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