January 31, 2014 - Dweller Retreat and Winter Shelter update

Dweller Retreat and Winter Shelter update

The winter shelter is almost halfway through. We consistently have about 20 guests and I can see changes in those guests in the short time they have been here. I'm planning to share a story once the shelter has ended, but until that time I'll keep you in suspense.

But hey! One of the DOOR retreats was this past weekend. We took the 5+ hour trek to the tiny town of Copperopolis, CA. It's about two hours east of San Francisco, surrounding Lake Tulloch.

This retreat was planned entirely by us. We spent the first day simply traveling and exploring the area surrounding Copperopolis. Jamestown, one of the million California Gold Rush towns, was our first stop. Really quaint, but on a Thursday evening practically empty.

The second day was my favorite. Two hours east of Copperopolis is Yosemite. On the drive in you go through this long tunnel. Once you emerge, the view is absolutely spectacular.

We did a few hikes, took some photos, stood in the snow, ate too many chips, and got to explore such a different part of California.

Day 3 was spent in San Francisco. Ghiradelli Square, Lombard St, the Golden Gate Bridge, and other places were seen. Tons of fun.

It was a spectacular retreat; one that I'll remember for the rest of my life. Being out and about throughout California, we got to see God's creation in a different form. I am so thankful for all the support. I'll keep you updated.

-John

January 12, 2014 - The Winter Refuge Shelter Begins!

The first week of the shelter has passed. So what exactly am I doing? I'm the coordinator for an 8-week winter refuge shelter hosted by First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood. Ecclesia, Hollywood Pres, Reality LA, and Broken Hearts Ministry fully fund and put on this blessing of a shelter. At it's peak it can hold about 30 guests and is in the same space that our feeding programs occur in the church. During the evenings we have dinner and a ministry time; time for volunteers to spend with the guests. My duties are to make sure the nights and mornings run smoothly, letting volunteers know where everything is and how the night or morning is supposed to go. Seeing how every day we have different volunteers, it makes for a tiring job to say the least.
My time isn't only with the volunteers though. In just a week I feel so close to our guests. There's not much I can share about them, but I can say that they are definitely some of the greatest people here, making this place what it is. I'm super thankful for this time and for the opportunity to be here.
I have a few long weeks ahead, so keep me in your prayers!

-John

January 4, 2014 - A New Year

The start of new year is often a time when people reflect on their past year. So sure, I'll do that.
Things I did in 2013:

• Went on a ski trip with 9 of my best friends
• Traveled to Cedar Key, Florida for spring break
• Graduated from the University of Kentucky
• Got accepted into the YAV program
• Worked at Burnamwood one last summer
• Moved to Hollywood, CA
• Started working for First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood
• Saw my best friend get married (congrats you two)

My time at home for Christmas was spectacular. I loved seeing so many bright faces and catching up with all those in my past. Just look at us.

Christmas Eve 2013 - MSPC

Whew.  Now on to 2014.

Going into the new year people often make resolutions. Yeah there's watching what you eat, exercising more, being nicer, etc. But my resolution really started when I moved out here. Instead of a resolution, it was more of a goal. And the goal was simply to open my eyes more; to understand the world around me.

On New Year's Eve I had the pleasure (sarcasm) of traveling from KY to CA. With a flight delay, crying babies, and an oddly crazy lady, the flights were nothing less than exhausting. Upon landing, I figured that I wouldn't be able to bring in the new year as most do. I just wanted to get home, and in doing so would require traveling through the city probably past midnight. As I meandered through all forms of public transit, I had hopes that I would make it before the clock struck 12, but it kept looking more and more unlikely. Around 11:50 I got off the train that is just a mile north of my house. The bus to take me home from there would not come for 90ish more minutes, and I decided to walk with disappointment on my face. As I walked south on Vine I heard the countdowns. 5-4-3-2-1. Loud noises everywhere. I probably fist pumped the air or something. I continued my walk to encounter a man I know from my work at the church. He's sitting on the sidewalk alone, doing his thing, seemingly frustrated. I acknowledged him and wished him a happy new year. A smile appeared on his face and he responded, "Thanks man. You have a good one too." I made it home safely and promptly fell asleep.

Something as arbitrary as a clock striking 12 brings people to celebrate. But there's more in life to celebrate than the changing of time. We should be celebrating the little things in life. The next time you step into the shower and it's warm, celebrate. The next time you go into your home and the heat is on, celebrate. The next time you have the opportunity to debate which jacket to wear, celebrate. When hot food is put in front of you, celebrate. The next time you have a conversation with your best friend, celebrate. Not everyone in this world can celebrate those things. For my friend on the street a simple "Happy New Year" was enough to turn his frown upside down and celebrate. Fellowship can be one of the greatest things to celebrate. Instead of celebrating all that you've done in a year once, celebrate all that you've done in a year 365 times. Maybe even go try and do something for someone else to celebrate. I promise it will make for a better day. Happy 2014!
(How many times did I use the word "celebrate" in that paragraph?)

-John