One Year Later

Today marks one year since I moved to California. And what a year it has been! I think celebrations are in order.

Moving to California has been the best decision I've ever made. Not because living back home was bad or because California is so amazing (which it is). Moving to California represents me stepping out on blind faith and watching God catch me time and time again.

This year has also been a year of immense growth for me. My faith is stronger. My relationships are healthier. I'm smarter. I am more settled as an individual. I know myself better. My finances are better. I am fulfilled and happy in ways I didn't know before I moved.

This year has been HARD. Seriously. Every single month of this past year has brought with it a new challenge. If it wasn't one thing it was another. And as soon I as I saw victory, something else would come up. But Jesus and I have faced every single problem head on. He has walked with me and helped me to be brave and step out in ways I never had before. He has never left me. He always takes care of me. At the end of the day, I am always okay with Him.

Recently, I went through a particularly hard few weeks. It felt like my entire future was on the line and one mistep would ruin everything. It was really stressful and I didn't want to do the wrong thing or make things worse. Through it all, I followed the things I knew to be true and didn't let my heart run wild with me. At the end of it, I looked back and was so proud of how I handled myself. I did so well! That may seem strange to say, but I'm used to looking back at bad situations and thinking of things I could have done differently. But this time, me and Jesus navigated it so well!

I say all this to say that this last year has not been what I expected it to be AT ALL. Much of it has not been what I wanted, but it all has been what I needed. God is good and has taken such good care of me!