Lets see, once a year seems to be the trend on my journals... So I figure I will keep with tradition and give you all the general update.

God, as always, has given me many reason to celebrate, many a trial to grow from, and many an unexpected turn to remind me that He's the Author... not me.

So remember how I was saying I would Like to extend my program at Disney? Well it happened. As of January 14th 2008 I transferred to Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios to train and work as a Certified Disney Artist.

By far the best job and greatest blessing I have ever had. See, before I left I would never consider my work "professional", now granted, I still have a lot of work to do, but going there helped me realize that one can grow into their work, and considering I did very few "new" things before submitting my portfolio, they considered me good enough to hire. (And the only other Intern who got it already has his degree in Graphic Arts O.o... and me with 1 drawing class in College... Very blessed.)

Working there was a blast, (thus why I am now Seasonal). For once I realized that my quirkiness isn't just me~ it's the artist mind. We were all quirky. Not to mention I got paid to draw, (teaching the Animation Academy in the Magic of Disney Animation attraction), talk with Mushu on almost an hourly basis, play with characters who were in our attraction (the Incredibles, Frozone, Sorcerer Mickey, and on occasion Kim Possible/Ron Stoppable, and several others) and tasks included "Improve your drawing skills" and "Go to the arch and greet the guests" (Which to me meant dancing around as HSM came out~ As well as helping overwhelmed, lost guests of confuzzledness)

I learned things there that will be with me for the rest of my life. God allowed me to live a dream that I didn't even know I could have a right to go for, let alone actually pursuing it. He gave me a dream of where he wants to take me in this life, and if He really wants it to come to pass, it will change the entertainment/theme park experience.

Of course, He is also teaching me how to keep my feet on the ground, so in the returning to the Pac. Northwest I held a job as an exterior painter (one of 7 females in the entire company), and now I'm working as a hostess at a family-type restaurant.

In this learning process of fascinating twists and turns He has shown me the consequences of unwise choices, which ends up hurting me more than anyone else. Thus, my dream to go to college in Hawaii has been delayed until I can get my finances together. But~ it gives me the opportunity to learn life-skills so once graduated it doesn't all come crashing down on me, which is nice.

Oh, and one more unexpected wish... I found out a while ago that Corbin Bleu from HSM was a Christian. SO while at Disney I casually hoped God would allow us to meet, Mostly because he's Christian, but partially cause he seems like a cool guy. Well... I went home from Disney and gave up on that dream. That is, until there was a concert not 5 miles from my home. Corbin Bleu, having a concert in our County Fair of all things. (who'd a thunk?) So not ONLY did we get to see him in concert~ God got us in the 2nd row... for $5 a ticket! (normally $85 with Grandstand seats @ $20) Then afterward one of his dancers was kind enough to take a note to him that we wrote that afternoon. (I drew some Disney characters on it for fun)

Well, we were walking past to go home and I saw him in a group, so while we were walking I asked, "Hey~ did you get the drawing?"
He looked up in surprise, "What?"
"The drawing~ with Mickey and Simba."
He just lit up, "That was You Guys!?" and rushes over to talk with us... which I should probably mention all fan girl crowds were at least 75ft away, so he honestly talked with me and a friend for a couple minutes. He was so excited, and couldn't think of anything to say besides "you guys are So sweet!"
(It wasn't long before the fan girls realized it was him so our conversation was short-lived but it was SUCH a God moment we also got to ask how we could pray for him before he left, I could tell he felt very taken aback and honored all at the same time.)

So probably by this time next year I will have another update (not to say I won't Try before then, but for those of you who are younger, and for those who can relate... living as a grown-up is a pain, especially with how busy one can get. So if anyone wants to pray that I learn time-management so I can balance art/inspiration with Social life, Work, and life's daily needs... that would be cool, and appreciated.

On a final note. Within the last year God has granted all the earnest desires of my heart, because I kept bringing them to him. He also wants to say that 'hope' in the american culture is something distant that probably won't happen. But when it comes to Him, He says to Pray Boldy~ 'Hope' in the Bible is something that we bring to Him and expect Something to happen with it. Where, When and How~ that's His job. And some of it may not come til Heaven's Gates, but that doesn't mean it won't come. (^_^ Kinda like what I told Corbin in the note, "It would be Really cool to meet you in person... if not, see you in Heaven.")

Ok so one~ Last LAST note. God has also expressed that sometimes I (and others) need to grow to a point to receive the blessing more fully. For instance, had I met Corbin in Any other way than by happenstance and God's timing, it would Not have been the blessing that it was. And for Hawaii, I WILL get there, but the more I learn now, the more fully I will be able to both utilize, and enjoy the time that I have while I'm there. So if you feel like He's holding out on you, maybe there's some growth to be done First.

^_^ OK, Now I'm done. See you in a year (lol)... ok Hopefully before then ^_~

~ArwenRivendell