Little Time Left in Portland

I am writing this blog post sitting on Julie's green couch in San Francisco. I have decided that I am moving here at some point. I just love the city! I wanted to update everyone on what is going on. This is my tentative schedule before I leave for Cameroon. I am planning on stopping work by mid to late April and move home on May 8th! I will be home for a month before I leave for Cameroon!

But seeing as I only a few more months in Portland these are my goal:
- Eat at as many food carts as possible
- Run in the Shamrock 5k & in the Portland Rose's 10k
- Explore beyond my Northwest Neighborhood
- Volunteer more with the Junior League of Portland
- Enjoy all of the wonderful beers Portland is famous for
- Hike Mt. Hood & Mt. St. Helens
- Snowboard more
- Have fun & explore!

My list is long and it feels like it is not obtainable...but I am excited for what the future has in store for me and I need to embrace where I am at now.

This is all for now! I will be home from February 9-13th...I cannot wait to see everyone!

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.