2 weeks back

So its been just over 2 weeks now since I've been back...wierd. Honestly it was a rough transition back and not becuase of culture shock, I'm pretty used to moving in and out of a country. One of the key factors is my longing to be apart of ministry like that full time but the reality is that I have at least 2 years left in school (BA) more if I pursue an MA, and that doesn't excite me right now. Another thing that surprised me when I got back was this strong sense that Phoenix is not my "home." I'd like to say that I mean spiritually, and maybe that factors in, but when I left in the begining of hte summer, I felt like I was FINALLY begining to view Phoenix with a certain level of fondness. Though I knew I wouldn't be sinking roots for any extended time, I do like the idea of having a location on the map I feel like I am from...well for what ever reason that is gone. Moving, finances, and some other big life changes had all seemed to pile up on me, right at the same time I was trying to process the events and emotions of the summer.

All that had me pretty inward focused, and feeling a little sorry for myself, or at least less sensitive to others needs as I focused on my own. Some cool stuff definitely was happening during that time, but I was slow to see it. God was totally providing in small unexpected ways for my financial needs, meetings with 3 of the Bethany pastors went really well. My friend Meg's band tour brought them into town from WA, and it was awesome hanging out with her. My new appartment and rommie ROCK! Another highlight was when I got to lead a group of 6 other college/carrier to College Briefing, a retreat at Forest Home, CA. A beautiful place, and the bus ride and time with the other 6 was amazing. Really cool seeing them reach out to one another and open up. One other really cool thing was being included in the group leaders "Happy Hours" (hehe, just coffee). There I got to spend time talking with some of the most amazing youth leaders in SoCal, to include several conversations with Mark Foreman (switchfoot's dad). All in all things weren't as bad as I was convincing myself they were (:))