Making way down my amazingly obscure path

  In less than a week, I'll be on the road to start anew in Riverside, California!

  In the past 7 years,  I've pretty much moved every other year to a new place. You could say that I've learned how to live light, expect change, and try to adapt quickly. I am grateful to have been able to experience so much, but I am especially grateful for how each place has changed me. 

  San Francisco is one of those places I've heard about, but never expected to live.  Not only is it full of rich people and expensive living conditions, but it is a city full of ambition and opportunity.  I didn't exactly give my whole heart when I first arrived here; it's never been easy for me to give my heart quickly to people.--I'm learning. Now that I've grown to give my heart here, it's time to start bidding farewells.  Funny how ironic life can feel.

  I wanted to share a few of my favorite memories of SF:

-Living with my first Vietnamese family (Le's) :) then living with the awesome Fellis fam. and also living with my hospitable sis, Ninfa; I gained 6 younger siblings during that time: Heidi, Justin, Juls, MJ, Cynthia, and Malachi.

-Eating, living, and breathing San Jose state university. When I first moved to the Bay Area, I felt like I lived on this campus. I met so many amazing women, and studied the bible with dozens.  My favorite memory was, however, meeting Naila.  This girl was the answer to so many of my prayers during that time of my life. I couldn't have asked for a more loyal friend and sister.

-The many drives and Caltrain rides passing Sunnyvale, Palo Alto,  San Mateo, and half moon bay in prayer for God to work powerfully. Then seeing those prayers answered. 

-Doing a flash mob.--completely random, but amazing fun!

-Going to the Lion King Broadway; such an incredible performance.

-Seeing Cornell and Tia get engaged-- finally! lol

-Celebrating my 6th spiritual birthday.

-Winning the champion ultimate frisbee game in the sprinklers. the dream team.

-Witnessing the many baptisms of SF  (Tahlia, Nick, Rashaud, Christina, Naila, Ingrid, Tye, Delaney, Eric, Richard, CJ, Peter, Justin, Daisy, Sam, Heather, Keziah, Nuria, Roberto, Saab... I think that's everyone :) )

-Living with the sisters in SF and all the fun times (see my blog 'tribute to my roomies')

-Learning, laughing, crying, and being transformed in the many times I was able to spend with Brittany. Her friendship has helped me in ways I'll always be grateful for.

-Having Sharmayne and Sheila stay with my in my apt and spending time with me when I needed it most.

-Getting the best families in the area to work with. The timing was impeccable and their hearts are so kind.

...There are so many memories that stick out to me, these are just a few. You get the idea though,  i <3 SF!!
                                "I left my heart in San Francisco

                                          High on a hill, it calls to me" -Tony Bennett

I'm not sure what this path will bring, but I know Riverside will be perfect for me because God's plans are catered to exactly what I need :)


                                        See you soon SoCal,
                                           Ashley

                                  

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