Not quite international in California

There are many things that I am unsure of.....where I will be in five years, or one year for that matter, but I am sure of the calling that God has put in my life; to love and serve people internationally. A part of me wanted to leave the moment I graduated from IU (which was a week ago) and dive into the Taiwan, France, Denmark, Belgium, Tanzania, Russia, Chile, or anywhere really. Anyway the wind would blow me, trying to ignore "perfect timing" and seek the adventure the world had in store for me. I applied for English teaching jobs overseas. With possibilities opening with every person I spoke to, I became overwhelmed with a decision that could affect the rest of my life. My eyes were constantly wonder left to right, asking myself “Well, I can use my French here, I can get a good start here, I can get a good salary there, they will hire me there, this place has the cheapest plane tickets.” When did I get so discombobulated that I forgot the very reason I wanted to travel outside in the first place? My priorities went all A-wall, on the count of not letting God’s say into the mixture. When I head off to distant lands, I want to be sure that I am being called to that specific area with a group of people that are united in a purpose to see Jesus impact the lives of those that He is calling after. I want to be in THAT MIXTURE! The Lord is preparing my heart to love Him and others in a bigger way. I want to follow where God is leading me and He is leading me to the West. 

Tomorrow I am head off to Fairfield, CA for a summer-long adventure with some of my favorite people. I will be working at the JELLYBELLY factory making the big bucks in the photography sector. I know, I know, the first question everyone ask me is "Are you going to be taking pictures of jelly beans?" and I reply, "No... I'm going to be taking pictures of people and jelly beans." Photography by day, something far greater by night after quiting time. You see, in Fairfield there's a group of people, that are completely amazing by the way, that have planted a church, Remnant (check it www.remnantloves.me ). Their mission is that "people far from God fall in love with Jesus." They are loving people without limits and I get the awesome opportunity to join them in a summer internship!!! Woohooo! ( I really enjoy writing the expressions sounds that I am feeling and will continue doing so throughout) I am excited to hang with my amigos, live in California, and eat jelly beans all the long-day, but most importantly, I'm excited to see how I can be stretched and used this summer. So just as I recorded my endeavors in France, I will attempt to bring you all a special viewing into my life as God calls me into the deep and away from home. I love you all.

You have my heart Indiana....