Unofficially a Washington Resident

Well, this post is so overdue this is embarrassing.  A LOT has happened since I last blogged, and if you know me much at all, then this post will serve as an obligatory recap more than a deep thought on current events.

1.  I finished three wonderful years of coursework at Fuller Theological Seminary.  I have two Masters degrees to show for it, but more than that, a new sense of self, a new community of friends now spreading out all across the globe, and some very full iphoto folders filled with beautiful pictures that each represent breathtaking moments and silly memories.  To say these past three years were “full” or “rich” would be an understatement.

2.  I said goodbye to so many close friends (friends I consider family), to the wonderful view of the San Gabriel mountains I had from my 5th floor apartment and to the warm California sunshine and sunsets over the beach.  I’ve been discovering my true self over the past three years, and dreaming of what kind of life I am purposed for, and now I am faced with the difficult and wonderful part of the journey where I step into some of those things.  This is all well and good, but oh how I wish it didn’t involve so much loss too!  I said “goodbye” on September 17th when I left Pasadena in my Uhaul, but I’m still saying goodbye today, and I imagine the goodbyes will continue for a while.

3.  I logged in over 1,100 miles in a four-day roadtrip that included stops to see friends and family in Fresno, Sacramento and Portland before landing in University Place, WA.  Thanks to the company of my friend Janice and an activity bag from my friend Kacy, the time flew by.

4.  I started working again!  For those who don’t know, I moved up here to work as an Education and Life Skills Research Coordinator for World Vision International.  The organization is massive, with over 44,000 employees in more than 100 countries worldwide, so as you can imagine it is taking some time to get my bearings and find my place.  But there are days when I am reminded of the incredible work we do and am so glad to be a part of it.

5.  I’ve explored Seattle little bit – the city really is beautiful and there are tons of fun places to visit.  I’m enjoying spending time with the few friends I have up here and am considering moving into Seattle proper in the near future.  I’ve gone to a Mariner’s game, embraced the Fall season with a visit to a pumpkin patch, caught an indie-folk concert, and have ventured into a good amount of the many beautiful neighborhoods and districts around the city.  Keep praying for my search for a church and a more permanent home – those things are hard to find and my future location is still up in the air.

6.  I unsuccessfully attempted to acquire a WA state driver’s license, at which point I was told that I did not have enough valid documents to prove my residency here.  I tried to explain to the guy that I didn’t even want a WA license, and that I preferred to pretend I still lived in California anyway, but he was not appeased.  So, for now, I am unofficial…but I am here.

Here are a few pics from the past month or so: