So far, so grateful.

Well, I have officially been in Riverside for two weeks!

"When obstacles arise, you change your direction to reach your goal, you do not change your decision to get there." Zig Ziglar

                           

  My going away party in San Francisco was completely heartbreaking and heart warming at the same time. I was so incredibly grateful for the footprints that were left in my heart there. I have never cried that much at a farewell in my many moves throughout the years. I am indebted to the hearts that never stopped loving me throughout my time there. --Thank you SF <3


  Being in Riverside has been a non-stop adventure. I have 7 new roomies, a new campus to embark on, and many new friends to make priceless memories with. This past week I've been able to walk to campus in the bright sunny morning and pray. Riverside reminds me a lot of Arizona; I feel at home.
  Plans have changed quickly since I have arrived, but God always encourages me through unveiling new plans. Changes always push me to continuous surrender. Hopefully if it is God's will, I will be moving to Palm Desert this summer to help lead an amazing group of people there :)




Phoenix send-off to Long Beach 2009
There has been something that has stood out to me that's really moved my heart lately. Here in Los Angeles, I get to see so many friends in one city that really represent different time periods of my life as a disciple. In the staff meetings every Tuesday, I get to look around and see faces of people that literally helped me change my life throughout the years. I see a glimpse of the Chloupek's, an amazing couple, that represent my first couple of years as a disciple. I remember Sonja and her hardline convictions and her loving support. I see the Speckmans and remember the first time I witnessed what commitment in marriage should really look like as they exchanged their vows. It amazes me how much they've risen up to be a pillar couple for God. Then I see the Bartholomews and remember all my Hawaiian memories and how they were there to teach me and give me the freedom to learn how to love God without legalism. I saw the Brooms and I remember the direct yet encouraging talks they have had with me that called me to love the people God has put in my life. I noticed the Gonzalez's and remember the times they've brought me into their home and fed me. Then there's all my old roommates and friends; the Valdez's, joy, the OC crew, and many more. It breaks my heart down and softens it quickly when I think about all the people God had to use in my life to help me and continue to help me --God's work is never done :p

   
Agustin Wedding 2012
Going away party to Hawaii 2009

Exodus GLC 2010
"Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." Hebrews 13:7

  Last night we had an all congregational devotional for the campus students; There I was able to see even more friends from around my kingdom 'childhood' and many new faces, too. As time has passed, I've seen so many choose a path of least resistance and fall away over the years, but there's the few that I look around and I think thank God your still here. This battle isn't over until we die, and I often cling to the memories I have throughout the years to remind me that it is always worth it.

Morgan's baptism 

  I'm ready to see what this phase of my life will bring and the friendships that will imprint themselves in my heart as milestones of growth and change!

"If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." Hebrews 11:15-16

Hasta luego,
Ashley


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