Love & hugs from San Diego! So yeah, you may be
wondering how Ashley’s doing in San Diego and probably desiring pictures in
hopes that your support wasn’t just a scam. And lucky for you, it wasn’t. I
just am a horrible picture taker. J
I arrived in San Diego at 1pm. Cali time on Friday (IN is 3
hours ahead.) It wasn’t until I got to Terminal B of Indianapolis Nat’l Airport
that I realized that I’m really doing this. I’m jumping all in and there’s no
going back. It’s scary, but, in a good way. Jet lag has been working in my
favor as the past few days I have naturally gotten up at 7:30 am to workout, so
that’s been goooood!
San Diego is gorgeous. Neither pictures nor I could possibly
do it justice. San Diego State University (SDSU) is such a diverse campus. Fun
fact: Bring It On was filmed here, that’s just how special it is. I get to live
with 4 lovely roommates {Jordan, Megan, Molly, & Lexi} in a 2-bedroom
apartment. Half of our lights may not work all the time and there may be razors
at the bottom of the swimming pool, but hey that’s okay, the advantages
outweigh the disadvantages. :) Living in Christian community is not something I
have experienced before and it’s so good. We live in the apt we named I.H.O.T.
(International House of Tortillas) because indeed tortillas are a popular food
choice in our kitchen- we’re just
immersing ourselves in the culture. haha
This is only the 3rd day here and already so much
has happened. Getting to know everybody on this trip has been so encouraging –
I get to team up with some really wonderful people all will with the same
mission to serve the Lord. We are blessed with the opportunity to partner
alongside with Christ to launch this Destino movement for the Latino
population. I am with 14 university students and 5 staff members.
Over the past few days we have been getting to know the
campus and the students. Today we went out just to start conversations and I
was a bit scared about randomly talking
to people, I thought it would be awkward… but it turned into a really positive
experience! It’s a process, but I believe God is training to give my fears to
Him and lean on His understanding rather than my own. The truth is, me on my
own will never be enough. However, Jesus covers makes up for the multitude of
my inadequacies. I just don’t want to screw it up, but I know sharing God’s
love even if it’s not smooth the first time is not something I will be
regretting. I still have lots to learn and I am excited to do so! I’m walking
with God one day at a time and not worrying about tomorrow.
{“I may be weak, but Your spirit’s strong in me. My flesh
may fail, but my God You never will. Give me faith to trust what You say that
Your good & Your love is great. I’m broken inside & I give you my
life.”}
Also, we got to experience a church service all in Spanish -
it was super cool!! Worshiping God in another language is not something I had
experienced before and it was powerful. The pastor was a man who is blind and
based on his mannerisms you would have not even known. He was on fire for Jesus
and everybody in the congregation were so welcoming – the Latino way of course.
I truly can’t write what I have experienced thus far into
words. I just can say that God has been working in big ways and He is going to
blow us out of the water this summer. I am humbled to be here and I am so
excited!!!!
An overview of the highlights that I haven’t previously
mention include: walking 3 miles for Fro-Yo, public transportation system,
watching “Hands on Hardbody” (a REAL documentary made in the 90’s about a car
dealership in KY who gave a truck to the person in the contest who could place
their hand on the truck for the longest – the record is 100 hours) –
entertaining to say the least, brinner, going to the wonderful pool at the Rec
Center, & lastly the grocery store called Vons. So yeah, it’s been great. J Our schedule is really
packed so I’m not sure the next time I will be able to write a blog entry, but
until then…
Ways you can pray:
-
Growing in our faith & trusting in Him fully
-
Hearts of the Latino students on this campus
-
God’s wisdom to be within us
-
Community we will be experiencing
Thanks for your support!! I may just never leave San Diego.
It’s perfect. J
God’s working in BIG ways.
Mucho amor,
Ashley
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