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| My camera stopped working pretty soon after I met this Pelican in Oceanside... |
It's been 12 years
since I lived in SoCal, but many of the people there have been my biggest
encouragements and supporters over these past years. One theme I noticed, was that the bonds I'd
formed with fellow missionaries on our trips to Mexico were really the ones
that have lasted, and these were the people with whom I had a lot in common
still, because many of them were pursuing ministry around the world.
My friend Matt let me
take his van to SoCal for him, which was really a blessing for me and hopefully
for him as well. I was just glad I got
to see him mostly. Had great
conversations and time with my adopted family, the Metzlers. One of my first meetings in Oceanside was my
ex-girlfriend. I hadn't seen her or even
talked to her in like 5 years. It was emotional,
but good. I think this trip was the
first time I've ever felt like all the different parts of my life have come
together and actually seemed like one life.
I got three
opportunities to share with a big group:
I presented to the Howards' small group, and also shared with the youth
group during Sunday School and this year's Mexico team (as usual, a group of
50). Each one was really cool and
different. With the Mexico team, for
example, I shared how much the Mexico trips they were really where I began to
understand God and ministry and church and where I told God I'd go
wherever. With the older people, I focused more on the church and how the church in Kyrgyzstan has inspired me, and with the young folks, on calling. I know some people at least were inspired.
But it was the little conversations that really made my time in SoCal amazing. Each day seemed to be three different long intense conversations about ministry, service, life, art, and walking with God. I was so encouraged to see these young people that I have poured into heading college ministries, going on missions to Africa and Asia, and leading youth groups. I also did a couple life-coaching sessions, and the lite one I did with Kyle and Jordan was one of the best so far I think. They were hilarious sharing their answers, and I was almost too timid to make them sit and do the exercises, but it ended up being really fun and encouraging. My friend Matt Howard is a huge inspiration--he's been teaching himself sound engineering and recording for the past five years, and he's finally reached a professional level, and it's just so inspiring that he never gave up. He helped me have access to my Russian album for the first time since it was recorded--and eh, it's okay...I'll have to see what can be salvaged...but it was a major step forward either way. The Howards have been leading Mexico missions trips in their retirement for almost 20 years now, and are getting to the point where their health gets in the way at times. But they are still leading and going strong. :) It was such a pleasure to get to spend time with them, and John is one of my most valued critics/mentors.
My SoCal peeps are lodged in such a deep place in my heart, and they got into me in so many ways, I've felt "open" ever since. Even though I was just there for a week, and only met a couple people per day, I felt so full and also drained through the process. I'm tired, but God is so good.
But it was the little conversations that really made my time in SoCal amazing. Each day seemed to be three different long intense conversations about ministry, service, life, art, and walking with God. I was so encouraged to see these young people that I have poured into heading college ministries, going on missions to Africa and Asia, and leading youth groups. I also did a couple life-coaching sessions, and the lite one I did with Kyle and Jordan was one of the best so far I think. They were hilarious sharing their answers, and I was almost too timid to make them sit and do the exercises, but it ended up being really fun and encouraging. My friend Matt Howard is a huge inspiration--he's been teaching himself sound engineering and recording for the past five years, and he's finally reached a professional level, and it's just so inspiring that he never gave up. He helped me have access to my Russian album for the first time since it was recorded--and eh, it's okay...I'll have to see what can be salvaged...but it was a major step forward either way. The Howards have been leading Mexico missions trips in their retirement for almost 20 years now, and are getting to the point where their health gets in the way at times. But they are still leading and going strong. :) It was such a pleasure to get to spend time with them, and John is one of my most valued critics/mentors.
My SoCal peeps are lodged in such a deep place in my heart, and they got into me in so many ways, I've felt "open" ever since. Even though I was just there for a week, and only met a couple people per day, I felt so full and also drained through the process. I'm tired, but God is so good.
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