Fodder from California: and all the sudden, I'm back to a busy schedule.

Does it ever slow down? life that is? It seems that just a week ago, Chelsea and I made it here.
These first couple weeks went by a little slower, with just my internship to keep me busy. But now I feel like the "good ol" days have caught up with me again, running around with things to do and places to go.

But whether my day is busy or not, life goes on. So here's a look-back on the past week or so. (As per the saying, "I saved the best for last." So read on...and don't skip!)

My job:
Journalism is a career that can be...well..awesome, to say the least. Sometimes you get those interviews that others would kill for - whether with a celebrity (which there are plenty of here in CA...a number of them living in Ventura county), or getting your smoking gun on the latest scandal. Other times, they're not as exciting....your typical monotonous stories. But for me, the past 2 articles I've done have been incredibly inspiring - the latter of the two hosting the majority of the "inspire" factor. I had the opportunity to work on a story about a foster home that is opening for 16-18 year olds as a transition home, teaching foster teenagers how to "become adults." I interviewed the two directors earlier, but it wasn't until the day before deadline (!!!) that I was able to interview a special source: one of the teenage girls entering the program. I interviewed her on her first day there - which I'm sure was crazy for her. But she was so sweet and open about everything. Coming from the things she's had to deal with, and the aspirations she wants to attain (far beyond anything I could ever imagine), this girl was the epitome of inspiration.
But that's as far as I'm going to tell you, because I want you all to go read my article!! Go to VCReporter.com, and search "Hannah Davis". (although it hasn't posted quite yet...it should be posted online tomorrow).

The journey of getting that article to its current state, however, was a battle. This was probably the article that has gone through the most edits. Sometimes it gets disheartening and discouraging when I get a paper returned with so many red marks on it. I think it went through about 7 versions before my "final copy" was turned in.
But every time I'd see red marks, I'd just remember that this internship is a LEARNING experience, and I am in no way "professional" status. But the article turned out fantastic - a truly touching piece.

Ok...MOVING ONWARD!
Church!
Never in a million years did I think I would become THIS connected with a church so quickly! It's been not even two weeks, and I've already been thrust into this family. I love it. To give you an idea of how completely welcoming they've been: 7 hours post-meeting the group, I was invited to a graduation party. Now, not even 2 full weeks after my first morning at Camarillo Ev-Free, I will be attending a bridal shower/bachelorette party for one of the girls in the group - whom I've met once. (I'm bringing the eggs for breakfast in the morning, as it's a "sleepover." sidethought: I don't think I've been to a "sleepover" as a guest since high school! haha)

The church also needed VBS leaders, so starting in a couple weeks, I will be the "floater" leader, each Wednesday, going where they need me. I'm excited to help! I haven't been involved with a VBS since Hawley..or I guess if you wanted to count the VBS we did in Mexico when I went on the missions trip with Rick&Carol, along with the rest of the HAC gang. (carol, see following paragraph, too!)

Now, onto ... Bible studies! Goodness, if I wanted to...I could attend a Bible Study 4 times a week! haha. Currently, however, I have just gotten connected with "gigi". I know. Coolest name ever. It's really just G.G. which stands for "girls group." But they decided to make it sound more...attractive. So they came up with "gigi". Last week, it was about 12 girls, but normally I think they have around 20-30 girls. We sat around the table and worked our way through chapter 6 of John.

As I sat at the dinner table of "The Cockpit" (they have a tendency to name everything. The cockpit is Christy's sister's house, which is used quite often for church/youth/college events.) I couldn't help but hold this incredible feeling of thankfulness and blessing. God has provided me with not only some lifelong friends, but ones who encourage, push, and will help grow my relationship with Christ.
I can never tell God's "why" for his will explicitly. But sometimes I think he shows us pieces of that "why." And one big "why" that I think he sent me here is to challenge me. It challenges me to rely on him as I walk through this adventure, being stretched outside my comfort zone. There's also no doubt that God helped me find this church, and "gigi", which has already challenged my relationship with Him. I love the fact that I am being pushed and stretched, TOWARDS God. (Carol, I will never forget how you prayed over me for this specifically... that my relationship with God would grow this summer! Mom, I know you've been praying, too. And I can only attribute finding this incredible church family to your prayers.)

Anyway! Enough of church. (well, there always seems to be enough, these days, but I'm sure you won't want me to go into our Bible Study discussions. lol)

Next up: ABOVE and BELOW the ground!
Last Saturday was my first dive experience. I attended "discover scuba" on Saturday, which basically, after a 20-30 minute session, I was in the pool, breathing underwater. For some reason, it's not something I can truly write about, describing how it was, my feelings, etc. It was just one of those events that was incredible. I mean, you're breathing underwater, you're swimming under water, you're discovering what being "weightless" means - it was awesome, it was weird, it was - I don't really know. I WILL, however, have a video coming soon!! I took a video blog before and after, and during my first "dive", uncle Eric took some video of me. So I will put that together and put it up soon - (I'm hoping by Sunday or Monday.)

Yesterday, after work and before the VBS meeting, Uncle Eric took me flying in the helicopter! (man, I really am getting spoiled!) It was terrifying at first, knowing there was nothing between me and the ground, 1500-2000 feet below us, other than the window and a metal door. It was almost like riding in James' Jeep for the first time - except times 5! We flew over the mountains first, finding our way over to the filming location of "Little House on the Prairie," which I couldn't help but think of my lil sis, and Christine, since it's their favorite tv show. If it makes you feel any better (or maybe it'll make you feel worse), many of the houses have now been burnt down because of brush fires. We meandered our way over to the coast, which was, well...if you ever get the chance, I HIGHLY recommend taking a ride over the coast. It's a completely different perspective than anything else. You see the surf, you see the many sailboats off shore, you see the para-gliders out on the water...it was beautiful! I did take both video and photos of this event, and am planning to put this together on Sunday, too.

The rest of my life is filled with trying to keep up with my Distance Ed classes, and finishing up with my SCUBA manual (knowledge reviews are imperative to do, especially if I don't want to die while being 60 feet under water).

My birthday is coming up, and I'm super excited. :-) First, 23 + California = epic birthday. Next, Jay Leno will be honored to have me in attendance of his audience for the July 15th show. ;-) So be watching on July 15, cuz I may just be on camera! haha.

Well, I will leave you with a few photos I shot while out for lunch one day. I think they hold a certain California-esque style. :-)