in not of

i am officially back in california. claremont to be specific. after a lot of thought, prayer and talking with those who are much wiser than myself, i felt God calling me home. there was a call to simplicity that i truly feel like i can only accomplish in this place. He is definitely working on me in ways that i don't quite understand yet. but what i do know, it that i feel very at peace and joyful about my decision and i thank my brothers and sisters in the missionary program for helping me find that place of consolation. i would also like to thank the entire LifeTeen family for giving me a wonderful opportunity to learn, minister and pray with them. God is wonderful things in that movement.

so now, i'm back in claremont. it still feels like home. probably always will. i'm preparing to return to my theological studies at loyola marymount university in the fall. i can't wait to get back into my studies. i had taken them for granted and had no clue how much those courses were feeding me both intellectually and spiritually. i have a much greater respect for my education now, having missed it so much.

another thing i took for granted was the community around me at home and loyola. returning to LA, i was welcomed with open arms and friendly faces. it was nice to know i was missed and still have a place. in my cynicism i failed to realized how much love there was in these places. i look forward to finding my place in these communities again, wherever that may be.

now, seeing as i'm doing...well...nothing, i'm job hunting and this economy is no joke. no one and i mean no one is hiring. in a time where you're lucky to keep your job, what are the odds of getting a new one? not good i'm afraid. so far, it's kinda been like walking up to a roulette table an saying, "put it all on...14."

but, as John tells us in his Gospel (which has been my prayer for so long), we must learn to be pruned and abide in God's love. it is there that we find the riches we seek and comfort we long for.

God be with those most affected by this economy and those who seek give aid, whether in policy or charity.