GoldRush

San Diego, California.....

?!?!?!Really?

I grew up in California, and my absolute favorite beaches were in San Diego.. actually thee beach is Mission Beach. I rarely ever could go there since I lived in the High Desert, 75 + miles away (2-3 hours for you Michigan folk). Right now, I have the opportunity to move to Pacific Beach (right next to MB). There are a million hospitality jobs in San Diego available for the summer season coming up. I am struggling with my restaurant job in Michigan. All of my experience is in hotels, and San Diego has the jobs available. This could get me back to school to complete my degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Lodging emphasis. Really, I just want to be a finisher; one characteristic I never, ever wanted to be known for is a 'quitter.' Honestly, I don't see the rest of my life working in a hotel, but if that is what is going to pay the bills for now, then so be it.

What's the problem then? I have a wonderful church in Michigan. I am there 4 nights a week, I have relationships built; the best relationships of my life. I have a youth group I lead of four 12 year-old girls. This church is my first church, my home church. However, I find myself curious of the whole church, that is the whole community of Jesus followers. I just have the conservative West Michigan perspective. I see that my friends here are sad when I mention leaving. It is not that I want to leave anybody, but I dream of exploring and discovering more. More of the world, more of the Bible, more of God, more of me.

When I first brought up moving, I really wanted to move out of the country to Australia. I resisted and the door shut! Now I have this opportunity for San Diego and I am going. No need for acceptance, no need for approval from man. I pray and I pray and I read and I read and God answers:

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8

"Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure." Ecclesiastes 8:5

It is time to leave Michigan. I am not running away; I would have been gone 7 months ago already, if I were. The funny thing about it is, I know I will have a great time in San Diego, more peace with the financial crisis I am in right now; but I am already looking forward to coming back to Michigan for Ben & Jen's wedding in July!!