May

Time continues to FLY by. It is MAY and I am still reconciling the fact that I live in Southern California. Only two more weeks of actual class (though there are two assignments due after we end class meetings). There is so much to do in the next two weeks including reading a few more books, multiple articles, leading class discussion, presenting about the workshop a fellow classmate and I will be leading at Citrus College in the fall, finishing up my final graduate assistantship project (the Grad binder), finding another part-time job for the summer, etc. etc. I have a long to-do list, but I am confident that I will be able to finish out this school year strong!

I am definitely longing for weekends filled with day trips and relaxing, rather than reading and writing! My roommate Aaron will be heading back to Kansas the day after classes end until August...at which point he will be moving in with another cohort member (cutting his monthly rent in half). Though it will be quiet around the apartment without Aaron, it will be enjoyable to live "solo" for the summer!

On Friday, I attended a "passing of the torch" end of year get together for the Ministry and Service office that I will be working with next year. It was amazing to see what a profound effect working in the office has on those who work there. I am so excited to actually be part of this team of AMAZING people.

"The Office of Ministry and Service (MAS) believes that faith in Christ should inspire people to reach out to a broken world and embody the good news of God’s inclusive and empowering love for humanity. Driven by grace, a love for God is interconnected with a love of one's neighbor and should lead to a pathway of reconciled relationships with those across the street and around the world...Azusa Pacific University, founded as the Training School for Christian Workers, has a strong legacy and commitment to service as a response to faith in Christ. This commitment begins in the city of Azusa, with strong partnerships that connect APU with children, families, community leaders, churches, and the local government. Downtown Los Angeles provides additional opportunities to learn and grow in relationship with our neighbors. These experiences in service will help move the APU community from indifference, ignorance, and fear to faith, reconciliation, education, and action."

At this get together I received two things that will be important as I begin my work supervising the coordinators of Door of Hope, S.A.Y. Yes!, and L.A. 101: a map of the "City of Angels" Los Angeles, AND from José, a fellow classmate, a "Los Doyers" Dodgers t-shirt. These will help me get around the inner-city and somewhat fit in :)

This weekend Emily and I spent some time relaxing in between sessions of productivity (writing reports for her and reading, researching, and writing for me). We did get to test out our "camping gear" which is comprised of a tent I received as a birthday present well over 10 years ago...and uh...that's it. We definitely need to save our pennies to get more gear. It was a nice evening in the backyard, although I had to turn on my iPod for more authentic camping sounds to drown out the traffic from the nearby Arrow Highway & I-10. Here's to pretending!

One thing that is great about time flying, is that we are now that much closer to visiting Michigan in July! The thought of seeing all our friends and family, growing nieces and nephew, possible new homes, Holland, Zeeland, Allendale, Grand Rapids, PORT AUSTIN...is well, exciting! Aren't you excited too? I bet you are! I want to see my family...so let me know when you may be able to Skype...we really haven't been utilizing this technology, and should! Off to homework-city. Much love!