Blessed and Ready-er

Summer has arrived... for some of us. Sorry Cal Poly and public schools, but Cuesta is out for summer! For me, I am out of Cuesta forever! I just graduated with my AA and am set up to transfer the fall I get back from Costa Rica. My fervent need for change and newness has remained in my system, though now it is simmering not boiling. Thankfully too, I aim to enjoy all that the Central Coast before I leave it for such a long time.
Here are a few updates for those following my preparation in leaving. First, I bought a plane ticket!! That was a huge step for me, but I am so peaceful about it! I felt like in the buying of that ticket there was no turning back. None. Somehow, I am really confident in that truth! This is a picture of me right after I bought it, as you can tell I am quite thrilled.

Then, I started to think about how I didn't have a good bag to take! So this started a little shopping and I bought two amazing bags that I love! Again, the excitement was too great and I had to take another #selfie :)

I am just so thrilled with all of it. The ticket, the bags, the adventure, and to be honest the summer too. I'll be backpacking, counseling a group of high school girls at Hume with my church, camping with family, and going to a sewing class with my aunt (all before I leave on August 1st). So many sweet and fun things to do by His good grace, I am so blessed to enjoy it all. 

A Perfect Gift

It's that time. The spring-fling, summer-fun, plan-making, time of the year. Maybe it's the flowers blooming -- that released energy into the air combined with the sun that makings us all move a little slower in body and a little faster in mind. It is an oxymoron in nature that as things slow down from the heat, they quicken up from the energy of the season. I'm not sure why. We sleep less, do more, and are more restless and bored than ever. And boy am I feeling it this year. Three weddings this spring. One being my brothers (I was a bridesmaid too). It has already passed 95 degrees this April. My trip is in full planning swing. And. to top all that off, I am more restless than I think I have ever been.

I don't know why it hit me with such force today. Wait, I do. But the why isn't the real issue, it's more the symptom. Today I finally said the words I have heard buzzing since high school but never said myself, "I have to get out of Atascadero. NOW!" Yes, I am there.

Well, it's about time I guess! I just got my packet of info from Portantorchas. I now know about dress codes and meal times and ministry projects and traveling and so much more. Nothing was imperative for me to know and nothing really helped with planning, but I promised to tell when I got it, and I did. As far as the big questions I am still as clueless as before. But, I will be purchasing my plane ticket this week. And, starting to buy little things like new sandals. I may even go rummage through my friend's stuff to find her rain coat this week (thanks Sarah!).

It's safe to say that I'm ready. God is so gracious to provide an amazing opportunity at the exact right time that I am begging to get out. He knew what I needed and is giving it to me. Like Pastor Tom preached today, "every good and perfect gift comes from above." I believe this is one of those gifts wrapped up in the paper of timing and mercy.