the first day of the rest of my life

So, here's my first shot at this blog thing. 


It's Thursday evening, I'm barely packed, and I leave first thing Saturday morning for San Jose. As soon as I get to San Jose, I'll be meeting up with all of the Jesuit Volunteers (JV's) that are placed in California and Arizona. Then we head up to Aptos, CA for our week of orientation. The following Thursday, my community members and I will be driving down to our casa in East LA. I am beyond excited to meet all of the amazing people that will be coming together this weekend--especially my community members that I'll be living with.


As of right now, I've had barely any time to just sit and think about what I'm getting into. But, now that I sit here and try to explain myself, I find myself in a place of peace and contentment. For all of you San Diegans, I kind of see myself standing at the edge of Sunset Cliffs on a day when the marine layer is just not burning off. I am standing there, not able to see what lies ahead, but, I'm ready. "Here I am, Lord." I'm ready to make a leap of faith, to jump blindly into the arms that have been holding me all along.


I see this year as a blessed opportunity for me to lay my life down at the feet of Christ. After such an incredible undergrad experience and a beautiful beginning to the journey of my maturing faith, I can think of no better way to pay forward what I have received. 


As Matt Maher would say, "this is the first day of the rest of my life." I am ready to be, as JVC puts it, "ruined for life." 


Before I even begin this journey, I'd like to thank certain people who have helped bring me to where I'm standing now. To be honest, just a few years ago, I never would have thought that I'd be doing something like JVC. For those of you who grew up with me, you know that I'd probably be more interested in opening up my dance studio (which would still be great one day :). What I'm saying is that this "change of heart" didn't just happen in a vacuum. From the moment that I decided (very last minute, I might add) to attend Saint Mary's College, through the experiences there--both very high and very low--up to the life-altering decision to transfer to the University of San Diego--I have been changed. My heart has been set on fire with Love. I really must single out the Search community at the University of San Diego--you truly are "to blame" for my involvement in JVC. The people that I have met have loved me so unconditionally, so completely, and after being loved like that, there's no turning back. I will never be able to thank all of you enough for what you have given me. You all know who you are. I absolutely love you. "The Best is Yet to Come." 


And of course, I must thank my family here! You can't think I was going to leave you out. Thank you for loving me, for believing in me, for putting up with my crazy ideas, and making me feel like I have the entire world behind me. Because I do--you are my world. I will miss all of you a lot, but I know you're never farther than a phone call away. 


Ok, so enough blogging for now. The next time I sign in, I'll be in East LA! Yikes! 


I'll sign off in prayer. 


I lay myself at Your feet
Asking You, won't You meet
Won't You meet me?

I cannot do it on my own
I cannot do it all alone

Here I am, tonight
With my arms open wide.
Won't You come inside, God?
Come and fill this heart of mine

I'm in need of You
Of Your touch, of Your life, of Your love
I need You.
-Shawn McDonald