What in the world is next?!?!

Ok, so I fully realize that it has been a while since I have last updated my, at one time, very consistent blog. However, with the changes in my life as of late, I find that I have more time in which to continue pursuing my blogging goals so I hope that you will extend some grace to me in my efforts! So a lot has happened since I have last written and some who may be reading this update might know more than others so I will take this opportunity to try to get every one up to speed. As of today, when I looked at my final report card from Fuller Theological Seminary, and seeing satisfactory grades, I can say with confidence that I have finally finished and have now gained a Masters in Cross Cultural Studies from this fine institution!! About a month ago, I finished my classes, packed up my apartment, shipped my personal effects across the country and proceeded to move in with my lovely parents in Zeeland Michigan! Leaving Fuller was in a word... hard. It was hard to say good bye to all my dear friends, those who had walked with me through the challenging journey that is seminary, those who had laughed with me, ran with me, surfed with me, studied with me, ate In-N-Out with me, hiked with me, explored with me, and grew with me. It was hard to leave Fuller in all its intellectually challenging classes and discussions, its faculty and administration( who wants to leave the SIS Faculty, Dr. Mouw or Dr. Goldingay?!?) and even the papers and homework. It was hard to leave California as well! Though I don't miss the smog or the traffic for one second, California is an amazing state full of some of the coolest geology I have ever encountered! But alas... seasons of life must always come to an end and though this end is particularly sad, I look forward with anticipation as to where God is going to take me next.
So where, do you ask might that be? Well right now, Michigan. After that... the verdict is still out but I will let you know as soon as I know!With a particular scholarship that I received last year, I am required to serve internationally for two years, which is a sweet deal for me because that is what I want to do with my life anyway! However, I have a year and a half at the most to figure that out, so for now I am at home, and keeping my eyes and ears open to where God might be directing me.
So besides trying to discern where I am off to next, I thought I would like clue you into my exciting life in Michigan. When I first arrived I took some time to just chill out with my family. I went up to the cottage and just relaxed. I spent some time just catching up with my friends in the area. However, as you can imagine it wasn't long until I felt like I really needed to start filling my time! Considering that my two greatest joys are volleyball and youth, I was able to combine them by helping Unity Christians Volleyball program, by assisting a couple of the coaches! I also started looking for jobs.... you know the kind that you actually get paid to do! After applying a few places, and not successfully coming up with any thing, my next door neighbor asked me if I wanted to help him out at his irrigation company. So for about the past week and a half I have been helping to winterize sprinkler systems in the area! (For all of you who don't ever experience winters, that means blowing out water in the underground pipes so that the water doesn't break the pipes in the winter when it freezes) Its a good job for me since I love to be outdoors and it keeps me on my feet actively moving around. The most exciting thing however, has been the opportunity to teach a class in missions in a local church! On Wednesday nights I lead a group of stellar people as we explore missions and how we can better be Christ's hands and feet in this world. So all in all, home has been so good! Though I still have no clue where I'm going, or what is next, I am just enjoying that chance that God has given me to be home, to be with family, to work, and to breath deeply.