"Made up my mind to make a new start...

Adventure or Homesick? I still can't decide!

Friday, January 21, 2011 I flew out of the 2 degree St. Charles, Missouri (I was probably complaining about) and over to the 70 degree Northridge, California.

68 more degrees and even more surprises.

The baggage claim is located outdoors. Why? It's not a risk for the state that always has sunshine!
We get in our rental care that has 0 country music stations. Why? Well, I'm not entirely sure about that... I think Cali is a bit crazy.
We drive past palm trees and beautiful houses. We get to a campus that looks EXACTLY like the pictures.
Yeah, there is a pool on campus. Multiple pools infact.

Don't forget we're in California. Yes, people do walk their miniature dogs on leashes, or carry them in bags, indoors.
Yes, I am the palest person to reside in the state of California.


These trees are located outside my library.


This beach is 30 mintues away from campus.


But this heart is left in Missouri. (Cheesy award goes to me)

The dorm has beach chairs on the balcony. (I think it's a requirement of living in Cali that I get at least 10 shades darker.) It is sunny from the minute I wake up to when I go to bed. (Okay its 'winter' here -only according to the calendar- so the sun goes down a bit earlier but oh well). And there are a lot of beautiful mountain scenes anywhere I go...


See? Mountains. Not row crops. (But I'm really missing the cornfields and vineyards MO is full of.)

Well for the first 48 hours Dad and I spent it gawking at the scenery and soaking up the sun.
The next 48 hours? I was ready to go back. Nice vaction but I'm done.

Now that it's almost been a week, I'm starting to remember why I wanted to do this in the first place.

I wanted to study abroad. Live in and experience a different culture. 'Abroad' soon became New York City and NYC became L.A. That turned into Northridge, CA. But I can say undoubtedly, I am living and experiencing an entirely different culture!

This post would be endless if I described the differences between here and home.
Out of all the 4 cities I've been to in California, Northridge has not won me over. San Clemente is winning. Santa Monica came close. Los Angeles was dirty. And Northridge, to me, means school.

Culture shock, jetlag, altitude adjustment, beginning of another semester, and climate change? Yeah. It's a bit much. And I wasn't expecting ANY negative reaction or the tiniest bit of homesickness.

Tomorrow equals week 1. Amazing. Hectic. Brand new.




...goin to California with an achin in my heart"
Angela

Winter Camp 2011

I realize it is a bit late.

2 weekends ago I went to Wisconsin and led a group of 7th grade girls!

So we've all heard something like "I hope you learned as much from me as I did from you". Well, it surprised me again to realize that you can learn a lot in any situation when you pause long enough to let the good Lord teach.

Last summer I led some 7th graders at Summer Camp. (Even saying "I led" feels out of place because until this past year I've never thought of myself as old enough or experienced enough to lead.) And I did it again for Winter Camp!

Also, working with other women who share a love for Junior or Senior High girls is a fun experience too!

Little by little I feel like I'm growing up and when I'm not expecting it I am learning a whole lot.


7th Grade Ladies


8th Grade Ladies I got to share a cabin with :)

Beautiful snow everywhere, and tons of hot chocolate and tea. Its like winter is even more perfect in Wisconsin. Don't worry, St. Charles, I still love you the most. :)

Pause,
Angela