Hello all again!
It has been way too long since I've posted a blog. I realize this and I'm sorry.
To give a quick update since my Bahamas trip:
I had the most amazing opportunity to jump in with my roommates family and travel with them to Exuma and Nasau Bahamas for a missions trip. I know this family well because I've stayed with them for Thanksgiving and have visited them a few times throughout this year: AN AMAZING FAMILY AND I LOVE THEM SO MUCH! But anyway, Brooke and I got to spend 2 weeks out of the 3 weeks they were there helping them minister to the Bahamians. It was my first time I've been out of the country and the first time to use my passport. I must admit, the beauty of the islands there is far greater in person than any picture or video. I could not get enough of the amazing crystal-clear blue ocean and the sun. Coming from Humboldt county where the waves are ginormous and the water is a constant 40 degrees, this was a definite upgrade. I could see the cruise ships at their ports from the house we were staying at. This experience was so amazing. The five of us girls put together 3 Christian dance routines and were able to perform them a few times to draw in the kids....a way to break the ice and get their attention. We got to walk around and pray over the area and pray for people here and there. Nothing too outrageous happened and I was a little bummed about it. The more amazing stuff started happening after Brooke and I left. Oh and no, I didn't get to see a dolphin like I was hoping to......sad day!
Anyway, all that to say that it was an amazing experience and I hope to visit there again someday. So now on to May. We all graduated and recieved a certificate. But it was of course, bittersweet because then most everyone went home but I. I was able to stay with the Kooys at their house (who are amazing and I love them so much!!!) for the summer and was able to work at the movie theater. My summer wasn't anything too extravagant considering it has been the coldest summer they've had in a while here in Eureka. But on nice days, I would drive out to the beach and take in the wonderful ocean. Man, I'm going to miss that ocean.
So now we are caught up to the present. My last day at work was 2 days ago and I cried of course. I'm finding it really difficult to depart from this area while this whole summer I was anxious to go.....funny how that happens sometimes. I fell in love with all the amazing people here. I hate good-byes.....
So you're probably wondering what I'm up to, right? Well, I have applied and been accepted to go to First Year at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry in Redding, California (about 3 hours from here). This was the school I tried to go to in the first place but am sooo grateful I got to attend Bethel School of Supernatural Discipleship first.....the smaller atmosphere helped to grow in so many ways. So I was excited all summer and wanted to hurry up and get over there but now that the time is close (first day is the 14th), I'm honestly scared. Here's the situation: It sounds like me and a few friends have an apartment but it's not available for the first week of school so we all have to stay at different places (meaning I'll have to keep my car completely packed for a long time and live out of a suitcase). Then, the whole time I was working this summer was to pay off BSSD and then save up for BSSM. However I made the mistake of going to a cheap mechanic who ended up costing me $1,000 to replace my front cvg joints, brakes, pretty much everything. So the money I could save up ended up going to mechanics, schools, etc. And now I'm left with enough money for gas to get to BSSM and for the deposit on the apartment for the first month. Now, I was working a full 30 hours per week so I wasn't sitting on my butt all summer. It just so happens that money sometimes has to go to priorities first. LAME. I do plan on applying for jobs as soon as we get moved in and settled in our new apartment in Redding. So that will probably take care of rent.
Now the final thing that's freaking me out (and I shouldn't let it freak me out) is the tuition. I have to have $1,800 on the first day of school (the 14th) and I have nothing. I am holding to the promise that God will provide and that He is Jehovah Jirah (The God who Provides) because He has provided for me before throughout my life. He is the ultimate miracle-worker and I know I can trust Him with something as small as my financial circumstances.....that doesn't mean I'm not afraid. There's always going to be fear when stepping in to a new area. A fear of falling or getting lost or hurt. But normally, take a step of faith can be a little scary sometimes......I'm speaking for myself (it happens everytime I'm going to move or do something new). And then the waves of questioning appear causing you to ask if this is the right thing to do or if this is where I'm meant to be. But then, what if there's something better? I don't know about you guys but I always go through this when "moving on."
Either way, I trust God. He'll give me direction when I can't see the path. If all else fails with BSSM, He promises me He always has something better (and only the best in mind). So do keep praying for me if you already have been. I thank you all for being my friends and for supporting me. You all are amazing and I love you all dearly. And I will try to give you an update on what happens concerning this fall! God Bless!
-Jess-
