Transition....

the process or period of changing from one state or condition to another

In general, I hate transitions. I like to be doing things, and when I'm in transition, I feel like I'm not doing anything. I usually move from one thing to another really quickly, which can be good, but in some cases (like moving out of the country for 7 months) it's not so good. So, here I am, in transition. I left Chico a couple of weeks ago, which I'm still grieving. How I love that place! I'm living in my hometown, Groveland, which is right next to Yosemite. Groveland is the kind of place you would see in an old western. It has the saloon with swinging doors, everyone knows everyone, outsiders know their status, and you greet people by slowly dipping your cowboy hat. Well, maybe not that last part. It's a slow, quiet place. And that's why I'm here! My days have been filled with slow walks, reading really good books (Velvet Elvis, Peace Child, and now Creation and Last Things), and naps. I'm also working on raising support for my trip, I'm at 90%, praise the Lord! I've had time to think, pray, laugh with my mom and dad; process the last couple of busy months. They were good months; let me give you the highlights:

If I had to summarize my summer with one word, it would be blessed. God blessed me so richly!

Blessing #1: The Kieslings
I lived with the most amazing family this summer, Kurt, Elke, Kai and Kory Kiesling. They invited me in, took care of me, encouraged me, loved me well, and modeled generosity like I have never seen before. It was a fun-filled time and I especially loved playing with my new brothers! What fun!

Blessing #2: The High School Students of BPC
Being an adult leader to the high school students at Bidwell Presbyterian is one of the more fun and challenging things ever! (If you haven't tried it, you should) After spending three years with these friends, it came time to say good-bye...... and go to summer camp all at the same time. Spending a week with these amazing people, watching them love and serve and run after God for a week straight was........a blessing. Thanks to them for showing me how much fun it is to live the Christian life!

Blessing #3: Bidwell Staff
People have asked me what I loved so much about Chico, and my list always starts with these friends! What a testimony they are to the love of Christ!

Blessing #4: YOU!
As I've been preparing for my trip, the support and encouragement of friends like you have been so amazing, even overwhelming at times. Thanks for sharing in my story!

That pretty much summarizes my summer, and I think the next couple of months will be just as amazing. Here's what I'm looking forward to:

August 23-24: Visiting my great friends, Peter and Alli, in Truckee
August 24-27: Visiting Chico one last time. I'll be speaking in church on Sunday, hope to see you there!
August 28-September 12: Camping in Big Sur and Santa Cruz with my parents
September 14-23: Staying with my sister, Lia, in Santa Barbara. She's getting married on Sept 22!
October 2: My flight to Perth leaves at 8:25pm!