Ending the Bruin chapter, beginning the Nihon chapter

As a recent graduate from one of the greatest universities in the world (not that I'm biased or anything), I can fairly say one chapter of my life has closed and another is being written. As a graduate with a degree in English, I can also acknowledge the importance of beginnings and endings to a story. If the beginning is dull, the prospect of staying awake long enough to give the book another chance is daunting. The beginning should be where the emotional connection is made, where the reader is given proper motivation for the great cost of time and emotion that they are sacrificing. In the same way, there is almost nothing more disappointing in life than a dud finale at the end of a long book. It makes your investment of time and interest an absolute waste, and there can even be strong feelings of betrayal towards the author. It often climaxes in a strong desire to cry about how unfair life is towards you.

In my stylish cap and gown over graduation weekend at UCLA


Now perhaps I was a bit hyperbolic in my above analysis, but because I am experiencing such a transition in my own life I feel it's quite applicable. After four years of amazing stories being lived out at UCLA, that chapter has come to a close. It ended with countless anecdotes of God's faithfulness to me in terms of providing Christian community, opportunities to grow in my faith, and the priceless chance to learn. It was a satisfying ending. And though bittersweet I look forward to the beginning of this next chapter because I know the character of the author who writes it. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, compassionate, patient, a provider, warrior and King. Knowing these traits I know his stories are worth reading, and in my case I get to live it out. Talk about an adventure!

This next chapter God is just starting to write is the story of my year-long missions trip back to Tokyo, Japan. I am going again with Cru (aren't abbreviations great! I just saved about 20 letters!) and will be bringing the hope and truth of the gospel to college students at some of the largest universities in Tokyo.

This chapter has been foreshadowed in previous chapters of my life, a clear sign that the author is in full control of what is going on, for which I am thankful. Right now the story is about the ups and downs of support-raising and preparing for the intensity of ministry in a country where less than 1% of the population is Christian. The story is going to have adventure, heartbreak, despair, unadulterated joy, friendship, warfare, humor, mishaps, drama. But I can with confidence assure you that it will have a happy ending because it will end in the glory of our heavenly Father. Ultimately that is all that really matters. Praise be to God that he even chooses to tell his story through us!

So there you are, where I've been and where my story is taking me. I hope you will join me in this journey, that you will read my story as the Lord writes it, and that we will be mutually encouraged by what He does.


In Him who has written the perfect story,
Quinn