This summer was a rather busy summer. I was the assistant director for our Vacation Bible School program at our school which kept me busy for the majority of July. I also went camping for a week in the sweet mountains in Utah for work with my foster boys. It was really great and liberating to be in nature and go camping underneath the stars. It had been a really long time. There were a handful of graduations I attended this summer so that had me going out of town quite often... which I loved. In the midst of all of these projects and activities I was apart of, I worked.... I worked a lot. That alone kept me busy.
Now Fall is here I couldn't be happier. It's my absolute favorite season and I want it to last just a bit longer.
But here are some changes that have been taking place recently.
1. I have recently been appointed a couple of major leadership positions in the church and I am extremely happy about that. I am so happy knowing that I have been appointed positions in the church that will help bring others closer to Christ in some way. I feel honored and humbled to be entrusted to take on these roles by my church leaders.
2. My roommate from college is getting married and I'm the maid of honor! I am so happy for her and she deserves the best and feel so blessed to be apart of her special day. Wedding will be taking place next month in California. Stoked to be friends with her. Love you, Katelyn :)
4. Sooo I started up a "Jenn's Travel Fund" a few months back so I would be able to plan a trip to leave the country when the opportunity presented itself and now I get to use it! I'm GOING TO IRELAND!!!! Tis true! Ireland has been #1 on my bucket list of places to go visit since I was about 15 so I am glad that it is finally coming true. My gal pal Rachael and I will be going in the spring! I am also planning a trip to Chicago for a few days in February for the ONE project. Looking forward to visiting one of my favorite cities. Yay for traveling :)
5. Work is going well. I can't believe that I've already been there for almost 10 months now. There are days that I ask myself "What did I get myself into?" and there are some days that I remind myself "THAT'S WHY." I just got an evaluation by my supervisor a couple weeks ago and I appreciated the positive feedback. Guess I'm doin somethin right. Can't take the credit though. Super thankful that I have a God that hooks a sister up with knowledge and stuff. Note: If you are curious to know what I do for work, read previous posts.
6. Thanksgiving this year was wonderful. Hung out with some friends in the outdoors with some great weather in the morning then had family over for Thanskgiving dinner (YUM tofu turkey!). With everything that I deal with in my job, I was extra thankful this year for the things that I do have in my life. I am thankful for a God that has my best interest at heart ALWAYS and that He has the answer for everything because I am one gal with A LOT of questions. I am also thankful for family. I have taken family for granted in the past but after working at my job, I have a new appreciation for family and I am thankful for that, especially knowing that there are so many kids in the world that don't have that. I am also thankful for positive friendships in my life. I am the woman that I am because of these three things: God, family, and positive and healthy friendships. The Lord really blesses me even though I don't deserve it. Amazing.
7. I'm ENGAGED!!!!!.... just kidding.
Other than all of this, life is still going well for me. I have a stable job that I actually enjoy going to and happy about where I am in life. However, I have not stopped planning and thinking about my future and making daily effort in doing the things I want to do in my life in the future and making sure I do my part in making these happen for me (move out of state, go to grad school, become financially independent, grow up, focusing on my walk with God, learning more about life, etc).
Update on the life of Jenn Ariza and looking forward to an even more busy Winter :)
God is good. Life is good. Donuts are good.
I'm out.
