THE FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT

Where I grew up, hope was kind of what got you through things. There were  times when my hope was low, mostly because I knew the situation. My parents were not on the best of terms, which I think led to some of the difficulties I had growing up and still struggle with today. There was a lot of arguing and fighting over things from the past or what might happen in the future.

Moving was a constant in my life. We made many moves back and forth from a house to an apartment. 

Over the years, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact alcohol and drug abuse had on the physical and mental well-being of many around me. Seeing it happen to the people I care so much about hasn't been easy; it’s been heartbreaking to witness. In many ways, it pushed me away in disgust. It’s probably the reason I choose to live the way I do today and why I hold myself to different core values.

Fortunately, my mom taught me to keep going. She is the most hopeful person I know and has unwavering resilience despite financial struggles. She is selfless in prioritizing her children’s well-being over her own needs. Money has never been something we were blessed with. I don’t know how else to say it; finances have always been tight, but Mom got us through without a lot of worry.  

Mom worked hard, seven days a week at a bunch of different jobs, but still found time to hang out with us. She taught her children what it means to live with hope. I try to be true to the people around me, from looking out for my little brother and sister to trying to hold our family together.

Often I have risked drowning while keeping my family afloat.  But I have found ways to allow myself to stay above the water. My past has taught me so much because of what I’ve gone through.

My first encounter with God happened as a young boy when I recognized God was real! I hadn’t been a willing churchgoer until I met a young pastor at Palm Canyon Church. We quickly developed a strong relationship and bonded over the many similarities that we experienced as children. The first time I had an “Oh, wow” moment was when he baptized me. I was the very first person he’d ever baptized. That was a great time for me.

Just before my senior year of high school, I was hit with multiple injuries while preparing for the upcoming soccer season… but I kept on playing. At one of our huge tournaments, I tore my hip flexor. That injury put me out during most of the high school season. I was heartbroken! But God gave me a teammate who was dealing with an injury.  He helped me through that tough time. 

He told me, “this will be really hard for you, but it’s something you’ve got to fight through and, in the end, be better for it.” He was a varsity player and tore his ACL just days before his senior year, so he was also out. Seeing him hopeful, in spite of a much worse situation helped make me stronger. 

Two years ago, after moving from California to Arizona I got a job as a soccer coach. At one of the games I met Adrian Guenthardt. Adrian, also a soccer coach, invited me to attend church with him. On my first visit, I really liked the people and decided to go back. The friends I made at Crossroads made me feel welcomed.  I felt comfortable and started to grow with them. Crossroads is now my church family.

That was about a year and a half ago and since then I’ve  met most of my pastors.  I’ve gone to lunch with Pastor David and Tom Harvey and had good conversations with them. I loved those conversations because I realize they have had similar hardships to my own; so we can connect on a deeper level.  Now, I look to them for advice on situations. They are amazing people I want to learn from and grow to be more like.

After going through really challenging times, it has been great to see my life improve and my hard work pay off. I am now living on my own while attending GCU. I am playing college soccer while mapping out my future career path.Being part of a great church community has also added so much to my faith journey. I am truly grateful for this time in my life and feel hopeful for what lies ahead.