Viva Azusa Pacific University

Jaimasee to you all! First I want to thank you for taking the time to read my blogs. I was once in your shoes and for some reason it is tough to take five/ten minutes to read about what the Lord is doing in the lives of our friends and family. There would be times when I did read and others when I simply felt I could not give of myself short amount of time. Again, I thank you for taking the time to read this.

It is November 25, 2008 and I just returned home from a unbelievable and necessary time in Azusa, California where I graduated college from. Originally I planned on being down there for one week to say hi and finish all the logistics to my departure to Nepal. I ended up staying for an extra 2 weeks. The reason being was there was unfinished business to handle.

Logistically, I met with my advisor (Jillian) and mentor (George) to go over what was left I had to do. One of those logistics was setting up an account so the funds that you all so graciously and by the power of the Lord donate so that I could follow after what is necessary in the eyes of God. We, Azusa Pacific University, Tiny Hands, Thaddeus Foundation, and I accomplished that task. Second logistic was to buy medical insurance. After some research and dialogue with my advisors, I was able to find the right insurance. There we purchased the insurance that will go into effect the day I leave. Third logistic was having time to spend face to face with Jillian and George was a huge blessing. I believe that reconnecting on a face to face level is reassuring that this decision is not just out of selfish wants and desires, but others believe it is right.

My first week was coming to an end and I just felt uneasy about coming home that soon. I made the choice to stay down based on the previous week. In that week I experienced a deep joy of comfort being around ones that have a common ground in what I believe in, challenging me to seek the Lord not just when I need Him but always, being in an environment that helped discover plans for my life that I did not know existed, and bring closure to a chapter in life. I will miss APU a lot because of the people who shared the experience with me.

At the tail-end of the week, I was informed that my soccer coach of APU was bringing home his new baby boy from Russia. Coach Wolf, his wife Melanie Wolf, along with his three children (Barrett, Maggie, Maryn) added a new member to the Wolf family. Ivan Wolf came, just 19 months of age, to sunny Southern California November 7, 2008. I had to see him! It was so incredible for two reasons: one, being able to adopt is a gift from God; two, I was adopted, so I wanted to see what that is like on the flip side. I wanted to witness this great moment in their life. Be there for them, not that I had any clue about adopting. What a journey my last three weeks have been.

I will end on this…I have one month before I head out to Nepal; if any of you have any thoughts, advice on anything, need something from me, etc. please do not hesitate to email me or call. I want to know what is going on in your life. Happy Thanksgiving!

Hands, feet, words, attitude…

Rhoman Sushant Goyenechea