Settling In

Hi everyone!

This has been a very busy week with lots of new, exciting experiences in Santa Cruz. I started work on Friday and trained through Saturday. A very nice girl trained me at Casino [Dipping] Dots. Then Monday I worked at Brightspot with Sarah. Shannon and Sarah were both my age and were amazing to work with. Sarah taught me how to make the perfect chocolate-dipped ice cream cone. Let's just say I've got some practicing to do. Hahaha.Wednesday, I worked at Fish-N-Fry and Riley came back to the Pan with me for dinner! She is a local and a believer. We had a good conversation about how difficult it can be to share our faith. Three other Whiting's employees came to dinner as well! (Dillon, Kelli and Gabby) We all had a lot of fun joking, laughing and just getting to now each other. Now I see how sad it is going to be to leave. Thursday I worked at Kettle Corn with a guy named Carlos and yesterday they rotated me between places where I worked with some very interesting people. So that has been my work experience so far. I am exhausted and SO thankful for having today off.

Outside of work, we had our first "Monday Night Live" (MNL is a weekly worship service) and our first Bible Study lesson this week. Both were awesome. I am especially enjoying my roommates. We have gotten really close and each of us are so different but we all get along really well. Sharing one bathroom with five other girls has been a good experience for me. I am definitely learning to be more considerate of others. Last night we all got in bed and said one big goodnight prayer. It was awesome. Wednesday and Friday I got up early and went down to the cliffs to have my quiet time with Evan & Lara. The beauty of God's creation here is reallly outstanding. Watching huge waves crash against the rocks reminds me of the infinite size of God's power and greatness.

I want to thank you all for your prayers and support rhus far. Personally, I have already seen myself grow in several areas including my prayer life and my boldness/confidence concerning my ability to share my faith. I have learned so many things that I am super excited to bring back home to my campus and apply for the rest of my life. Please comtinue to be in prayer for the Project staff and students as we make decisions that might bring God glory and not ourselves. Also, be in prayer for the co-workers and people here that we have already come in contact with and those we will meet in the future.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!