Bisbee

I've been in Bisbee for 10 months and 15 days now.
What a ride so far.

August
My biggest concern was finding a job. God guided me to find two! I worked as a soccer referee for the fall season (including refereeing a tournament in Tucson). I applied for a job at the local hospital, but turned it down due to the incompatibility of the hours with my school schedule. I was hired as hostess in Bisbee instead, which proved to be even more advantageous in becoming part of the community. I was able to get to know K and A and their family very well during this month, as I didn't know them all too well before moving here.

September
My biggest concerns were finding a different place to live and starting out my classes on the right foot. Classes went very well the month of September, and by mid-month I was able to find an apartment in Sierra Vista to move into the following month. In the church I began accompanying K in singing and ukulele for worship. I started soccer referring, which was challenging and didn't seem worth it. Refereed my first soccer tournament in Tucson.

October
My biggest concern was studying well enough for my tests and passing my first final with a decent grade. I moved into my studio apartment in Sierra Vista and was ecstatic about having my very own home. At the end of this month I would be trained as a server, so learning the menu also became a great concern for me.

November
My biggest concern was having time to prepare for Good News Club that would be initiating. K and I would be at both the Elementary School and the Middle School for a few hours every week teaching the kiddos who would attend our clubs about the love of Jesus. I grew to deeply love and care for our five kids who would come. Often times during this month, I was so busy between work (3 jobs), school, church, and clubs that I would just sob from anxiety commuting back and forth between Bisbee and SV. I had my first-ever anxiety attack--gave up coffee for a few days to avoid a repeat. I was able to surprise family on a trip home for Thanksgiving, which was much-needed.

December
My biggest concern was getting passing grades (B's and A's) in my very difficult courses. By the grace of God, I did. After completing the semester, I was able to focus much better on becoming a better server and better-preparing clubs. We were able to take our kiddos to the movies as a reward for memorizing four memory verses in just a month. So proud. I started babysitting a sweet little girl named Carmen. I went home for Christmas (planned/expected).

January
God blessed me with two new friendships. Months prior being so busy with all my responsibilities (especially school) I had grown very lonely. K and I have grown a lot closer since August, but it has also been nice to have two new peer friends. I was cross-trained over at Santiago's Mexican (at first reluctantly--later happily).

February
My biggest concern was preparing a women's Bible study that K and A asked me to lead. We settled on Monday mornings and decided to make it public. It has continued to be such a blessing as women from the community have joined us as well. We are growing together as we go through the book of James. Friendships with both M, E, and K were/are serving different but wonderful purposes in my life.

March
My biggest concern was being better about preparing GNC and the women's Bible study. It started to become more clear that I did not want to stay in Sierra Vista, but move closer to Bisbee. Internal conflicts began happening for me that took a toll on my mental health. We opened a third GNC in a Boys and Girls Club in Bisbee (this is a miraculous answer to prayer, as they'd been denied access all years prior). My lease in Sierra Vista ended, and I moved back into the trailer on A and K's property by the end of the month.

April
At the beginning of the month I was getting used to being back in the trailer, later on I housesat for R and S. During that time, I let a gal from church who suddenly needed a place to stay use the trailer. In the meantime I moved my belongings into a domesticated shipping container on A and K's property. Internal conflicts continued back and forth--much mental suffering. GNC came to a close for the summer for the schools. I took the nursing program entrance exam (which I'd been studying for) and, by the grace of God, passed.

May
Took a trip to Philly for a beautiful wedding for an even more beautiful friend. I turned 26 and spent the day touring Philly museums with one of my best friends and her fiance. I fell in love with Philly--hope to live there for a stint one day. GNC at BNG came to a close for the summer. I surprised my mom for Mother's Day! Had a great time in CA. Upon my return, I housesat for two different families, which was perfect as the gal from church was still needing the trailer. Internal conflicts reached an apex, but I was able to talk it out with someone and was completely restored to prime mental health post-conversation. Biggest concerns during this month were finances (since I took a lot of time off work), mental health, and finding a place to live in Bisbee.


TBC...

1:50am on the 26th of May

It is early on a Saturday morning and my brain is wide awake. Two weeks ago I surprised my family by showing up to California. Mom was the most surprised. It was a wonderful week of loving on some of my friends and family with some quality time. Busy and fruitful.
Where I am living now has been discouraging lately. Mostly just not feeling fulfilled by my activities as I was before (as most of the ones that fulfilled have come to a pause during this season).
Nor is my living situation ideal at this time. I am fortunate that God has placed a handful of people in my life even in this far-from-home place who love and care about me. He has also provided (including through these people) opportunities that have been in such perfect timing; from my view they can only be defined as being divine.

My friendships are becoming more meaningful at this stage in my life. I am having to draw on them--both near and far--a lot to keep in good spirits.

The process of growth is taxing--the friends I choose are not, but rather refreshing rain water that is also required for the growth to continue.