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!