Things Sure Have a Way of Working Out

I have been in New York for 6 weeks, and I already have a time frame. Many people will be thrilled at this news.... some will be like "Say what?!?!". So let's back track first....


At the beginning of the year I was enrolled at Hope after completing the first year of my Master's program. I love HIU, it has been an amazing program, and even with it being online much to this point, I have so much support academically from the university and professors for my success. Yes, I had this at Cal Poly, but this is so different. I wish at times I had completed my undergraduate work at a Christian university, because it has been such a great process working with great professors who are praying for me and we pray for one another. It's been great. Anyway, I took the courses and they were harder than other classes I had taken in the program up to that point, and then pretty much things in my personal life (my family) was going up in flames in the background. Many know and were so supportive and prayerful in that time. Ultimately, fast forward to the end of the term, and I failed both classes because it was too late for me to file for withdraw or audit. Luckily, I have forgiveness through the university which will allow me to repeat the courses. My plan then was to take a break since my plate was so full. I then was offered to come to NY and transfer with Verizon... here we are.


I have been liking it here... been making good friends, I like the church I am going to, and working like normal. Definitely been struggling with homesickness a bit, but that is normal and I know that. This past week I began the process of ending my "Year of Absence" from Hope and build a plan that would have me complete the last 5 courses I need to finish my MBA, including an end date for graduation of December 2013.  To complete this end date will also involve me retaking Finance and having to exercise the on-campus option... which is once a week in Fullerton for the duration of the course. I am very lucky and fortune to work for a company that enables transfers as well as a company who supports getting a degree or furthering your education. So come Spring I will begin applying (again) to transfer back to California. It is something that is weird to be excited about, because it is like I am just hanging out here on some long-term vacation, and I am in many ways. I have to finish what I started at Hope, and long term, I have always known California is where I would "settle". It makes no sense to move back to California just for the Fall term because Verizon definitely won't let a store "borrow" me for 3 months. So please be praying. California is definitely in my heart, and I was and am... more of a California girl than I thought.

I want to enjoy the time I am here and living my dream/goal of living in NY. Having a great experiences and soaking it all in. If I can do that-- I still succeeded. The plan is to apply in Spring and return back... but not to SLO (now the tears can come). It is not feasible long term to live there with barely any room for growth, and really it makes the most sense with my mom, sister, dad, brother, grandparents.... to live in San Fernando Valley/LA. I will most likely be staying with my Godsister or my mom as I transition back in the summer... and work and focus on completing the program... and graduating (and walking) next December. But then ultimately with a friend we plan to look for a place together down there. It is 15 months away.... but time flies, I mean we are already more than half way done with September, and 2012 is coming to a close. Summer will be here before I know it. Perfect timing would be the beginning of June, but it may not be til later in the summer. Prayerfully sooner rather than later for expenses and school. So please be praying that God would continue to provide, give discernment, and to make things easier on the days I feel unsure or defeated.

Thank you!

Caitlyn