Cultivating Community

        One of the most valuable words of wisdom that Chau and I received upon leaving Southern California, was to get planted in a church right away up in Portland to cultivate a community.




        Growing up I have to say that I was surrounded by community. On a daily basis, I would run into someone I knew, grew up with, attended school with, someone who knew my mom, dad, brother, more specifically my mom from 2 weeks ago, a year ago, from college, high school, junior high, etc.; They may have had my grandma as a teacher, lived on the same block growing up, met in the grocery store- well you get the idea...I was well known through my family,  and there was 2 degrees of separation rather than 6 (kevin Bacon was my next door neighbor.... J/K) To give you another idea, one time I was at work at a store in Upland, and a man came in and asked if I was Joanne's daughter...I did not know this man and he did not know my name, nor where I came from, but knew I looked like my mom- turns out he went to high school with her. All this to say, once in college, it was a weird thing to not be immersed in this interconnected community. I felt alienated in a way, which I am sure a lot of people go through this, but it was definitely a new challenge to feel like myself with out the huge network of people who knew so & so in my family.
   I learned how to grow into myself, and find my own community, but again as time went by, friends left to move back home and before I knew it I was graduating and yet again looking for community.
When I met Chau there was a very different story with him and his experience with community. I met Chau and immediately became apart of his community- He has been very blessed since high school to have a solid group of people who have walked continually through life with him. I have seen how each person has invested and valued a friendship with him. This was a very blessed experience for me, because I truly believe this is what Jesus modeled for us to live life like. I desired this and was able to experience interaction like this with our church Life group and loved and valued every moment of it (I definitely miss it).
   Presently, Chau and I are in the midst of redefining what Community is and where we should continue to seek. We are very thankful for having such a strong background reference of community, but also have some things to sort out as far as what this looks like in Portland. Has anyone struggled with this that has any tips or suggestions?I am not sure if people can actually respond to our blog, but if you can I would love some feedback on this, or you can email us @ both510@icloud.com ...Our main struggle (at least mine), is trying to let go of our last experience {as far as the expectations that it should be exactly same:)} and being patient to cultivate a healthy experience with new people. Prayers would be appreciated. Even though we are meeting people through work/ other people, it can be a lonely process not having a good Christian support group locally. I can totally identify with the Corinthian's need for Paul's letters and his need for their support now....Thanks for faithfully keeping up with us- you all definitely help us to know we are supported from afar!

Time is a funny thing...

   It's been nice despite the job search, to be able to have time to slow down a bit, and go through a number of boxes that have needed to be sorted through for quite a while. Even though there has been more time for this, it seems as though time has flown by. We are going into our fourth month up here and I can't believe it. I never thought the transition of moving to a new area would be smooth, but I have to say, beside the job search pitfalls with me, this transition has been a good one, with still a lot to discover and experience.
  I think the best part about this experience so far is seeing God's hand in our lives, relationship, friends and in His timing. We miss the comforts and familiarity of  what was home to us for 29 years, our families, and friends, but have seen how God even provides little comforts or reminders of what we need and gives to us when we need it. We have also seen how our true hearted friends have been encouraging and supportive, while giving us grace in this major transition. It has been such a blessing to hear from them, and be encouraged!
  One of the best blessings was to get to see some of you and my family two weeks ago, I guess it just makes us not feel so far away, when people you love come to visit! I look forward to many more friends and family coming through Portland, and for our trips down to Cali- to visit as well. I know that there will be stability soon, and Chau and I look forward to that day to be able to see our dreams come to life up here even more, or where ever God may lead us. :) Time will tell what it is that I am meant to pursue, same with Chau, and we are definitely excited to be walking with Him in this process, even if it seems like time feels slow but is actually passing quickly.
   

Life... full circle

     I swear I will be better at writing this blog on a more consistent basis. I thought since I do not have a full time job yet, that it would be easier to fill my time with blogging. This has obviously not been the case and I will work on that!
    As of now I have to say that the last two weeks have been filled with stress, joy and exhaustion. I loved being apart of my Cousin's wedding party, celebrating with her the new commitment she has been preparing for (for well over a year) finally come to fruition! Seeing my loving family and getting precious time after years of business, to sit down and spend it talking and updating.

STRESS: Is waiting to hear back multiple times for a job that I was looking forward to, getting the opportunity to go on a 4th interview (after two months of waiting) the day of the rehearsal of my cousin's wedding. Waiting again to hear back only to find out that they decided to go with someone else. Needless to say I am feeling a bit exhausted, but strangely still feeling joyful, and hopeful that we are heading in the right direction. Don't get me wrong, I am definitely disappointed and wish I knew the Why's of all the unknown reasons as to our current situation, but I am joyful that I have a husband who looks to God as knowing the reasons being good enough. As well as, that he encourages me to know that the disappointments in what we expect are not disappointments to God, rather it's a directive from God that he wants us somewhere else. For me I am not entirely sure where that is anymore (career wise). From my perspective, I have worked hard to become a teacher, or at least to work in the education field. I have a passion for working with individuals to help them achieve their greatest potential in the now, as well as, long term. I have my credential in k-8th with single subject specialties, my Masters in Education, and no job to validate all the education and time I have put into this field. However, I still love being around kids, and interacting with adults who want to better their lives with education. I seem to keep running into dead ends. I also am wondering if this is still my passion. Maybe this move up to Oregon is to show me that there is something out there that will fulfill me more that what I could have expected or wanted in the education field. Earlier on I wrote about looking into Occupational Therapy, and I am starting to think (rationally or irrationally) that this may be a direction I should dig deeper into, to see if there is something in this field that is meant specifically for me. Regardless of what direction I go, I pray that I am seeking God continually to allow for me to end up where He needs me. Prayers are appreciated for this as well!

 

JOY: Is seeing my cousin get married to her fiancé/now husband! And in return be able to see most of my family that I have not seen in three months or more likely years! I am joyful that I was able to sit and catch up with my Cousins, my Aunts, my Brother, and my Mom, Jay, Kim, and Jason. Nothing is more satisfying then being able to catch up on life with those you love. God provides even in the midst of stress and an overwhelming feeling of deadlines to make something like a wedding and gathering of people from all over the United States come inline to make it a joyful event. On another note, Chau was told by his managers that they are looking to start him on the manager track and have asked him to take the test this Friday to get him started in the right direction. All this to say we are still sorting out our thoughts about this, but definitely feel thankful that he is being recognized for his hard work and dedication to the job. In fact he was just surprised with an award and pin for his 5 years of service with the company yesterday.

EXHAUSTION: After all I have been apart of and the sense of not knowing what direction I am headed, I am feeling exhausted emotionally. Yet I know that there is more to come, both the good and the bad. I also know that I have much to learn about being content with the "right now" instead of trying to steal a glance at God's future for me. This has been a tough lesson for a planner like me... yet I know that God created me to be me, and that there is definitely a fulfilling career for me out there, I just have more adventures to partake in before I get there.

I hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July! We will be watching the Music Man and The Sandlot as our tradition stands!

Moving Forward

    Over the past two weeks I have helped celebrate/prepare for the beginning of an upcoming Marriage, celebrated our third anniversary:), had three interviews (two with one company, and one with a new prospective job,  been cleared for teaching/ substituting up here (finally), met new friends, grieved for an old friend who passed away suddenly, celebrated birthdays, and have most recently gone through a remodel at Starbucks, AND received a call back for a second/third interview for a full time position for which I am really hoping. Needless to say, I have been a bit busy with change. Chau has also had his run in with change and moving forward. He has been assigned a work route that is conveniently not too far from our neighborhood and is enjoying the short commute!
   Although this time has been challenging up here, with out two full time jobs, and the adjustment to the way of life in Oregon, it now feels as if things are falling into place. I still have to wait to see where I will be working full time, but I am seeing things move forward, which has a weird way of settling my spirit and boosting my hope. Even though there are still irritations and disappointments, it becomes less despairing when I feel like change is coming. It seems as though God's timing, his pathways and lessons are continually preparing the way to help us adapt and move in the right direction daily.
  If you would, please pray for my third interview coming up at an unknown (hopefully near) date. I am really excited for this opportunity to work for a company whose main goal is to encourage and help guide students to their goal of graduating. I am looking forward to the possibility of having some type of job stability and routine up here:). On another note, this weekend, in celebration of our three years together, we are taking a train tour for the day of Hood River and Mt. Hood. We feel so blessed and are excited to explore more of this beautiful environment in which we live!
                                    

   
  

The rain has arrived...

   It seems as though so much can change in a short amount of time, however, that short amount of time can seem like it lasts months. Chau and I have been learning what it means to wait, in all aspects of the word.  We have seen the depth of what it means to live for God and not by the standards of this world, to lean on our community and have hope in things not yet seen. In general, as a person, you want to say that the tough times (where you have no control), are the worst and you would not wish it on anyone. I have come to understand that these tough times are what really makes people learn what it means to be real, to learn, to grow in compassion and empathy. When God calls us to live life with others, where we cry, laugh, experience joy and pain, I believe without experiencing the depth of these emotions, we cannot authentically unite with our brothers and sisters with the same perspective.   
     I know that Chau and I individually have grown up differently, with different life experiences, however, going through a major life change together, where it calls us to fully trust in God and his timing, helps us to grow both individually and as one. I have learned so much from him and his life growing up, which has began to open up my perspective to better empathize with his emotions and way of living (I would not have had this experience with out these tough times of waiting). I have also seen how community has helped me in my greatest time of need, feeling now somewhat isolated from my friends and family at home and going through yet another year with out my dad.
   All of this waiting has felt like a rain storm where things seem to continually fall, with out a way to stop it, but trusting in God's promises and to know that the rain will subside and at the end a beautiful rainbow, along with the endless variety of living things (including us) that have benefited from the much needed rain. With out rain (provided by God) life would suffer, (life dependent on Gods provision). Without the tough times, we would not realize the depth of how we need and depend on God and his perfect timing. Overall, we feel blessed and see God's hand in each chapter, each moment of uncertainty and are grateful for all of your support and prayers. God is using you in our lives in great ways!

picture taken 5/24/13

~More soon to come...

Settling in...

    Last week was a full week full of fun and new beginnings. On my birthday, Chau surprised me with dinner in downtown Portland, at Deschutes Brewery (below) where my cousin Carrie, her fiancé Andrew, their friend Mike and my friends Quint and Dacia were waiting to celebrate with me. I had no idea, but loved that they all drove out to spend time wishing me a happy birthday! It was nice to have a group up here (which I was not thinking would be happening on a weeknight, and for the amount of time we have been here) for this year's birthday. I definitely felt special:).

      Since my birthday I have worked everyday. The people I work with have been super nice and have welcomed me. I enjoy working again and I have to say that I feel that Chau (Bella) and I are settling in well. We still have our challenges, but for the most part we are learning more than ever, that the important things in life are worth the challenge. Also, by going through the tough times, the value of what we are working hard for becomes priceless due to the lessons, bonding and faith that is caused by the hard times.

Birthday Week!

   I  am going to try to update this blog more often, it has been a bit mundane with out working...but as of last week, I was offered two different jobs, one with Beaverton School District, as a substitute and one at Starbucks. I have officially started to work in Oregon as of today! God is good and faithful. This week is also my birthday and I have been enjoying the sunny spring weather with cool breezes and long sunshiny days!
   This past weekend Chau and I took Bella to Seaside Beach (about an hour and a half away), where we ended up taking Bella to the water and she LOVED it! Luckily we found a retractible leash on sale a few days before our trip because she took off toward the water like she was returning home. I never knew how much joy that could bring me. She took to it well and started jumping over the waves coming at her, and then would bite at it deeper and deeper until the leash slack ran out. Here is a picture...

    We had such a great day, and Bella definitely found her favorite place. Later on we checked out a couple other places and went to meet up with some friends at another beach about 10 minutes away to have dinner and let Bella run into the ocean once again. We had a blast and really enjoyed adventuring around on the coast. Sunday was a day of relaxing, the weather was amazing again, and we ended up doing nothing. Bella, after her water escapades, was beat and would not even get up to go on a walk. Don't worry, she has fully recovered. 

     I look forward to this week, yesterday it was 86 degrees... and it doesn't look like it will cool down any time soon (I thought we moved to a cooler/ rainy climate). Today I have off to enjoy my birthday and then continue on with working up here and feeling like things are headed back to normal. I feel good about life and am looking forward to what is to come! Please feel free to comment or ask questions, as I continue to update more often, I would like to hear from all of you!