Today was like living a day in Michigan. Only we have mountains in Utah. The weather was cloudy, but it hot warm and humid and breezy. It was amazing.
Lately my days have been great and let me fill you in on what’s going on:
I got a new job. So I still work at the church. I still work at P.F. Chang’s. And now I work for an organization called Calcutta Mercy Ministries that runs schools, orphanages and hospitals in Calcutta, India. They provide free medical care for children undergoing leukemia treatment and thalassemia. They also send out short-term volunteers from all over the world. These are a few of the many things they do. Check it out here. I do administrative work about 8-10 hours a week. It’s honestly an answer to prayer because I was getting pretty burnt out working at Chang’s because even though I think it’s a great place and I can do ministry there, I feel like I’m only being monetarily fruitful when my heart wants to be useful for the kingdom. I was asking God to help open doors if he wanted me to work somewhere else and a few days later Robyn asked me if I’d be interested in taking another job. This is perfect because I can keep my job at Chang’s (the breadwinner of the three occupations), but still do something that is making an impact.
Last night I had an amazing time with my students at K2. We did an exercise last week that placed the students in different classes (upper, middle, lower class) and wanted to show them the injustice of how people all over the world live. They walked away with tangible ways they could make an impact. Last night when they returned they had all sorts of stories of what they did in the past week that helped make a difference. I was incredibly proud and felt like it was something that really stuck with them.
This past weekend was the Dreamcenter Gala and it was a complete success! The Gala raised probably around $60,000 that will go directly to the Dreamcenter. The Dreamcenter offers after school tutoring and activities, meals and groceries, compassion and care, and so much more to the refugee communities in Salt Lake City who would go mostly unnoticed without them. (Another highlight: after I left set up crew in the morning we passed the entire Houston Rockets team as they were walking into Salt Lake’s only 5 star hotel. It was incredible! I touched Yao Ming.)
Travel plans:
- California July 2 – 5. This is going to be a short trip and really compacted so I’m not sure if I’ll get to spend time with any/all of you. Please don’t hate me. I’ll make a longer trip sometime in the end of the summer.
- Michigan July 20 – 27. (Woohoo!)
- Oregon. August (sometime). I’ll be hangin with the sis, hopefully visiting Jo and Todd, and checking out Portland State for a potential grad school.
Thanks for all your prayers and love. It’s so incredibly appreciated as I try to figure out what is next in this season of life. Miss and care about you all!
Peace,
Cat
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Save your mind, read a book
Just finished Escape by Carolyn Jessop. Great read. I think everyone should read about it, especially in light of the recent raid of the Yearning For Zion camp in Texas. That's all for now...
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
So glad I live in a fishbowl!
I am sick yet again. I really, really hate being sick. But despite the pounding headache, the relentless cough, the ears being plugged and throbbing, and the constant snot (so gross I know), today was actually a good day.
Today I indulged in some "sick traditions." I watched Empire Records (a movie I discovered when I was home sick one day from school making it what it is today: my token sick movie). I read The Giver (a comforting quick read). The only thing I lacked of my traditions was my Red Wings sweatshirt. It's at home in my sister's closet.
So I was reading The Giver, a book I've read dozens upon dozens of times, and something stood out to me that never had before. Here is an excerpt:
"Jonas nodded. "I liked the feeling of love," he confessed... "I wish we still had that. Of course I do understand that it wouldn't work very well. And that it's much better to be organized the way we are now. I can see that it was a dangerous way to live."
"What do you mean?"
Jonas hesitated. He wasn't certain, really, what he had meant. He could feel that there was risk involved, though he wasn't sure how."
I think you need to read the entire book in order to better understand how this passage hit me, but I love it because there is risk in love. And yes, making the community in the story completely safe was a way to make sure no one was hurt. But in keeping people from pain, they sacrificed love.
It makes that old cliche so true: Tis better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. Love is a risk, but it's well worth it, don't you think?
Peace,
Cat
Today I indulged in some "sick traditions." I watched Empire Records (a movie I discovered when I was home sick one day from school making it what it is today: my token sick movie). I read The Giver (a comforting quick read). The only thing I lacked of my traditions was my Red Wings sweatshirt. It's at home in my sister's closet.
So I was reading The Giver, a book I've read dozens upon dozens of times, and something stood out to me that never had before. Here is an excerpt:
"Jonas nodded. "I liked the feeling of love," he confessed... "I wish we still had that. Of course I do understand that it wouldn't work very well. And that it's much better to be organized the way we are now. I can see that it was a dangerous way to live."
"What do you mean?"
Jonas hesitated. He wasn't certain, really, what he had meant. He could feel that there was risk involved, though he wasn't sure how."
I think you need to read the entire book in order to better understand how this passage hit me, but I love it because there is risk in love. And yes, making the community in the story completely safe was a way to make sure no one was hurt. But in keeping people from pain, they sacrificed love.
It makes that old cliche so true: Tis better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. Love is a risk, but it's well worth it, don't you think?
Peace,
Cat
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Going back to college to work at a college
I love Utah. Specifically, I love Salt Lake City, I love my roommates, I love my students, and I love my church. I've told many of you that one of the hardest things to do was leave Moorpark Pres. I loved that church and spent twenty years of my life making that home. K2 was a rough transition because it was like starting from scratch. Just over 8 months later, I can honestly say that that place is home. I am blessed to have such amazing, humble, and good hearted leadership and especially to be working under them. The people I know there have quickly become my family. All I can say is God is good, and I don't know where I'd be without the K2 community.
My students continually amaze me. I am awed by the ways in which I've gotten to see them grow, and incredibly thankful to God that He has allowed me to be a part of their lives. Crazy... However, I have decided that youth ministry at a church is not where I belong full time. But...
About a month ago I got to talking with someone at church and it turned out that she is on orientation staff at the University of Utah (aka "The U"). As soon as she told me what she did I lit up. "Orientation staff?!" Many of you know that I loved being on orientation staff at APU with Alpha. There are two things that I did in college where I know God was calling me and I felt he was really able to use me. Those two things were Utah ministry and Alpha. I asked Michelle if we could meet up and talk about her job. We got together this past week and I just asked her question after question about her job at the U and the other universities she's worked at. I asked her about her grad program, getting jobs in higher education and pretty much everything under the sun.
After my time with her, I feel really good about going back to grad school and getting my master's in a higher education/student affairs program. This summer I'm focusing on taking the GRE, looking into different schools (right now I'm looking at the U, Portland State University, and Colorado State University), and continuing to pray for God's guidance and affirmation in this endeavor. If I decide this is what I want then I'll be heading to grad school - wherever that may be - in the fall of 2009.
So that's my life! Can you see me working in higher education? I welcome any input.
Peace,
Cat
My students continually amaze me. I am awed by the ways in which I've gotten to see them grow, and incredibly thankful to God that He has allowed me to be a part of their lives. Crazy... However, I have decided that youth ministry at a church is not where I belong full time. But...
About a month ago I got to talking with someone at church and it turned out that she is on orientation staff at the University of Utah (aka "The U"). As soon as she told me what she did I lit up. "Orientation staff?!" Many of you know that I loved being on orientation staff at APU with Alpha. There are two things that I did in college where I know God was calling me and I felt he was really able to use me. Those two things were Utah ministry and Alpha. I asked Michelle if we could meet up and talk about her job. We got together this past week and I just asked her question after question about her job at the U and the other universities she's worked at. I asked her about her grad program, getting jobs in higher education and pretty much everything under the sun.
After my time with her, I feel really good about going back to grad school and getting my master's in a higher education/student affairs program. This summer I'm focusing on taking the GRE, looking into different schools (right now I'm looking at the U, Portland State University, and Colorado State University), and continuing to pray for God's guidance and affirmation in this endeavor. If I decide this is what I want then I'll be heading to grad school - wherever that may be - in the fall of 2009.
So that's my life! Can you see me working in higher education? I welcome any input.
Peace,
Cat
Sunday, January 13, 2008
A long awaited update...
Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Let me update you on life...
Well I am still greatly enjoying life in Salt Lake City. Christmas vacation was wonderful. It was so much fun to be back in California and see friends and family. I miss everyone tremendously. I loved spending some time in Azusa, going to a Ducks game, and spending a ridiculous 4 hours at Islands. Definitely good times. Leaving was tough. I thought I would be super emotional, but I realized I mostly just wanted to spend more time with my sister and Ron rather than stay in California. So coming back to SLC felt like home, and I'm so glad for that.
It has been so nice settling back into routine here. K2 continues to be a blessing in so many ways. I feel a renewal of spirit as I prepare to step back into my role there. (We resume tomorrow.) I can't wait to witness God's work in the youth ministry at K2. K2 has been unique for me because God is teaching me to worship in new and creative ways that I wouldn't have imagined before. Now I want to help my students know God, not just know about him. Prayer would be much appreciated.
The snow is so much fun! I really like living in winter. Yesterday was in the low forties and I felt like throwing a tank top on. It was so nice out! Next weekend a few of us are going snow shoeing, and the weekend after I am probably going to learn how to snowboard. The snow brings some awesome and fun opportunities!!
Well I am greatly encouraging anyone and everyone to come take advantage of free lodging if you come experience the greatest snow on earth (according to my license plate). So everyone... grab a couple people, hop in your car, and come to Salt Lake. Hurry hurry!
As I wrap this up some prayer requests are: Roommates and the continuous struggle of us all living on our own; clarity and guidance as I seek out what this next year will look like now that I am nearing the halfway mark of my internship; continued motivation to serve God and God alone through my internship.
Thanks everyone for your continued reading. We get internet at our house this week so then I should be updating more frequently!
Peace,
Cat
(And what would an update be without a few pictures?)
My car covered in the first big snow. I was house sitting at Tricia's (where I used to live) and got my car stuck in her driveway because shoveling had not yet occurred to me.
These next two were taken when five of us went on a little trip to Temple Square to look at the Christmas lights. Temple Square really is beautiful with the lights!
Well I am still greatly enjoying life in Salt Lake City. Christmas vacation was wonderful. It was so much fun to be back in California and see friends and family. I miss everyone tremendously. I loved spending some time in Azusa, going to a Ducks game, and spending a ridiculous 4 hours at Islands. Definitely good times. Leaving was tough. I thought I would be super emotional, but I realized I mostly just wanted to spend more time with my sister and Ron rather than stay in California. So coming back to SLC felt like home, and I'm so glad for that.
It has been so nice settling back into routine here. K2 continues to be a blessing in so many ways. I feel a renewal of spirit as I prepare to step back into my role there. (We resume tomorrow.) I can't wait to witness God's work in the youth ministry at K2. K2 has been unique for me because God is teaching me to worship in new and creative ways that I wouldn't have imagined before. Now I want to help my students know God, not just know about him. Prayer would be much appreciated.
The snow is so much fun! I really like living in winter. Yesterday was in the low forties and I felt like throwing a tank top on. It was so nice out! Next weekend a few of us are going snow shoeing, and the weekend after I am probably going to learn how to snowboard. The snow brings some awesome and fun opportunities!!
Well I am greatly encouraging anyone and everyone to come take advantage of free lodging if you come experience the greatest snow on earth (according to my license plate). So everyone... grab a couple people, hop in your car, and come to Salt Lake. Hurry hurry!
As I wrap this up some prayer requests are: Roommates and the continuous struggle of us all living on our own; clarity and guidance as I seek out what this next year will look like now that I am nearing the halfway mark of my internship; continued motivation to serve God and God alone through my internship.
Thanks everyone for your continued reading. We get internet at our house this week so then I should be updating more frequently!
Peace,
Cat
(And what would an update be without a few pictures?)
My car covered in the first big snow. I was house sitting at Tricia's (where I used to live) and got my car stuck in her driveway because shoveling had not yet occurred to me.
These next two were taken when five of us went on a little trip to Temple Square to look at the Christmas lights. Temple Square really is beautiful with the lights!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
I have a gazillion pics of the new place and of people. So here they are. Oh, and quick update: Thanksgiving was awesome and it's currently 33 degrees outside and we're coming up on noon. Craziness...
my bedroom... still needing some furniture
the new place
my car is officially UTAH
roommates and friends (yes... finally chipotle!)
THANKSGIVING!!!
my bedroom... still needing some furniture
the new place
my car is officially UTAH
roommates and friends (yes... finally chipotle!)
THANKSGIVING!!!
Friday, November 9, 2007
It's November in Utah!!
Okay.. I know it's been forever since I last wrote!! Update?
Well, Robyn, Jill and I moved into our new place in Salt Lake City. It's pretty close to downtown. New address:
654 Ely Place
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
We've been there since the end of October, and it's still coming along, but definitely looking more like home. I do miss living with Tricia though. The bummer thing about our new place is our loud loud loud neighbors and their loud loud loud dog! Also, I don't have internet there so if you send me emails it may be a bit before I can get back to you. I'll post pictures of the new place soon too!
K2: I don't know what to say to update on K2 except for that it keeps getting better. My students are amazing, but I am constantly learning how to best love them and teach them. It's true that you learn so much more through experience than through the books. I still dont' know if this is what I want to do forever, but for the moment God is using my job to teach me so much. I'm soaking up the wisdom.
PF Chang's: I wish I would have more time, but I like working there for the most part. It gets tiring though. And I wish I had more time with my students. More time to devote to K2. But I really feel like I've been blessed with that job even if my managers are crazy.
I'm looking forward to winter. It's supposed to start getting a lot colder out here and it's supposed to storm on Sunday. Maybe get some real snow!! Bring it on Utah! The leaves out here are beautiful, but they are all falling on top of my car. But I love the crunch crunch sound when you walk over them. Seriously... real seasons are awesome!
My mom is coming to visit me this weekend as well. I'm really excited to see her and get a bit of home. My sister coming at the end of October was amazing! I miss her so much. It was great to spend time with her.
I'll try to update some more later with pictures. Sorry I don't get to update very often! Miss you all a lot!
Peace,
Cat
Well, Robyn, Jill and I moved into our new place in Salt Lake City. It's pretty close to downtown. New address:
654 Ely Place
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
We've been there since the end of October, and it's still coming along, but definitely looking more like home. I do miss living with Tricia though. The bummer thing about our new place is our loud loud loud neighbors and their loud loud loud dog! Also, I don't have internet there so if you send me emails it may be a bit before I can get back to you. I'll post pictures of the new place soon too!
K2: I don't know what to say to update on K2 except for that it keeps getting better. My students are amazing, but I am constantly learning how to best love them and teach them. It's true that you learn so much more through experience than through the books. I still dont' know if this is what I want to do forever, but for the moment God is using my job to teach me so much. I'm soaking up the wisdom.
PF Chang's: I wish I would have more time, but I like working there for the most part. It gets tiring though. And I wish I had more time with my students. More time to devote to K2. But I really feel like I've been blessed with that job even if my managers are crazy.
I'm looking forward to winter. It's supposed to start getting a lot colder out here and it's supposed to storm on Sunday. Maybe get some real snow!! Bring it on Utah! The leaves out here are beautiful, but they are all falling on top of my car. But I love the crunch crunch sound when you walk over them. Seriously... real seasons are awesome!
My mom is coming to visit me this weekend as well. I'm really excited to see her and get a bit of home. My sister coming at the end of October was amazing! I miss her so much. It was great to spend time with her.
I'll try to update some more later with pictures. Sorry I don't get to update very often! Miss you all a lot!
Peace,
Cat
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