was a great trip and lots of father/daughter bonding. I am so blessed to have him in my life!


My Dad and I at the start of the journey


The car all loaded up!


At Split Pea Andersen's...always a must when doing a road trip up the I-5


Crescent City, CA - This was my first lighthouse that I have been to!




Finally in Oregon!!!

Update...

Here is my life update...I AM MOVING TO PORTLAND!!!!!! But since my last post I graduated college, traveled 5 weeks to Europe, went to San Francisco and decided that I was going to move to Portland.

But I would like to share with you something that makes me smile...if only we could enjoy a rainbow just as much as this guy.

New Career Path

I just wanted to share with you what I have been working on since this past October. I am thinking that I might have a new career path in TV. Check out this video that recaps the Sam's Club Sustainability Challenge!

Only the Curious...

This Side - Nickel Creek

You dream of colors that have never been made,
You imagine songs that have never been played.
They will try to buy you and your mind.
Only the curious have something to find.


This is one of the songs that inspires me. The lyric, "only the curious have something to find," is something that I live by. It was my senior quote and years have gone by and the meaning is stronger than ever. 2010 is bring about many changes. My path thus far has been planed out. In a few short months I will be on my own. A college graduate, entering the work force, and not moving back to California.

What does this lyric mean to me you might ask. More than ever before, there are so many changes that are happening. I am ready for them! I am curious to see what the future has in store for me. I am eager to find out what is beyond the world that I have always known. I excited to experience something new and exciting. This is why this this quote from Nickel Creek is so meaningful to me. It is how I want to live my life.

Mom's Weekend

This past weekend was Mom's Weekend with my sorority, Delta Delta Delta. It was an amazing time to spend with her. It was nice to relax, get away from the stress from school and just enjoy being in the company of her. Friday she was able to see the SIFE Presentation Team Preform. (check out www.sife.org - my description of the organization will not do justice) Saturday we ran errands, got our nails done, and had dinner with my roommate Jess. Sunday, we went to the Chantilly Tea Room with Tri Delta. I am sad that the weekend is over, but I had an amazing time.

My Favorite Song

I would sing this to you...but I am sure that you would not like it...so the lyrics will have to do

Alabaster by Rocky Votolato

on the outside looking in / i've never been able to crack the code / to break the secret spell / that would open up the door and let me in / to everything I've been looking for so hard I've never seen / but I feel my strength returning tonight / its flowing from the purest well to ever give water / It spills out into an ocean where the sharks are circling / a carnival of counterfeits has no room for something real



arrogance and ego wrapped around every word / shouted from the pulpit as a judgment to control / these were my roots my seed was thrown in shallow soil / I grew into the thorn bushes to be scorched by the sun / but I feel the gravel move beneath my feet / the smell of the gasoline mixed in with the trees / when my faith is strong I know my strength / the threats will be screamed when the vultures fell threatened



so I'll open up the door and let you in / I want to break the alabaster smell the sweet perfume / and when the bottle is broken I'll have nothing left to give / I'll know I'll already have everything worth having / but I feel my strength returning tonight / its flowing from the purest well to ever give water / it spills out into and ocean where the sharks are circling / a carnival of counterfeits want to crucify something real

My Hero

...something new...

"The key to change is to let go of fear"

This blog is designed to let my follower (or lack there of) about my journey moving forward in my life. "Africa or Portland?" Well until this important decision needs to be made I will be posting my random thoughts, quotes, or funny clips. Day 1...here we go: