SOZO Real: 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!