My First Month

So... it's been almost a month since I last posted and a lot has changed, to say the least!

For starters, I moved a thousand miles away from home... and that was kinda scary. But here we are! A month later and I love it with my whole heart. It's crazy how much has changed in my life in such a short time.

To do a short update, here's all I've been up to in my first month in Los Angeles:

• After finishing orientation week, we jumped right into normal life here: Bible Study, Small Groups, Leadership Class, Book Study, Tracks. Bible Study has taught me a lot not only about God, but all of human creation. We've only had class twice, and we haven't even made it past Genesis 3, but I have learned so so much about life, love, myself, and God. Small Groups has been fun, but also uncomfortable to open up to eight people I don't know about the deepest of subjects. Book Study and Leadership Class have been pretty minor so far... lots of notes and lots of reading! If you know me, you know I don't mind either of these two things. :)
• We started Tracks! For those of you who don't know, Tracks are our afternoon activities Tuesday through Friday. I was placed in Adopt-A-Block, so I go to four different sites a week and hand out food and talk to people, help people in the community, pray over people, and play with kids/help with homework. It has been insanely uncomfortable and has gotten me out of my comfort zone, but it has also helped me grow in my faith and grow as a person. I also got placed in a really great group with two really sweet boys, which helps a lot. I've only been in Adopt-A-Block for two weeks and they haven't even been full weeks due to required tuberculosis tests, but I have grown so much. It went from my most dreaded part of my day to my favorite in no time. 
• I have made so many new friends! Every girl in my class has been endlessly kind to me. Huge shoutout to Lauren for forcing me to go out when we both know I need to, to Maria for being such a gentle and sweet spirit. To Hannah for empathizing with me, to Kara for always checking up on me, and to Lexi for always making sure I'm good and for making me laugh... a lot. These few girls are only a small portion of all the friends I have made. Not to mention my sweet second years... Destinee, for always cuddling and playing with my hair as I fall asleep and for being the best advice giver ever, Filippa for never failing to make me smile, and Jasmin for being my LA Mom. I love you all endlessly. Thank you for pointing me back to Jesus in every situation. 
• As you can see above, my support system is insane. My second year mentors have been incredibly sweet and helpful. My parents back home have encouraged me and loved me through all the big changes going on recently. I am so incredibly lucky to have such amazing parents. I'm not kidding. I think about them throughout every day and thank God for them every night. 

And, if you're not bored yet, here's an update on everything that has changed in me in this past month: 

• Honesty is everything to me, so I'll be honest with you all. Going to church back home always felt like a chore to me. I loved going with my parents, siblings, and grandparents, but I never felt completely filled up. Ever. That changed the first day I got here. As I walked into Angelus Temple, something felt different. There was a different atmosphere. I've been to Angelus Temple multiple times before, but now that I am an official DCLS kid, it feels different. I have never felt so spiritually filled up from church. Every week is an amazing message, the worship is incredible. There are no other words to describe it. You can feel God tangibly there. I went from dreading Sunday morning church to eager to get there and get filled up. I also got placed in the nursery with the babies one service every Sunday and every other Thursday, so that has been so fun. I'm very thankful for this church and my change of heart. 
• This isn't exactly something that has changed in me, but I know my Mama will enjoy hearing it. I've always been a pretty clean person, but being here and living on my own has reiterated that. I always wash any dishes in the sink as soon as I see them, my bed is always made, and- get this, Mom- there are no socks tucked in the bottom of my sheets!! Are you proud of me?!?! 
• Another thing that was reiterated to me after arriving: God isn't just alive on Sundays. He's constantly working and moving. He's twenty-four seven, always there and His hand is always on absolutely everything. I'm so thankful for that. In learning this, my prayer life has escalated to new levels. 
• I am also working on trusting in God with everything; trusting that He's got everything and I don't have to worry about a thing. He's got a hold on my future, the unknown, boys.. everything that gives me reason to worry and be fearful and anxious. He is so so good. 
• Learning to be raw and vulnerable with people has also been a stretch for me. It isn't as easy as you'd think... but I have had immense and wonderful help from my favorite second year Destinee to aide me in working on that.

If you haven't been able to tell already, I absolutely adore Los Angeles. It, quite possibly, could be one of the best things to ever happen to me. I'm so thankful for all the people that have poured into me, loved me and encouraged me not only in the short time I've been here, but also in all the months leading up to this big change. I'm so thankful and I love every one of you!!! To those wondering what comes next... I'm not exactly sure. What I do know is that there will be a lot of laughter, a lot of love, a ton of growth and God will be the center of it all. :)

Person I missed most this week: Mama & Daddy (love you both with my whole heart!!!)

Song of the week: You Say // Lauren Daigle & Love Like This // Lauren Daigle (she's amazing, you won't regret listening to these!)

Reminders: 

-Look to Him in everything you do and you'll never regret it

-You are so so so loved!!!! :)

All my love, 

Rylee