The past 5 years of life have been saturated with the word change.
A move to Utah from Upstate New York before my junior year of high school started it all. My world was shaken. In my mind, life as I knew it was ending, but at least I only had to suffer though it for two years… then I could move back to New York and start up college with all of my friends. This remained my dream for about a year and a half. I was (and still am) stubborn. But, the Lord had a gentle way of working on my heart, and I found myself falling more and more in love with the Salt Lake valley, and the beautiful people there. Ultimately, I still decided to move… but not back east where I had originally intended, I decided to start fresh (again) in Oregon, at a small Christian college nestled in wine country. Here, my naivety met me again.
I thought that I was going to come out of college with a BA in Graphic Design. I thought that I would come out of college with a career path. I thought that I would come out of college with a boyfriend, who I would potentially marry and start a family with (if I’m really being honest). However, the Lord had a greater plan for me and quickly threw out all of those thoughts. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I was not cut out to be a graphic designer for the remainder of my life. My free time was not spent doing art, it was spent loving on and listening to people. Second semester of freshman year my major switched to Christian Ministries, and with that came no established career path. I discovered this major opened up so many possibilities, and no direct road to travel! Much to my surprise, I was also blessed with the opportunity to be a Resident Advisor for 28 girls entering George Fox University the following year. My Area Coordinator illuminated in me a desire to build deep community. I found myself pursuing another year in Residence Life, and was blessed with a new Area Coordinator. We became fast friends, and she hired me to work as her Assistant Area Coordinator for my senior year. Things were looking awesome, until I got to college fall semester to find that both of these two great mentors had moved on. That was a big shock, as they had shaped so much of my residence life experience. My time this year has had its challenges without their guidance. Recently, I found out that another mentor of mine who has been influential in my time here is moving on at the end of this month. I can’t help but ask, “Why now? Couldn’t they have stayed until I finished?” But, I already know that there is great purpose in their leaving. I’m excited to look back one day and confidently say, I now understand. God gives and takes away, but He is still good. Oh, as for my husband? I’m still waiting for him to show up. But, I’m not worried.
Throughout all of this I have learned that it’s little things that can change the whole trajectory of your life. Maybe you’ve already given to my trip. If so, I am SO grateful. Every bit helps, and I’m learning that daily. Maybe you’ve been waiting for just the right fundraiser. Well, let me introduce to you the “Be the Change” coin drive! I have 11 of these gorgeous jars (below), just waiting to be filled with your unwanted and unused coins (the ones that sit in your junk drawer, or in that cup holder in your car, or that you put in your pocket with the intention of putting somewhere only to find a year or so later that they nestled themselves in between your couch cushions). Put them in here instead! Let me know if you’re interested in finding a home for one of these jars! I will hand it off to you and collect them at the end of April!
“He who began a good work in us will carry it through to the day of completion.” -Philippians 1:6
