Month #12: The Greatest Gifts of God Take the Greatest Amount of Time

Exactly a year ago today I made my way to Los Angeles, California. Typing that out doesn’t quite feel surreal, as I would have previously thought it would feel like before this whole journey. I think maybe because it’s been a year long journey of ups and downs. As I am currently home in Texas for a few weeks, many people ask me, “How’s California?” And my response to that loaded question is always something along the lines of “it’s been the greatest, most adventurous, most growing, challenging, and new season of my life.” 

Last night as I was reflecting back on this whole promise of God being fulfilled, I was reminded that the beginning of this dream was birthed in a moment. I remember sitting at my dining table the summer of tenth grade, looking for prospective universities that I wanted to go to. Upon finding a college that seemed to fit everything I wanted in a school, I found out it was located in Southern California, which is a place I had no real desire to live. However, shortly after finding out about that university, it was as if God downloaded dreams in my heart that I never could have even imagined. I remember writing down in my journal that I found this California university and began to dream of becoming a teacher in that state someday. 

I remember the next day I told my mom about the school and I really felt this was the start of something special. I truly felt this school was for me. Although it was for me, but not necessarily in the way I  imagined, it was the very thing that sparked my interest in California and directed me to have completed a year of living in Los Angeles seven years later. 

Lately God has been speaking to me a lot about the process of waiting and preparing. As I look back on the greatest gifts God has given me, I realize I’ve had to wait awhile for these things to come to pass, which is usually not always fun. One of the earliest dreams God instilled in my heart when I was very young was to visit India. I had no idea why that desire was so great, but I knew it would be fulfilled. Nine years later, I was able to visit the beautiful country for a mission trip. Then with this whole California journey, the dream was birthed when I was in high school and six years of wondering, doubting, hoping, open doors and closed doors, I was able to live out what I knew God put in my heart. Again, the greatest gifts of God, often take the greatest amount of time. The tough part is knowing where we’re at in life and God showing us a glimpse of what is to come, but having the pathway of point A to point B being completely unknown. I think the mystery of the middle is what often sparks the doubts of “will God really provide?” And questions begin to bombard our minds of, “is this really from God or is it something I’m just making up?” But I guess if there’s anything I’ve learned this past year of living in California is that faith just doesn’t make logical sense most of the time… or at all. After all, the Bible does say, “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen“ (Hebrews 11:1). Faith can be scary because you never know what is on the other side of your belief in the “unseen”. However, one thing I’ve learned over this past year and through the lives of my friends with crazy faith is to keep going until God says no. Sometimes faith is all about doing the step of what’s in front of you, and continuously doing so every step of the way as God provides. It is through faith that in history “the elders obtained a good testimony” of God’s goodness (Hebrews 11:2). 

Something I’ve always said is, “you never know when you’re in a significant moment” and sometimes God puts special dreams, desires, and nudges of the Holy Spirit to take a step of faith at the randomest moments to grow your faith and so God can show you His faithfulness through the process. Overall, this past year I’ve seen and learned a lot of things, but a few of the major things God show me are:

• The provision of God

• The power of prayer

• The protection of God

• The peace of God

 

I want to share this song (Catch Me by Elyssa Smith) that really carried me in the months leading up going to California. I wasn’t sure how this whole thing would play out, but I’m here to tell you a year later, that God definitely did catch me and He never let go of me even when I questioned the voice of God or wondered if I was just flat out crazy. It’s worth it to have faith, even when it’s terrifying. Faith is trusting God more than our plan B. And you’ll see that He is faithful to stay with you and be with you in the highs and lows.

What a journey it has been and I'm excited to see what’s next! Thank ya’ll for all the support and thanks for following along a whole year later!

All the best,

Brittany Prada 

Ps. I completed my Americorps City Year program June 10th. It was such a bittersweet time spending the last few moments with my team that has become my family. We’ve completed a year together helping students, working together, and supporting each other through the good and bad days. I’ll definitely miss them as our team will be split up as we start our new journeys in different careers and pathways.

Month #11: Here On Purpose

             I’ve been here in LA eleven months already and every month anniversary I am always in awe of what God has done since my time being in this city. I am always reminded how God put this dream in my heart about seven years ago and now I get to live it out. Dreams have always been a topic that stir me up. I love imagining what could be with the help of God, persistence, and belief. With the birth of any dream, inevitably it is always glamorized. I’m not going to lie, since being here in the promise of God there have been many, many times that I doubted if this was really something that I wanted. With questions and conversations with friends and family, I often would have second thoughts about this whole thing. Questions would swirl in my mind like, “why do I even believe in the city of LA?” “Why am I even here?” “What if there’s something better out there?” “Maybe I heard God wrong?” “Maybe I should cut this experience short.” “Am I crazy for doing this?” (This one was the most common one).

I remember this month I got off a phone call and felt the weight of these questions so heavily. I was so conflicted and confused. That evening I attended a worship night at my church called “Hope Street Revival.” As the evening went on and the pastor spoke, he began to talk about how some of the greatest historical Jesus movements began in Los Angeles. He shared how God has placed all of us in LA for such a time as this to believe God can move in this city and to share His light in the darkness. I was so moved by this, and I believe through him, God reaffirmed my purpose in being in this city that is often deemed as dark, damned, and full of chaos.

This church has truly been a blessing to me and has been an answered prayer from God. This month I also attended the Next Steps classes to start serving in different areas. I mentioned on one of the forms that I enjoy writing. A few days later I received a text from one of the serving leaders asking if I would be interested in serving by writing the podcast summaries for the weekly church sermons. I quickly said yes and have been getting involved with the church in that way, which has been great having the accountability again to write well.

Additionally, one Friday my roommate and I went to eat at the restaurant she works at. As she mentioned that she works near UCLA (University of California Los Angeles), her alma mater, I asked if we could go take a tour of the university. Walking around the campus and classrooms, she shared different stories of the memories she made while attending the school. It was such a special time just hearing these fond moments and it made me reflect on my time at my university as well. While she was showing me around, it hit me that UCLA is a school of legends. Many pro and Olympic athletes, actors, and important people have attended this school. It was amazing to be at such a campus that is often glamorized in movies and many nationally and internationally dream of attending. I could tell the school was rich in history, as it is over 100 years old. Though it was a beautiful campus and impressive in status, it made me appreciate the treasured Oral Roberts University as it was a perfect fit for me. It’s crazy how where one attends college is such a pivotal decision.

Furthermore, for Memorial Day my roommate and I went to the Long Beach aquarium and then after rode bikes along the beach. As I mentioned in previous blogposts, bikes along the beach has definitely grown to be a favorite hobby of mine. It’s so thrilling, refreshing, and brings so much peace!

Also, month number eleven was all about savoring the moment, since it was near the end of my City Year experience. Although, my last day with City Year was not until a few days into month number #12, I officially graduated my Americorps program along with the rest of the City Year corps this month. That same day, my team and I attended the graduation for the high school we work at to see the seniors cross the stage. Sitting with my team in the bleachers and watching the class of 2022 students graduate brought me so much joy and pride. Hearing the parents with their blare horns, seeing a mom with a custom made dress with her child’s face on it, and even having all the bleachers filled with beaming and proud families, friends, school admin really blessed my heart.

After the official graduation, when families went to congratulate and take pictures with their graduate on the football field, I couldn’t help but stare at the interaction between a student and his family. As the student was greeted by his family, he embraced them as tears rolled down his face and continued to pour out. This touched me so much because that student was in one of the ninth grade classes I worked with this year (since he had to retake it) and I knew part of his struggle of getting to this milestone. In class, he would often say, “Eh, not sure if I’m even going to graduate?” It was as if he gave up on himself. However, knowing part of the journey he went through and seeing him in his cap and gown with the diploma in hand, blessed me so much. He made it and his tears were of joy and thanks that he crossed the stage. Even seeing the other graduates was something so beautiful. For many of these students, the community they come from consists of many immigrant families who came to the U.S. to provide their child with an education, to give them a better life, and many of these students were the first in their family to even graduate high school. So, it was such a sight to see these students and their families beaming with joy as graduating high school was one of the greatest accomplishments in their families. Many of these students don’t come from affluent households, and I could see the pride that was instilled in them as they met this milestone to do even greater things. Many of them mentioned they were going to attend barber school, trade school, and a few mentioned college. The struggles that these students faced such as taking two buses through public transportation daily just to get to school, managing jobs, and taking care younger siblings, while still graduating high school is something I commend them for. Growing up in South Central LA, let alone attending school in these schools is not easy. And for that, I will forever be proud of the resilience and courage of these students. They mean so much to me. 

Furthermore, contrary to the popular opinion to other City Year members (lol), this program has been so enjoyable. I believe working with City Year has been such a blessing in my first year in LA as it provided many (FREE) cool opportunities to introduce me to the city since the organization has various partnerships with big companies such as Disney, the NFL Rams, and other athletic teams. This month I attended a screening at the famous El Capitan theater in Hollywood for the tv show Abbott Elementary. The theater was beautiful, and it was such a “Hollywood” experience. Before the premier of the screening, a man in a glittery tuxedo played on the organ, which felt like the opening of a movie. Once the screening was about the begin, he and his organ lowered under the stage as he continued playing. Then, curtains and stage production did their beautiful magic and the episode began. Supposedly, the event was basically a night to play the episode to get the audience's reaction and to gauge where the show stood. After the screening, the stage curtains closed, and the cast and directors came on stage to share their experience acting as the characters and to explain the inspiration behind the different episodes and character development. After the screening event, there was an “afterparty” celebration. This celebration was with many City Year members present, Hollywood directors, aspiring actors, and LA residents, along with the Abbott Elementary cast. Overall, it was such a great night that I knew in the moment I’d never forget.

A lot happened this month that made me remember why I came here in the first place and allowed me to grow even more in love for this city through its quirks, complexities, and experiences.

What a time it’s been. Stay tuned for month #12!

-Brittany Prada

My roommate giving me a tour of UCLA

UCLA Athletic Center

Memorial Day bike riding at  the beach

Me and my City Year team after our graduation from the program 

Class of 2022 student graduation
at the I work at

El CapitanTheater in Hollywood

Directors, creators, and actors of Abbott Elementary discussing the creative process of the show 

Got a pic with Quinta Bunson, creator of
the show Abbott Elementary

Month #10: Saying yes to new things and reunion with special friends

         Month number ten was jam packed and has been one of my favorites so far. This month was all 

about continuing to say yes to new experiences while growing in independence.

Since I’ve been here, there have been times when I have experiences and think to myself “this is so LA!” One of those times happened this month (April) when my church filmed a music video for a Christian artist and I volunteered to be in the filming along with a few others that showed up. While it was comforting to hear those next to me that they too didn’t know what they were doing in the music video just randomly dancing, it was so fun! What I loved most about the whole experience was seeing some behind the scenes of music videos and even seeing the joy of the music artist. What blessed me was seeing the fulfilment the artist had while doing what he loves for God and even hearing from others how he’s the same person on and off stage. Even though I only have like three seconds of fame in the final music video, it was definitely something I feel like made my time here such an LA experience. Brittany becoming a famous background dancer soon? Maybe… lol just kidding

That evening after the music video, was the young adult service. It was a powerful word, as usual, but what blessed me the most was worship- a time of unrushed worship. Seeing other young people on their knees lingering in the presence of God was so amazing. It was a special moment because worship moments like these was something I had been praying for since the beginning of this Cali journey, as I was longing for unstructured time in God’s presence.

A few weeks later, I took a trip to Tulsa to see some of my close friends graduate from ORU. It was a sweet time being back in the sweet South. However, as I was sitting in one of the hooding ceremonies, although I was so excited to be sitting with some of my closest friends to see our graduating friends be celebrated, I felt anxious. I couldn’t quite pinpoint why I felt this way, but eventually it became real to me that ORU was no longer my season. ORU will always hold a special place in my heart and I know my time there was so special and crucial to where I’m at today.

My time in Tulsa was also so refreshing spending unrushed time with my closest friends, watching some cross the stage to become alumni, and revisiting special places in T-town. While I was there, I kept appreciating how special of a place this city is- full of Jesus loving people, great friendships I’ve built over 4 years, and just an overall good place to live. As I expressed that to one of my friends, she jokingly said, “then just move here!” However, as great as that sounds, I knew that LA is for me in this season of life. It made me think how God has His people in various places in the world for various seasons and for various purposes. And for this season of life, I know LA is the place where I’m supposed to be.

Along with the celebratory hangouts with my friends, it was such a blessing to see some of the girls I used to live on the same floor with in the dorms. Their love for the Lord and the comradery between all of us was such a beautiful thing to see still in effect a year later. I felt SO much love and appreciation for these girls. They're going to do amazing things for Jesus. Every time I leave T-town I leave with a full heart of joy and thankfulness for ORU and the firm foundation it helped me build in my college years to go and make a difference in the world wherever I may be.

So, in all of this, I hope to encourage you that wherever you are, whether that be in a new place or a very familiar place, be ALL there. God has you there for a reason to do His work for this specific season. So, as Oral Roberts University’s President Billy Wilson would always say, “Go and change the world!”

Peace,

Brittany Prada 😊

ps I also went to Disney with one of my good friends and attended a super fun City Year fundraiser where George Lopez, a few famous Youtubers, and a few of the 2021 NFL Superbowl players were present. What a month and I loved it!

Exploring University of Southern California

lunch with my roommate

painting at the beach

music video

DTLA

Made it to T-town

Watching my friends become
ORU alumni

reunited with some girls I lived
with my senior of ORU

reunited with some of my best friends from ORU

City Year fundraiser night

A pic with the real Superbowl trophy at the
City Year fundraiser night 

Month #9: Breakthrough

              A few weeks ago, while playing a boardgame with my co-workers, everyone was laughing and having a great time, but no one could ever guess the war that was waging in my mind at the moment. I too had a smile, but it contradicted what was going on internally.

              “Jesus help me.” I kept reciting in my head. The familiar battle of my thoughts was raging, and it was unrelenting. I felt defeated, annoyed, and felt like a slave to these thoughts of confusion that bombarded my mind as they stayed persistent in clouding my mind like pestering mosquitos in the summertime.

              I began to think if I would ever get over these thoughts that I came so frequently. I needed direction and clarity from the Lord regarding my situation.

A few days later, I started a fast- one that I had never done before. I felt it was time to get more serious in seeking God about what He’s up to and what He’s been speaking. So, I began my journey.  

              The first few days, I felt things were still the same. I didn’t feel a dramatic breakthrough in my mind or direction in life and was beginning to wonder if my efforts to seek God were in vain. I was reading the Word, praying, setting apart intentional time to listen and seek God, but it felt like I was just on a diet.

              Towards the first half of the fast, I was praying to God one night how He could ever free me from these circling thoughts of confusion as I thought what I was dealing with was so complex that even I didn’t know how to practically advance forward. However, during my devotional time that evening I somehow came across the scripture of Ecclesiastes 5:20 (NKJV), which says, “For [she] will not dwell unduly on the days of [her] life, because God keeps [her] busy with the joy of [her] heart.”

              When I read this scripture, it was one of those moments that I couldn’t believe this scripture was in the Word because I felt it was so specific to my situation. Upon reading this scripture, it gave me hope. God had showed me that instead of dwelling on my situation, to be busy with the joy that comes from being about God’s business.

              A few days later, I went to an outreach at my church, which I was contemplating if should go or not. I shared with my sister over the phone that I didn’t feel like going, but she shared, “usually when you don’t feel like going, that’s when you need to go.” So, I figured she was right, and I went. During the outreach, I felt such a satisfaction doing outreach and meeting new people that I clicked with right away. Thankfully I went to outreach that day. Through that “yes” to outreach, I received some clarity from the Lord and met some church friends that I’ve grown in community with who have helped me make my church feel like home.

              Once the fast was finished, I felt such a freedom in my mind, and I felt as if God lifted my eyes higher than what was before me. In this process of feeling like seeking the Lord was in vain and then actually feeling a breakthrough, it encouraged me that something always has to happen when we seek the Lord. He responds to our desperation for Him and is faithful to show up- not always how we expect, but in the way we need. This process of fasting revealed to me that nothing is too complex for God. Even when we don’t understand ourselves, He gets us and knows how to intervene on our behalf. And I’m grateful for that.

Here's a song that goes perfect with this: https://youtu.be/PeetP2kout0

-Brittany Prada

Detour to Destiny

            It’s March 12, 2022, and I am here sitting at my desk in my Los Angeles duplex. As I type I hear the usual neighborhood rooster crow at noon, the neighbors playing their music here and there, and I hear other birds chirping. This day (March 12^th) is special. And it’s been a special day for the past 5 years.

            March 12, 2017, was such a life changing day. It was the day I saw a very small glimpse of this California story God was unfolding as it was finally my chance of showing up to the airport with my very own suitcase (which I got from the thrift store the night before) and the opportunity to pass through TSA to actually go somewhere, rather than always being the one to stand back and wave others “bye” as they went on their journeys. This day, in 2017, I felt like something was unlocked. My mind was open to something I had never experienced before. It was my first time flying on a plane and first-time seeing mountains, which was something I literally would dream about. Although I knew with everything in me that California was God’s promise to me, the first-time stepping foot on the West Coast, I would have never imagined it would all unfold the way it did. That weekend of visiting California for the purpose of visiting Pepperdine University, my dream school at the time, I knew God would have me return to California. I knew it without a doubt. Of course, with my little human mind, I thought, “duh, I’m going to be returning here to go to college,” thinking it would be a sweet story of how hard work in high school pays off and trusting in God and doing all the right things will get you exactly what you want. Simple. Hard work+ faithfulness= a guarantee all your dreams come true. I thought it worked that way with God. But boy was my logic shaken after that weekend.

            After one of the most eye opening three days of my life in California, I returned home to Texas. The following day of that trip, I woke up with anticipation. Would I be getting the congratulatory email from Pepperdine, serving as my ticket to live out this California dream? I thought so… especially with how God was in the details of the whole trip and provided the whole way through. That evening I received the long-waited email from Pepperdine, titled “admittance status”. My stomach sank at this subject title. This was the moment I fought so hard to come to. I paused and whispered a quick prayer “not my will, but your will be done” to the Lord on my knees. Then, upon opening it, I read the first two words, “Thank you…”

            I stood there in my bedroom frozen and in distress…

            “Thank you?” I thought to myself.

            I knew what those words meant and didn’t need to read anymore of the message. That was the first thank you that ever stung. I knew that every rejection letter always begins with a “thank you” and letters of celebratory acceptance begin with “congratulations” followed with an exclamation mark to emphasize the good news. I needed to read no more of that letter. My two year journey of pressing toward this Pepperdine journey had come to an abrupt dead end in my eyes.

            The God who opened every defying door standing in my way over the past two years miraculously provided only to lead me to the final destination- defeat.

            In great disappointment, many questions swirled rampant in my mind and the only conclusion I could make was, “God, you’re a liar.” I felt like I had been led on by a lover that had gained my trust over time only to say that all the words, or in my case… “dreams and provision,” never really meant anything special. They were just empty, worthless moments that I had attached too much significance to.

            That evening I cried and cried and cried. It was one of those moments that I couldn’t adequately express my feelings with words, but only with tears full of emotion. The following morning the reality of what this meant to me showed as I woke up with swollen eyes. What I was feeling on the inside had become apparent.  The hurt that I felt was not so much the stab of rejection from a dream school, but rather it was the disappointment that came from a feeling of rejection from God. I felt like I had been lied to by the one who claimed to be “constant and faithful.”

            However, through a season of reflection and disappointment, and eventually accepting my enrollment in Oral Roberts University (ORU), the school I originally dreaded, I began to rest in the fact that in life I will not always understand the ways of the Lord, but the one thing I can understand is that He promises to turn things around for the good (Romans 8:28).

            Now having gone through my four years at ORU, and currently living out this call God has put on my life for such a time as this, I reflect and have a heart of thanks for the disappointment five years ago. During that time, it made no sense to me why God would create such a major detour in my life, but now I realize the purpose behind it.

            The disappointment and anger I felt towards God made me get real and raw with Him in a way I never had before. In my time of having a broken heart, I didn’t have the strength to think like a perfect Christian right away and accept that God had “better things.” I was angry and could only come before God with my real self and real questions of “why, God?” “How could you lie to me and let me down?” “Did you think I was not good enough?”

            And now as I sit here in Los Angeles with this dream as a reality, I realize being here later than when I originally expected, God equipped me to be more effective for His kingdom than I would have been years ago. The detour and the journey leading up to now I’ve learned what it is to have hope and to be led by the Spirit of God. Had I not been given a sudden detour, I would have never learned what it is to have Jesus as my hope and to come before Jesus just as I am, which has been a major game changer. I believe many people of Los Angeles are in need of hope and the love of God which I am thankful to have learned through my process and can now share with others.

            What ever you may be facing and whatever may not make sense, trust that God has a plan. A closed door may not stay closed forever. In the meantime, talk with God telling him exactly how you feel because He cares. “You don't understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” – John 13:7

All the best,

-Brittany Prada

Month #8: Happy To Be Here

 

Month number eight consisted of the following: drawings, the Superbowl, a blackout, a co-worker resigns, and a random BMX show at work, and church.

Drawings: During the after-school program at my job, I usually take on the activity of doodling on the SmartBoard. I love drawing whatever- flowers, inspirational pieces, and recommendations from students such as “Ms, draw Tupac!” Basically, I draw anything and (almost) everything. One of the senior students told me after finishing my doodle, “Ms, what are you doing here working at some school? You could be making bank right now working as a tattoo artist.” Lol it’s funny that he always tells me that. Maybe I’ll have to look into that profession in the future, but for now working with these students is something I’ve been enjoying.

Superbowl: The Superbowl took place here in Los Angeles at the SoFi Stadium- just 30 minutes from where I live. Walking through downtown just hours before the Superbowl it was neat to see visitors taking pictures of the city and wearing their jerseys. It made me thankful to be here. Since the 2020 Superbowl, when the Chiefs won, I’ll never forget when one of my college professors said that the Chiefs’ win was prophetic that God was raising up Chiefs in the spirit. Then Covid happened and the world shut down and God’s people grew mightily in the Lord like never before. We learned how to stand strong and battle as God’s chiefs! So, since then, I’ve tried to pay attention to the Superbowl. This year I was more attentive, since I was in the same city as the event. So, I passively watched the game here and there. I just new within me that the Rams were going to win. I had a feeling that this time it was going to be prophetic too! Especially since 2022, according to the Chinese New Year calendar, is the year of the tiger and the opposing NFL team was the Cincinnati Bengals (tigers). As I was walking downtown earlier that day before the start of the game, God reminded me how rams are significant. In the Bible, God provided a ram basically out of nowhere, for Abraham to sacrifice instead of his son Isaac. In the Bible it describes how the ram was an even better sacrifice than a lamb or a usual offering. Anddd! This passage is found in Genesis TWENTY TWO and it’s the year twenty TWENTY TWO! Surely God was in the midst of this major football game! Then a few weeks later, the sad news came that Ukraine was attacked by Russia. The country of Ukraine’s flag is blue and yellow, the same colors as the winning Rams. This major world event of war and tension between the two countries is something that has been catching the attention of the world. Already amazing testimonies of God’s faithfulness has been coming through in response to the issues and I believe He will continue to come through. I’m not exactly sure what He’s up to, but I know He’s up to something mighty! (sidenote: after the Rams won, celebratory fireworks went off in my neighborhood and caught a palm tree on fire! Crazy!)

Blackout: I came home from work and attempted to turn on the kitchen lights. However, the flick of the switch didn’t bring on the light as it usually does. I then went around the house testing out the other light switches and they too were out along with the wifi. After running an errand with one of my roommates and returning home, the sun was beginning to set. My other roommate and I then sat outside of our doorway on the stairs and began to just watch as the whole street was trying to navigate life without power. Our neighbors across the street had to hop over their fence, since it was electric and wouldn’t open without power, and others hung out outside as well as the sun went down. Two hours passed after calling the light company to fix the power, then 3 hours, then the wait turned into five hours. I was reminded of the scene from the movie “In the Heights” when the power goes out and everyone comes together to help one another out. My situation wasn’t as dramatic as the movie, but as I usually see my life in movie scenes lol, I was quickly reminded of that movie. My community here often reminds me so much of the community in the movie. Here’s a bit of the clip: https://youtu.be/Uiv7k9S1Tsw

 Co-worker Resigns: In my few months of living in this city, I have quickly learned that Los Angeles in no stranger to change. Change is a constant thing here in LA. People are constantly coming and going in and out of the city, the workplace, in life, etc. Within this past month of work, one of my favorite co-workers had to quit, due to family reasons out of her control. Definitely have been missing her. The team I work with has this running joke of “who’s next to leave?” Since everybody that has had to leave said they weren’t going to quit at all. However, change is part of life, which is out of our control. That teammate was one of our strongest and committed members, so it definitely feels different without her.

BMX show: So often I wake up and say, “yeah, I’m gonna take the day off today.” Because getting out of bed is such a struggle. Lol, I still end up going to work though. But I’m always glad when I do get to work and the day gets rolling. Going to my first class of the day that I work with, I was told that there was a school assembly for that class period. Obviously when I heard “school assembly” I thought of a presentation on how to apply for college, work, and I was even reminded of those elementary school assemblies on “sell X pounds of expensive cookie dough (usually an outrageous amount) and you’ll win a plastic rocket water gun (usually worth like $5 at the Dollar Store lol) to motivate the students. But nope! Upon entering the school’s gymnasium, I quickly learned it was NOTHING close to that as I saw ramps and grown 30 year old men wearing helmets on their heads and riding on small bikes. The presentation was one I think I may have enjoyed even more than the students lol. I’ve always secretly been a fan of BMX lol. But through the assembly, as they did flips, stunts, and 360’s on their bikes in the air, I had such a fun time and even learned that Southern CA is the home of BMX as it originated in the 1960s. So cool! So glad I went to work that day haha!

Church: For a few weeks I had been craving more to my Sunday church experience. I loved Angeles Temple and the community I was slowly starting to build there, but I also was desiring more of a free-flowing service… something a bit more charismatic. So, I decided to try out a new church that Sunday. I remembered on my weekly route to Angeles Temple I always saw these BIG letters just along the freeway that read “FEARLESS”, and it always stirred me up seeing that word as such a statement! So, somehow, I stumbled across Fearless Church on Google and decided to visit that Sunday. Going that Sunday as my first time was perfect, as they were beginning their sermon series on vision for their church and their values. Perfect to find out what the church was all about. After visiting the church, it was definitely a place that I felt hit the mark for what I was looking for in a church. Everyone was very welcoming and was eager to connect me with others. Although I will miss my old church, I have been loving Fearless. I love how the pastor said, “while everyone is leaving California, God has called us (him and his family) here and we’re not going anywhere till He says so.” So, after trying out this church, I think I found a home… hopefully for long term. 😊

That’s all I got for now.

Peace!🕊

-Brittany Prada

After the Super Bowl fireworks went off
and caught a palm tree on fire

Reading at the beach 

More art!

More art!

BMX show

exploring USC campus

The motto of my new church!

Month #7: Spontaneity

        One thing I love about this whole LA journey is that most of the times I have no idea what’s ahead. One: because I don’t have a car and can’t just get up and go places. And Two: I don’t know many people here to hang out with. For example, sometimes my co-workers will ask, “have any plans for this weekend?” and my answer 95% of the time is “no” lol, which makes me sound so lame haha. But, I am usually fine with never having weekend plans, because almost 80% percent of the time they are filled with unexpected joys and adventure.

        One weekend my co-worker asked me on Friday if I wanted to go with her and her roommate to the beach that next day. On the spot, I agreed to go. So, that next day the three of us went go get her car inspected at the mechanic, and walked to the nearby Olive Garden during the five hour wait. To keep busy during the wait, my co-worker thought about the best idea of buying books from target and reading on the beach. Perfect! So we did that- the book buying. However, if you know Target, you know what a trap that is lol. We spent more time and money in there than anticipated. We then went to get her car and drove to Manhattan Beach, only to catch the last 30 minutes of light and watch the sun set into the ocean. Beautiful unplanned day.

        Then, a few weeks later it turned January 30^th- one of my favorite days of the year! Can you guess it? My birthday haha! 😉  The days leading up to this day, my friends, fam, and roommates asked me what I was doing for my birthday and my answer, once again, was along the lines of “I don’t know. We’ll see what the day brings.” As much of my time in LA has shown me that God writes my days, I was trusting that the day would unfold as He sought fitting. The day consisted of church, and as I was leaving church I made eye contact with a girl about my age and I introduced myself to her. I mentioned that I had only been going to the church for a few months and she suggested that I join her and her friend for lunch. So, I went and at the end of lunch I found myself sitting at a table with a candlelit bowl of complementary ice cream while I sang along to the birthday song these girls were singing to me. Haha! What a scene! Here I was celebrating my birthday with the girls, who were strangers, but such loving and kind strangers. What a way to celebrate.

        Then after parting ways, I took the bus to a rose garden. However, my plans changed to taking a relaxing walk through the campus of University of Southern California just across the street and it was such a sweet time of just walking aimlessly wherever my feet took me exploring the campus and enjoying the outdoors. I loved it. And my day ended with cake cutting and another run through of the birthday song by my roommates. Overall, it was such a spontaneous and peaceful day, but I felt so much delight knowing God was with me even in the simplicity and spontaneity of the day.

        A week later, I did my usual of Ubering to church. Determined to (finally) be on time to church, I scheduled my Uber early, but my driver canceled last minute. So, although I was definitely delayed, I got a new uber driver. After greeting my new driver, he asked, “So, you’re going to Angeles Temple. So, it’s a temple?” I explained that it wasn’t a temple, but it was just the name of the church. He then explained how he grew up Christian and Buddhist. In the Christian church he enjoyed the choir’s singing, and when he wasn’t in the church his grandmother, who was a yoga instructor, would teach him the Buddhist practices and meditation. He then went on to say that he had never read the Bible, but that he planned on reading it sometime. I was very intrigued by his background and even his interest in the Bible. Towards the end of our conversation, he explained that he wanted to try out my church and see what it’s about. My experiences with Uber have opened up numerous cool opportunities to meet cool people and even share a little about Jesus!

        In all my time here, I’ve been learning more and more to trust God with writing the story of my life, not only in the big extravagant plans, but even day to day. I don’t know what each day holds, but I’ve been growing in trusting that He has already mapped it out. And in that, I’ve seen the faithfulness of God so much and His kindness through it all. I’m realizing as I often “let the wind lead me” that it’s so worth it to be spirit-led… even in the little things like what to do for fun and where to go. I’ve been coming to realize His way is the best way and He has the best in mind if we trust Him… even in the tough times.

-Brittany Prada 🌞✌

Sunset at Manhattan Beach

Sunset at Manhattan Beach

Sunset at the gym

Pre-Birthday trip to a botanical garden

new friends I celebrated my bday with 

Walking through at USC

Birthday with one of my roommates

Attended my church's young adult life group and met
amazing people!

A Sunday pic