ground |ground|
noun [in sing.] the solid surface of the earth. 2 an area of knowledge or subject of discussion or thought. 3 (grounds) factors forming a basis for action or the justification for a belief. 4 chiefly Art: a prepared surface to which paint is applied. A substance used to prepare a surface for painting.
To find yourself on new ground can be exhilarating. You take in your first deep breath and experience new smells and sounds that you have never known before; at least here, right now, in this context. Like stepping off a plane in a foreign land, this new ground - though it has been there all along - feels fresh and untapped, full of possibility. And you set off, ready to embrace the next step.
I recently set my feet (and my belongings) on the new ground of an apartment! After living at my parent's house for an unexpected 2 years, I became a nomad, of sorts. Over the course of four months, I have lived in 5 different places and had a total of ten roommates (if you include Lola, the dog). I loved meeting and living with new people and re-learning being a roommate. And now, I have settled myself, with my name on a lease, in a cozy apartment in the artsy neighborhood of North Park, with a wonderful roommate named Kristi. It is beginning to feel like home and I am so thankful to be in a place where I can rest myself and start a new chapter of life, embracing the artistic culture of NP and creating a home.
Another area of new ground has been my new position with Children of the Nations (I've actually been in this position for a few months now). I transitioned from my roll as Venture Coordinator, to Community Coordinator. I have loved meeting with people, sharing the vision of COTN and joining together with others also passionate about "raising children who transform nations." What an honor it has been. I am continuing to learn, grow and be challenged in my new roll.
In my September newsletter, I wrote about a partnership with a local Christian camp, Pondo (short for Pondorosa Pines Christian Camp) that was developed with COTN San Diego over the summer. In my letter, I referenced a recent trip to the Dominican Republic where the youth learned about new water purification systems being installed in their (and neighboring) batays because of the generocity of Pondo and its campers. The students danced. They danced for water! Watch the following videos to get a taste of the contagious excitement that week.
COTN Dominican Republic Youth Camp, summer 2011
Watch this video to see campers excited about the new water purification systems
I think of new ground as we prepare for 2012 with new partners and relationships in San Diego. I am excited for the growth and exploration that is to come, in every way.
In a way, every day is new ground. We have the choice to explore and set out on a new path. Untapped earth. What "new" can I find in my day, I wonder…?
I explore. One step at a time.
