Month #5: Never Have I Ever

Five months in this LA journey and never have I ever...

Loved a hobby more than riding bikes along the beach.

Thought I’d love working in a high school (haha).

Spent so much money on Uber (haha).

Been brave enough to take public transportation alone and trusted that God would protect me even after getting on the wrong bus only to accidently find a gem of a library in downtown, which is now my one of my new favorite places.

Never have I ever thought I’d go to Skid Row with the Dream Center inviting people to church.

Been to Hollywood Boulevard and experienced a group of believers come together in a moment to worship the Living God, and bow on their knees to glorify Him in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. 

Seen some of the heartbreaking sights I've seen along the streets of Downtown LA.

Never have I ever seen a people so in need of Jesus

Until

Now.

    As with the 8^th of every month, this month I reflected on these experiences and along with the not so fun times and was reminded of a funeral I recently watched on livestream from a hero in the faith- Brian Brennt, the founder of Circuit Riders. Circuit Riders is a revival movement to spread the Gospel to universities and high schools all over the U.S. and the world (check it out here: https://youtu.be/BLFvVOVBTBc) Watching the livestream was incredible and brought me to tears. Each person that went up shared how Brian Brennt made a major Kingdom impact during his time on earth and how he had extremely radical, consistent faith in the power of Jesus. Because of his willingness to dream God sized dreams, when people (even fellow Christians), doubted the miracles on the other side of his faith, he did not waiver from the words given to him by God. 

    In the middle of watching his powerful homegoing service, it suddenly hit me that this man, whom I’ve never met and barely knew about until recently, is one of the many individuals that helped get me here to California.

    Before I explain any more, let’s backtrack to November 2020. I was a senior in college and had the overwhelming news looming in my mind that I had been accepted into City Year Los Angeles. I hardly told a soul the news because I was feeling all sorts of things- excited to potentially have this “California dream” fulfilled, but also extremely terrified of going to a whole other place that most non-Californians bashed, saying that it was too tough of a place to live and one that would “take me out” of the faith.

    One of those November evenings I had dinner with a friend of mine and told her the news before going to Carry the Love, which originated in California from the Circuit Riders.

    Despite her response of, “Girl, yes! You gotta go”, in my uncertainty, I shot back with, “We’ll see. I need God to show me a sign and give me confirmation.”

    That evening at the Carry the Love event, a speaker went up to share his testimony of how he previously partnered with Circuit Riders. After some time with the Circuit Riders, he felt God telling him to go back home to Pennsylvania to serve his family for a season. He got comfortable in still doing the work of God there, but he suddenly started feeling compelled by God to go back to California to rejoin Circuit Riders. He explained that he was torn between going and staying to serve his family, but the tug in his heart to go was undeniable, although he tried to repress it. After reasoning with God and despite his frustration, he eventually gave God his “yes” to surrender to His plan.

    As I sat there amidst the attentive crowd during that cold night, I felt God so clearly tell me that this time around in pursing Los Angeles, He was finally giving me the green light to go after previously being given the red light to wait in my 2017 attempt to attend college in California. The confirmation to go and pursue this journey was so clear to me and if that didn't make it any more clear, my friend that I mentioned I "needed confirmation" turned to me and jokingly commented after hearing the speaker's story, "does that clear things up?"

    With all this said, you may be wondering how this Carry the Love speaker, Brian Brennt, and my “never have I ever”s all add up. Well, in the middle of watching the livestream memorial service, I realized there would be no LA for me if I had not received the green light after hearing the Carry the Love speaker share his testimony of God’s call back to Los Angles. And there would be no Carry the Love event and even the speaker’s wrestling with God, if Brian Brennt did not walk with obedience to God’s prompting for him to create such a movement to lead young people to Jesus. And if we get down to the whole point, there would be no purpose for humanity if it were not for God sending His son Jesus and giving us the gift of the Holy Spirit to be with us.  

              So, in all this I am encouraged- and I hope you are too. Our simple yes to God’s plan can impact the lives of many that we may not even get to meet until eternity. But it’s worth it for Jesus, for His people, and for the advancement of the Kingdom of heaven. I pray we stay faithful in the work God has us in and continue to have open ears to His leading in every assignment He gives. We must continue to follow because we never know what’s on the other side of our obedience.

(Here's two songs that I love: Obedience and Take Courage both by Lindy Conant & The Circuit Riders. I hope the lyrics encourage you to be a lifelong missionary to carry out the work of Jesus starting NOW.)

ps. Happy Christmas! 🎄⛄🏂

-Brittany Prada 

Month #4: There's More Out There

THERE’S MORE OUT THERE.

        This phrase has been a reoccurring theme these past few weeks of month # 4 after my sister and good friend from Texas recently came to visit me here in California. Although their stay was short, we packed in the weekend with botanical gardens, eating good food, going to the beach, and the famous Griffith Observatory.

        Although I’ve been to the observatory a few times before, this was my first time getting the full experience. We went in the evening and watched the sunset from up top and even got to look through one of the oldest telescopes to see Jupiter in live action. It was pretty crazy to think I saw a piece of the solar system while being here on planet earth.

        After, we went into the museum building. The building consisted of different exhibits about all there is to know about the galaxies, solar system, stars, planets… everything space! All the information was so extravagant and mind blowing; it truly was way beyond me. I began to see how small us humans are compared to all there is out there. I mean think about it! We live on planet earth, but beyond that there’s the solar system, then the Milky Way galaxy, and then there’s the universe that consists of numerous other galaxies. Compared to these humongous concepts of space, we’re just a super small part of it all.

        But amazingly, God still chose us humanity to be the focal point of His love. This big god who made the stars, sun, moons, galaxies, and universe beyond our greatest understanding, still thought these amazing works of His hands were missing something… and again, that is us. Seeing these exhibits of how space works reminded me that there is so much more out there. In my 22 years of life, I feel I’ve seen so much, but going to the observatory reminded me that there is a surplus of adventure, sights to see, and knowledge to be learned, way beyond than what I’ve experienced thus far.

        I began to realize that the awareness of “there’s more out there” inspires one to not stay stagnant and to advance forward to see the wonders of the world, whether intellectually or in adventure. The question that has been on my mind is this, “how can one come to the realization for themselves that there’s more to see in life?” Maybe it takes someone to share their experiences with another to make that person aware of the different avenues available. Or maybe it just comes naturally when one stumbles across a wonderful sight whether in a book or in person and that lightbulb goes off in one’s head, which then sparks fascination. Whatever it is, I hope you keep your eyes open and your hopes up that there’s more to life than what you’re seeing now. Even when you think you’ve seen it all, there’s so much more to encounter in all areas- in knowing God, in going places, meeting people, in learning. There’s so much even in the mundane! Adventure is out there, so go see it!

-Brittany Prada 🔅

Of course I had to include the "La La Land" movie clip that was filmed at The Griffith Observatory. Check it out here .

I've also included a snippet of my memories from this past month: 

Month #3: Provision

        Hello! It's been awhile since I've updated my blog. So, here's the update for my 3rd month here...

        If there is anything I’ve learned in my 3^rd month here in LA it is God’s provision. Really! I’ve been seeing how God has provided me with rides and friendships and providing community within my job, work, and roommates.

        A couple of Sundays ago I decided to change churches since I wasn’t forming any community after being there for 2+ months and it was just difficult to connect with people after being there for some time. So, I started going to Angeles Temple, which is the church associated with the LA Dream Center. Before the service, the usher was finding me a seat toward the front, but randomly I heard someone say, “She can sit with me!” And she was a female about my age. Immediately we bonded and I came to find out she recently moved here to LA from Texas as well! I was amazed at how God provided me a friendship on the very first day!

        Then I went to the membership connect class after service to get more involved with the church and I met an older lady named Mrs. Maria. She was the sweetest lady. After only knowing her for a few hours, she treated me to lunch and was going on and on about how good God has been to her.

        To continue, one thing that has been a bit of a struggle for me is not having a car. It’s tough at times playing the guessing game with Uber of when is the cheapest time to buy an Uber to just go to church, etc. Although it can be annoying at times paying for Uber so often, I’ve seen how God has been providing for me financially every step of the way. Working with City Year I definitely do not make a lot of money, but it’s been such a blessing to recognize that I lack nothing. God has been providing me with more than enough in every way.

        Additionally, a few other updates are that I’m starting to really like it here in LA. The month of October has been one where I’ve been able to venture out a bit more and I’ve come to realize that I actually really enjoy the work I am doing with City Year. Although I cannot save the whole world with my work, I can make a small impact that can create a ripple effect. This truth hit home for me after hearing about a few incidences that occurred in the nearby community. These students are full of so much potential and sometimes its those small impacts that may all the difference to help them unlock the greatness within even more.

All the best,

Brittany Prada🌴🌻

Rode bikes along the beach.

  

City outreach with Angles Temple!

                           
                                         

Still Emmanuel in the Silence

    I met a lady at the gym this week. In our conversation she shared she used to follow Jesus, but now practices a religion devoted to African gods and voodoo. She explained her pursuit of these practices began as she felt that God let her down in life. As I was recently looking back at my past creative writings, one of my short fiction stories reminded me of the frustration she’s experienced with God. The story I’ve attached is somewhat lengthy and is written with full honesty of the struggles of feeling like God is silent at times. Fair warning: it does have some "language," but as I shared in my first blogpost that I’m going to be “real” in these writings, right? Real, relatable writing is what make stories come to life. So, this fictitious story is a heavy one, but maybe one you can relate to. The story is about the tough seasons of life when God seems to have turned a deaf ear to human cries. I’ve definitely been in those silent seasons with Jesus and it’s gruesomely frustrating and painful at times. Although the fictitious story does not end in a perfect little bow, it shares real emotions and the real internal struggles of life through a fictitious character living on Skid Row. 

    Throughout this story, know that God has never walked away. In times when I’ve questioned God being present, I found after that trying season, my faith became more raw and real, although it definitely didn’t feel like it during the in-between process. I became honest with God and stopped beating around the bush, like when two people who aren’t well acquainted are extremely proper with each other. I’ve learned these past years that God wants us to be honest with Him. In this honesty, He heals us and works with us through the struggles of life. He isn’t afraid of our tough questions and wonderings. God is good, loving, patient, and He is Emmanuel- God with us. Sharing my personal writings can be daunting, but putting work out there is a writer’s hardest part. So, here it is and hope you enjoy this short story!

Click here to read the short story titled "Silent God."

-Brittany Prada 🌞

"Listen! The Lord's arm is not too weak to save you, nor His hear too deaf to hear you call." 

                                                                                                                               -Isaiah 59:1

Lover of My Soul (Month #2: part 3)

              I felt a longing in my heart to have a time of unrushed worship that extends past the traditional three songs of a Sunday morning service, which usually include a “welcome” fast paced song and two worship slow songs. (Growing up in the church, I've observed this is usually how it goes. Lol.) So, I began to say, “God, I want to attend a worship night!” Just a little over a week later, my church here in LA announced that they were hosting a worship night that following Sunday.

              After completing my first two weeks of work, the 10 hour work days were slowly wearing me out, so I began to jokingly mention, “Whew, I need a vacation!” That following Monday morning during our first circle meeting at work, I came to find with our virtual days and Labor Day weekend, I didn’t have to go to work in person for 5 days. Immediately I bought a plane ticket to visit home for a few days to have my “vacation” that weekend.

              In my 2+ months of being here, the California skies have teased me many times as they look cloudy, but only pour out a few raindrops. I came to realize that I miss rain. Before the spontaneous “vacation” visiting home, I told God, “Please make it rain, pour, and lightning- all the thunderstorm works- at home because I miss the comfort of rain.” And it rained hard my very last day in Texas.

              Over the span of these instances, it has become apparent to me that God holds on to every word I say. This realization excites me, convicts me, and leaves me in awe. He is the lover of humanity’s soul, that never takes a word we say lightly. I try to fathom this, but it’s tough because I don’t even take my own words seriously at times… but He does!

              With this realization in mind, it makes me think, “If he holds on to every word I say, shouldn’t that drive me to have more faith to come before Him and believe for more because I know that He listens intently with care?” But many times, I don’t. And I think it’s because He does not always come through exactly when I want Him to or how I want Him to. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that He doesn’t hear me. Every word His children say is significant to Him, it’s just a matter of faith and trust in His timing and His heart.

“And if we know that He hears us- whatever we ask- we know that we have what we asked of Him.”

                                                                                                                                             -1 John 5:15

So, let us believe that He values each and every word of ours and let that drive us to come before Him with big faith.

-Brittany Prada 💛

Here’s a song as a reminder of His love for us. His love is a kind that is whole and never broken. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI9aqfmVmPc

"There Is No Tomorrow" (Month #2: (part 2)

               I woke up at 2 am thinking it was just one of those times when my body wakes up on its own. Then I got a text from my roommate saying she heard shots just a block away. A few seconds later, came the sound of helicopters swarming above the area and the red police lights shining through the blinds of my room. “Yup, this is definitely a mission field,” I thought to myself.

              This is just a glimpse into month #2 here in LA. This month is when I learned more about the realities of this part of the city.  

              Through the stories of violence and injustice experienced by some of the students I work with, noticing the overwhelming amount of people living in tents and tarp housing in the streets, and seeing graffiti painted across the city, my zeal for this mission God has me on began to feel useless. With so much that needs to be addressed in the city and not many big effective changes being made, I began to understand why many non-Californians deemed this state as a “lost cause.” There is so much to be done in this city that it can be overwhelming many times. And it often left me wondering how my small impact here would make any dent of a change. However, I had to remind myself of the beginning and how it was evident to me that God sent me here for a purpose.

             When seeing and hearing about these instances going on in the community, I knew I was to pray for these things, but I often neglected prayer and would say that I’d get to it later “tomorrow” only to be extremely busy to even pray for these things.

             During the day I’d get tired from work and would often half-heartedly be there. Again, when I’d reflect on the tough experiences some of the kids shared with me, I’d say, “Today I wished I gave more since I realize these kids need me to give my all. Tomorrow, I’ll give more,” only to repeat the same cycle of “tomorrow” because I was dealing with insecurities, laziness, and what appeared to be a mission “too big” for me.

             Then within this past month, 3 different people with whom I’ve built community with here in LA unexpectedly had to leave without notice due to personal reasons they were experiencing. Some of these individuals I was not able to say a proper goodbye. It was just a sudden exit.

             I was quickly reminded of the urgency to show Jesus to the people around me and wondered if I gave my all in sharing Jesus for the short time they were in my life. This urgency reminded me that I never know if there is going to be another tomorrow with the same people in my life. Who knows when my time of having them in my life will be just a few short weeks, rather than much longer than I expected?

             I must keep on with perseverance and not get lazy doing the work of God just because it seems way beyond me. If I keep approaching these opportunities and people half-heartedly, the issues around me will defeat me, rather making a change as God intended me to. I soon learned that God wants His people to not keep our eyes on the problem, but rather on Him. It is with this perspective we can continue in God’s work because our strength is in Him and not within ourselves. This month was tough, and I really felt like a worn out boxer slouched in the corner of the boxing ring, with God as my coach urgently instructing me, “Girl, you gotta keep going! Don’t quit! You got more in ya!”

             To sum up this month, I really resonated with this clip from the movie “Rocky III": https://youtu.be/8KRzqPxR5zs and I hope it inspires you as well to not keep waiting till “tomorrow” to give your all. May we face each and every day knowing God is counting on us to continue on with the fullness of His strength. You got more in ya!

-Brittany Prada 💛

Month #2 (part 1)

             During my second month here, I really struggled with being “content,” which is a word we hear so much in the Christian world. Even though I am living out this dream of mine that’s been on my heart for the past 6 years, I still was not completely thankful. I wished I had my friends close by. I wished I lived in a nicer area. I wished I had my own car. I wished I knew what was on the other side of the many uncertainties in my life. I wished for so many things to be how I wanted them to be. Even when God allowed me to live out this calling I’ve been dreaming about for a long time, I still had something to complain about. But, as I always say, “thank God, God is God!” He is so patient with me. To ease the pains of waiting during uncertainty and discontentment, I began to really soak in the famous passage of Psalm 23, but specifically Psalm 23:1.

“The Lord is my Shephard, I lack nothing.”

              I always heard this verse and quickly let it slip through my ears. But this time, I really read it literally and started to think that if God is a good god and His word says with His leading, I lack nothing, then if I’m following Him, He will only give me the best of the best. Therefore, all that I have now is God’s best for me. And if it were any other way, it would not be His greatest for me. I started to see that where I’m at right now in life and every detail of it is exactly God’s most precious gift for me at the moment. It sounds so simple just typing it out, but it is tough sometimes to truly believe the scriptures. “[If] the Lord is my Shephard, I [will] lack nothing.” Reciting this scripture over and over has helped me along the way to trust God and His timeline for my life.

              Month #2 was a tough one, but I’m thankful for the valuable lessons that have been and are being learned.

Here are just a few highlights from adventures this month:

-          Hiked up to Griffith Observatory

-          Went to my first ever NFL game to watch the LA Rams. Learned that I am not a fan of NFL football. Lol.

-          Experimented cooking several recipes

-          Got involved in my church a bit more

-          Met up with my ORU friend at a real park! I really missed parks.

-          Assembled a desk all by myself. Yay!

That’s about it. Stay tuned for more!

-Brittany Prada

My Very Own McFarland

        I've always dreamed of having my own "McFarland, USA" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-VAOlHGE6Q) from the moment the movie came out. I remember when first arriving to my neighborhood here in LA and driving past the school, I expressed, "The Lord has given me my very own McFarland!" It felt just right and like a perfectly tailored gift from God bestowed to me. And that's exactly what it's been. The start of this job has been quite the transition. I've had to go from my schedule-less summer days to waking up at 5:45 am and arriving to my job early, because as many have said "early means on time." It has been a bit of a change working 10 hours a day, but overall, I've enjoyed being busy and living out the mission God has forme in this season of life. 

            To give a general description of my daily schedule, it usually begins with my team blasting music and clapping or (semi-)dancing in front of the school’s entrance as the students walk through embarrassed or annoyed at our attempts to get them hyped for the school day. Lol. I can’t blame them. It is a bit early to be that hype in the morning.

              Then after this time we call “power greeting”, my team and I go our separate ways to our designated classrooms to help students who may need extra help. So far I’ve loved the classes I am assigned, which include Algebra 1, English, and Ethnic Studies. It definitely has been interesting being in the high school setting once again, but not as the student this time. I’ve enjoyed sitting in the classroom and actually learning without the pressure of having to take notes for a grade or to “prove my intelligence.”

              But overall, what has intrigued me the most since my time in the school this past week and a half, is learning about and observing the school’s demographics and commonalities among the students. The school is considered a larger one and is composed mainly of Hispanic and African American students from the surrounding community of the lower/middle socio-economic class level. There are a handful of students who are English Language Learners (ELL) and know very little English. Although I struggle many times in my Spanish, I enjoy talking with the ELL students as it helps me practice my Spanish, while I attempt to provide help to the students as well.

              Additionally, in my interactions with the students, many shared that they failed their classes last school year over Zoom, and some have expressed that they thought of themselves as “dumb” because of their past struggles in academics. I also noticed that many of the students don’t have a high belief in themselves, as they would express that they didn’t think they were capable and they shared in a lighhearted manner that they come from a household of name calling and tough love. This was eye opening and really encouraged me to be present and focused this school year in helping them not only succeed academically, but also to provide that encouragement that can build belief in themselves.

              The days, although long in hours, pass by pretty quick, and are pretty enjoyable thanks to my team I get to work with. Thankful that we are all supportive and purposeful in our decision for this year long commitment with City Year.

              Besides all this, a random/fun thing occurred just last week! There was an AT&T commercial casually being filmed during the school day in the auditorium. Why was I so amazed by this? LOL. This is California! And not only that, this is Los Angles, just a few minutes from the heart of Hollywood. However, the commercial filming wasn’t the first time Hollywood stepped on the school’s premises. Supposedly the show “All American” was filmed here at the school as well.

              In all this, it’s definitely been a process getting into the new groove of things and finding the rhythm of this new job. In just a couple of days working here, I’ve learned so much and have been seeking to grow in my mindset and the ability to be present and content, which is a good set up for the next blogpost to come because, believe me, I have a lot to say about being content in this season. Stay tuned! It will be a good one. 😉

-Brittany 😊        

Take a look into my first week by watching the video: https://animoto.com/play/fbj2ja51u9L0vyK1arf1lA

Month One and It's Only Just Begun

    August 8^th marked one month of living in Los Angeles, California and wow, what a journey it has been so far! Within this first month I have experienced so much and learned so much about myself, the world, people, different perspectives, and God.

    As I reflect on this path month, I can’t help but think about the month leading up to July 8^th- the day I hopped on the plane with all my things and moved here to The City of Angels. Two weeks before the start of this journey, my dad took my sister and I to Kema Board Walk, which is a pier consisting of rollercoasters and small rides near the beach. With my sister aware that I have a loath for rollercoasters, she suggested the three of us take it easy and go on the ferris wheel. This ride was relaxing and fun, but there definitely wasn’t any sense of terror like that of the bigger rides surrounding us. Then after this ride, my sister jokingly suggested that we ride the swinging ship ride. Surprisingly, I said “YES!” As I was seated and ready for the ride, I was only slightly nervous and thought I finally outgrew my fear of rollercoasters since I did not feel the same sense of anxiety I had for rollercoasters when I was younger.

    However, I quickly learned that this was because the ride was just getting started. Haha! As the boat ride progressed, the boat vigorously swooshed up and down repeatedly to where it was quickly confirmed to me why I never enjoyed rollercoasters- they are excruciatingly uncomfortable and bring about a dreadful feeling that can’t be stopped till the ride is over. During the whole ride I screamed at the top of my lungs, closed my eyes shut, and held on to my sister’s hand with all my might. These three things eased the discomfort of the ride. During the whole thing, I clearly remember thinking, “IF I CAN DO THIS, I CAN DO ANYTHINGG!!” In other words, I felt that if I could voluntarily say yes to this scary ride, I could definitely do whatever God was telling me to do and move to California, even if it was scary and full of unknowns.

    Once the ride ended, I was shaking with adrenaline and filled with relief and laughter at the whole experience, thinking, “Wow! I can’t believe I just did that!” Although I did not realize it in the moment, this situation was very significant and symbolic for the new season that I was to step into that coming week in California.

    Fast forward a few weeks later to now- August 8^th.   I sit here in my room thinking about month number one in LA, which I can say was truly amazing, adventurous, new, and exciting! However, there were also many times when it was the exact opposite, and it was very tough, uncomfortable, and foreign. I experienced a small degree of culture shock and there were definitely times when I felt defeated, ungrateful, lonely, and forgot why God sent me here. But during one of my moments with the Lord in my bedroom, He reminded me of this boat ride rollercoaster. He reminded me how I held so tightly to my sister’s hand, which brought comfort and alleviated the stress of the ride. There was no doubt in my mind that I was letting go of her hand. I needed her hand to keep me grounded during the two-minute adrenaline rush.

    The Lord reminded me that in the same way that I held so tightly to my sister’s hand, I needed to hold on to Him no matter what I face here in this journey. I needed to hold on like it says in Psalm 91: 14-16 (MSG), “’If you’ll hold on to me for dear life…I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times.’” There is much to be said, which will probably come in a later post, but if there is anything that God taught me since my time here it is this: hold on to God and He will never let you go. He is everything I need in every situation.

    So, here’s to month one in California and it’s just the beginning! Thank you again to all those who have prayed for me, reached out, and supported me through this journey so far. Extremely grateful for each and every one of you!

-Brittany Prada 💛

Check out a slideshow about my first month here: https://animoto.com/play/2baEkLHPXxQ1xKL5q2YW3w

Made My Way to LA

     Hello all! There's lots to catch ya'll up on. First things first: I moved to a new city- Los Angeles, the city of angels. How I got here is a major God story. It is a dream being fulfilled after six years in the making! I've visited the state of California three times prior to moving here, each two years apart. First, for a college visit to Pepperdine University in 2017, then for a mission trip to Skid Row in 2019 with my university, and then I visited San Jose to visit my roommate in 2021. Each trip was such a treat and consistently rekindled the fire in my heart for the Golden State. 

    And now, well, I'm living here long term for a year long commitment working with City Year, which is an Americorps Organization. *sidenote: I've explained what this program is so many times. Rather than reciting my speech once again about the program, I will include the link here to save me some words and to give you a better idea: https://youtu.be/2nME3vW1SDM . 😉

    Living here and typing out this story is something I could only dream of a couple of months ago. I accepted the position to work for City Year in November and knew it was a door God opened for me, but I had no idea how it would all unfold. Eventually, this summer, God was speaking to me about being His heir and having the faith to come before Him boldly to ask and believe He is my provider. So, in faith, I bought a one way ticket to LAX. I had no idea where I'd be living, with who, or how, but all I knew was that I had a flight to get on in just three weeks and God was going to provide one way or another. However, a few days during those three weeks, I began to fast and pray believing that if God truly wanted me in California, He'd have to close all the wrong doors and open ONLY the right one because I had no prior knowledge of how to search for an apartment. During the fast I believed God would provide if it was His desire for me to be here. Then the very last day of my fast, I got a notification from the City Year Facebook page from a City Year member that they had a room available. Amazingly, it was everything I was praying about for a housing situation. I write this to share that often times the breakthrough God has for us is just around the corner or at the very end of the pressing, we just have to keep looking to Him to the very end and not lose heart. So, God provided me a housing situation about two weeks before my scheduled flight. In all of this, I am amazed at how God literally kept every door shut, except this one. I reached out to other individuals to check if they had other housing situations available, but each time none of the opportunities worked out, except this one. How God moved so miraculously is such an assurance that I know for a fact that I am supposed to be here! It's a blessing to be exactly where God destined me to be for this season of life. 

I also, want to thank everyone that helped get me here through their prayers, words of encouragement, and generous support. I am so grateful how God provided me with encouragement and courage through others around me, even at times when I feared I was not ready to start this Los Angeles journey. Strangers, people close to me, and even people I only had a short conversation with, your support and prayers mean so much to me and I want to say THANK YOU! 

-Brittany Prada 

Below are some of the people that helped get me here. Not everyone is pictured, but you know who you are and so thankful for all of you. 💛

    

She's back!

    Hello! Well, my blog has officially been updated. I've attempted this blog thing about two years ago, completed a handful of college writing classes, have written work published, and expressed my mind through fresh ink on a variety of journal pages. That is not to say I'm a professional; my writing has actually become a little rusty since I graduated college, but a lot of life has happened between now and then. The iconic Coronavirus has occurred and changed everyone's life, I graduated from Oral Roberts University, moved to a new city, and have been experiencing the new and somewhat uncomfortable season of post grad. With old seasons gone and new seasons here, it's about time I get serious about this blogger thing. So, here it goes! 

    Since I was young I have noticed the gift of creativity and writing that God has given me. Writing has been a source of expression that has brought about reflection and healing throughout my life. With a mind going non-stop 24/7, I think it's only fitting to share (a handful of) these thoughts, ideas, and reflections with others. 

    Through these blogposts, I hope you can follow through my journey of life and glean (or relate) from the struggles, lessons, and experiences thrown my way. Along with these posts, I hope to be real and share the sozo healing power of God in my everyday life. (This is where the blog name comes in 😉.) If you aren't familiar with the term "sozo," it is a Greek word meaning "inner healing," "saved, healed, delivered," and "salvation from the enemy." I absolutely love this word because it means so much to me! I have seen the sozo healing power of God in my life most recently and I hope to share the many ways He can show up in yours as well! Thanks for following me in my journey!

All the best,

Brittany 💛