**This post was intended to be published on the 31, but got delayed in the middle of writing it..**
My title is deceptive. You thought I didn't know what day it was..
Ha. Gotcha.
Today closes off 2009. I love this day. It closes one year and starts another. One chapter finished, another begins. I love new beginnings and fresh starts. Well, that's how I look at it. This is one of my favorite days of the year. I enjoy sitting back and reflecting on the past year. The changes, good and bad, and most of all the lessons I have learned and looking at how far I've come. I also like to look into the future and attempt to see what the next year might hold for me. I mean, one can never be too sure and I can't predict the future, but I want to have hope in the new year. I sort of follow the "new years" resolutions, but not the typical make a list of "to-do". It's more looking at what happened in the present year and using that to help guide my future. I learn from experience therefore I resolve to help course my future off of those experiences. So here it is, the 2009 reflection post. Might as well make my time useful as I wait for my soup to finish cooking.
Let's start with January..
Uh, the big move. Moody and Chicago. What a way to kick off a new year. Moving states, schools, majors, and um, climate. No job, no friends. Never even been to Moody or Chicago. That naturally changed my life. I have never made a permanent move to another state, especially not the North Midwest amidst one of the biggest cities in the United States. I remember journaling a lot about loneliness. I also went in with a pre-conceived notion of how things would run for me at moody. I'd find a job withing a few weeks, ace all my classes.. um, yeah no. I hated the cold, classes were hard, and I felt completely out of place.
February-More cold. More snow. Learning founders week. Catering job and babysitting job both occurred this month, and both came from nowhere. God's provided unexpectedly. Joined my floor's ministry team. Met some wonderful people and relationship building began. Ran my 1st 5k! Got re-hired with student life for the summer. Also, the diagnosis of the food allergies began. I went in for my Asthma and was tested positive for lactose intolerance. Never in a million years did I imagine that..little did I know there was more.
March-Spring break, home!super busy break, catching up with old friends. Go back to school, and go on a wonderful retreat that helped build even stronger relationships
April-Really loving Chicago! Spring begins to creep in and I saw the city without snow for the first time. Began taking trips to Lake Michigan and running outside more often. Return to the doctor, no soy, gluten and begin meds for acid reflux.
May-Finding it hard to part from Chicago! I made it through my 1st semester! I went home for one week before heading to Birmingham. My sweet friend Bridget got married and I was able to attend the wedding! I got asked out 2 times in one week, and learned to handle both well, considering I am bad at that. One was a good experience, the other not. I learned what a gentlemen looks like. Headed out to Student Life.
June-learning my new job was difficult. I also decided the gluten was too hard on the road, so i went back making me sick, and with terrible mood swings. bad idea. Traveled to Missouri, North Carolina,South Padre Texas. Still trying to fit in with the team.
July-Texas to Ohio, to Virginia, to Missouri, to Colorado. Learned a very hard lesson in relationships. Once again, loved colorado. made some good friends on the team. Learned alot about Compassion International and Faith N. changed my life. She taught me how to love and I became more passionate about Compassion after seeing her life. Turned 21 in the beautiful mountains! Experienced true dislike and exclusion for the first time in my Christian life. Very hard.
August-still in Colorado, finally return home for a week and a half. Crack down on my Independent study class while trying ot visit family and friends. Take my sister to Houston and fly back to Chicago the next day. Depression sinks in. Classes start.
September-start nannying again, search for a second job. Student teaching for PCM begins. Fighting hard despression. Many a nights crying in my room. Classes pick up. Went off gluten again, and health improves significantly. Depression starts to fade, and with the help of wonderful friends and the Lord's guidance I make it through. Learned to forgive those who caused pain this summer. Joined Gospel choir.
October-finally start really being around people again. had to attend a funeral for a young girl of 3. Failed my first college exam. humbled. forced myself to "get help" from the Prof. Making new friends. Missions conference. Internship search process begins. First Moody missions conference. Feeling more pressed to reach the lost. Retreat on Halloween, some of the most fun I had in while, was introduced to filafel :)
November-Classes are heavy, PCM struggles. Friendships are strengthening. I begin making friends with my professors (nerd) and learning alot from them. My internship choice number one falls apart, because of health I must stay in the states. My choices are in Dearborn and Detroit MI. No gluten is getting easier. Ultrasound finds nothing, so next step is colonoscopy. Suprise ticket home for thanksgiving!
December-wrap up semester. 3 job interviews, nothing. Mom loses job. Trying to get internship paperwork started. move rooms, 5 finals, and a barely paid first school payment. Off-meal plan. However, God begins to work in my heart through all these things. Home for 3 weeks
To sum it up, my year has been good. Definitely had its set of challenges. I have learned alot about my health, and through it have been trusting the Lord, and ministering to others with it. I am learning grace and humility though this as well. Fighting a huge round of depression. Learned to share my testimony openly with others. Burdened for the lost, praying for opportunities. Relationships, I have learned so much. Had my heart broken as I broke someone else. maybe more than one..learning to be content in singleness and also how to let others come in. Can patience and humility ever be fully achieved? I don't think so. God continues to teach me those things in different ways. Learning to love those who hate you is really hard! Especially if they claim to be believers. The struggles this year have all been worth it. 2009 has been a great year. One more year closer to the Lord, for who is to say how many more we have left? Learning to live in love, and to live a life in God. Letting go of my fear of failure and learning from my mistakes.
I fully embrace 2010, its highs and challenges. I am learning to quietly sit at the feet of Jesus daily, preparing for each new day that comes. Memorizing the word and studying it. I don't know what each day holds, but I am excited. I am ready to learn. Each new lesson, Each new trial, Each new pain, Each new joy, each new celebration, I am ready. I have lots of hopes, dreams and expectations, but I know His ways are still higher, and many may the plans be in my heart but Its only the Lord's who prevails. I am a planner, but I can only plan so much. I am grateful to have lived another year, and Lord willing will see through another. 2010, welcome.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Where am I?
So I am sitting here, drinking Orange Zinger tea after testing out my new "Hot Pot", "hot water heater" or as I call it "Chinek" that I bought with the Sears gift card I received last Christmas. I know, I'm a little behind.
I am watching the snow fall from my window, again. Two times within a week, and we're talking inches! Its a winter wonderland out there. about 20 years of living in Texas, and all those childhood years praying for a white Christmas, nothing. The past winters have been warm. Last year I remember when I flew up to Chicago, I left Texas at 6 AM at 65 degrees. I guess I brought the weather with me, at least that's what everyone here is telling me. My mom likes the snow, Dad hates it. Rather, he fears it. A lot of people here do, since no one ever believes its really going to snow. I wouldn't have believed it, but it happened. I did not expect to ever have a white Christmas in Texas. My first white Christmas, here in my home state. I love it. I think its beautiful.
I am about to attempt to take the dog on his daily walk, we'll see if he lasts. He's not a fan of the white stuff. I want to head up a coffee shop and just sit and do my independent studies class, but I know many others have the same idea, and plus, dad won't let me drive. I think I'll just continue working from my bed, and break with another episode of House that I've received for Christmas.
Well, a whole post dedicated to snow. Kinda boring. Sorry.
I am watching the snow fall from my window, again. Two times within a week, and we're talking inches! Its a winter wonderland out there. about 20 years of living in Texas, and all those childhood years praying for a white Christmas, nothing. The past winters have been warm. Last year I remember when I flew up to Chicago, I left Texas at 6 AM at 65 degrees. I guess I brought the weather with me, at least that's what everyone here is telling me. My mom likes the snow, Dad hates it. Rather, he fears it. A lot of people here do, since no one ever believes its really going to snow. I wouldn't have believed it, but it happened. I did not expect to ever have a white Christmas in Texas. My first white Christmas, here in my home state. I love it. I think its beautiful.
I am about to attempt to take the dog on his daily walk, we'll see if he lasts. He's not a fan of the white stuff. I want to head up a coffee shop and just sit and do my independent studies class, but I know many others have the same idea, and plus, dad won't let me drive. I think I'll just continue working from my bed, and break with another episode of House that I've received for Christmas.
Well, a whole post dedicated to snow. Kinda boring. Sorry.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The end is near..oh wait..its here!
Home. Texas. 3 weeks.
This will be the longest time I have been home in a year. I love spending time here. Rest,catch up with family and friends, as well as still accomplishing the tasks of a new "to-do" list everyday. I still have to finish my independent studies class, work on internship, and i have a "mini-job" with my dad, which is great. There are little things here and there, but overall, I am going to enjoy this break.
Finals week was absolutely insane. It consisted of five finals, a room to pack up and move, and figuring out my flight less than twelve hours before it took off. Flying standby is great, because its free, but it can have its drawbacks. My flying experience was pretty fun this time though. I feel as if I have earned the title of "expert" when it comes to flying. Plane hopping and airport navigating are two skills I have achieved. After 5 hours of sleep, I arose and left at 6 AM last Thursday morning, with it being in the teens and still dark outside and drug my two suitcases to the brown line, and then switched to the orange line to take me to Midway. I arrived at the airport, got checked in, went through security and passed a few other Moodies on the way. After making it to my gate, I took out my apple and had breakfast and then fell asleep. I woke up to find a puddle of drool (slightly embarrassing but too tired to care)on my coat which I slept on, and to my surprise was in boarding group A!! That never happens to me, I am always C. Well, it truly is a small world after all, because it turns out Meredith was my flight attendant! Crazy right? so we got to talk to some and she told me that my connecting flight to Dallas would be missing a passenger. So thankfully, I was able to catch that flight, as the last person to board the plane. Good travels this time around.
My academics were horrible this semester, but I am just glad its over! Only 3 more semesters to go, and this one was rough. Next semester holds more promise for me. I am trying to savor Christmas and wrap my head around the fact that its going to be here in fours days. Unreal. Thanksgiving just happened did it not? I am listening to Christmas songs right now, and I wish they could be all year songs! I like the jazzy ones a lot. Bing Crosby has some great recordings. However, I love the Mormon tabernacle choir along with Percy Faith's orchestra. Beautiful. Side note: according to a Professor of mine, Joy to the world is a second coming song, not a Christmas song. I mean, he's right, if you listen to the words. Thanks Professor. However, I am still going to sing it at Christmas time, but it would be cool if we sang it all year. It is one of my favorites, and I have always loved the lyrics.
I am still praying for a second job. This morning after praying, I felt more peace about things. God has been so good to me and my family. I am excited to see what happens next.
Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.
Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
This will be the longest time I have been home in a year. I love spending time here. Rest,catch up with family and friends, as well as still accomplishing the tasks of a new "to-do" list everyday. I still have to finish my independent studies class, work on internship, and i have a "mini-job" with my dad, which is great. There are little things here and there, but overall, I am going to enjoy this break.
Finals week was absolutely insane. It consisted of five finals, a room to pack up and move, and figuring out my flight less than twelve hours before it took off. Flying standby is great, because its free, but it can have its drawbacks. My flying experience was pretty fun this time though. I feel as if I have earned the title of "expert" when it comes to flying. Plane hopping and airport navigating are two skills I have achieved. After 5 hours of sleep, I arose and left at 6 AM last Thursday morning, with it being in the teens and still dark outside and drug my two suitcases to the brown line, and then switched to the orange line to take me to Midway. I arrived at the airport, got checked in, went through security and passed a few other Moodies on the way. After making it to my gate, I took out my apple and had breakfast and then fell asleep. I woke up to find a puddle of drool (slightly embarrassing but too tired to care)on my coat which I slept on, and to my surprise was in boarding group A!! That never happens to me, I am always C. Well, it truly is a small world after all, because it turns out Meredith was my flight attendant! Crazy right? so we got to talk to some and she told me that my connecting flight to Dallas would be missing a passenger. So thankfully, I was able to catch that flight, as the last person to board the plane. Good travels this time around.
My academics were horrible this semester, but I am just glad its over! Only 3 more semesters to go, and this one was rough. Next semester holds more promise for me. I am trying to savor Christmas and wrap my head around the fact that its going to be here in fours days. Unreal. Thanksgiving just happened did it not? I am listening to Christmas songs right now, and I wish they could be all year songs! I like the jazzy ones a lot. Bing Crosby has some great recordings. However, I love the Mormon tabernacle choir along with Percy Faith's orchestra. Beautiful. Side note: according to a Professor of mine, Joy to the world is a second coming song, not a Christmas song. I mean, he's right, if you listen to the words. Thanks Professor. However, I am still going to sing it at Christmas time, but it would be cool if we sang it all year. It is one of my favorites, and I have always loved the lyrics.
I am still praying for a second job. This morning after praying, I felt more peace about things. God has been so good to me and my family. I am excited to see what happens next.
Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.
Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
The homestretch..Its all going to be ok.
Finals week. Emotions run high. Lots going on this week.
I didn't get job #1..so 2 more to go? I worry. I fret. I freak out. However, God is still God. He is in control. He is sovereign. He knows what He is doing. He has a plan, purpose. Who knows why He has hasn't immediately provided for me, however He still knows my needs. He cares. I just need to trust. Let go. Hold things loosely. Trust. Have faith.
Sometimes, I find myself being the "Martha", "do it all" woman. Loneliness creeps in. I "do things" but when it comes down to it, I easily find myself alone, after the day is done. I sat in the SDR today, hearing conversations about what people do together for fun. The texts that I don't get, the "I haven't seen you in forever" remarks. Maybe I do to much? Where is the balance? I mean, work and studying is a must, but other things that I choose, choir, ministry team, church, my major, these things can prevent a social life for one. I sigh, but I know its all ok. Maybe I should make relationships a priority again?
My emotions are whack this week. Again I say, thats ok. I have 5 finals, I can make it. I really can.
I'm glad God is so good to me. Even when I fail, He still holds on to me.
I didn't get job #1..so 2 more to go? I worry. I fret. I freak out. However, God is still God. He is in control. He is sovereign. He knows what He is doing. He has a plan, purpose. Who knows why He has hasn't immediately provided for me, however He still knows my needs. He cares. I just need to trust. Let go. Hold things loosely. Trust. Have faith.
Sometimes, I find myself being the "Martha", "do it all" woman. Loneliness creeps in. I "do things" but when it comes down to it, I easily find myself alone, after the day is done. I sat in the SDR today, hearing conversations about what people do together for fun. The texts that I don't get, the "I haven't seen you in forever" remarks. Maybe I do to much? Where is the balance? I mean, work and studying is a must, but other things that I choose, choir, ministry team, church, my major, these things can prevent a social life for one. I sigh, but I know its all ok. Maybe I should make relationships a priority again?
My emotions are whack this week. Again I say, thats ok. I have 5 finals, I can make it. I really can.
I'm glad God is so good to me. Even when I fail, He still holds on to me.
Friday, December 4, 2009
I love that rock. I just gotta have it back.
Life has taken me over.
One week left of classes. Finals. Home again.
Brief re-cap of whats up. I got to go home for Thanksgiving. Loved it. I love my family. Now I am back in Chicago trying to wrap up. This week came full force. I have worked my tail off. My room reflects my week, that is to say it is a chaotic mess. I don't like it. Its full of unclean laundry, unmade bed, papers, books, unopened mail and other clutter. I began to clean it up earlier, but I stopped and decided to finally rest. I haven't blogged, or read blogs in about a month. I just need to take a breather. Tonight is a no study night for me:) Today made me slightly irritable, due the fire-alarm going of during my dictation test and having to finish in the SDR. Not cool. The day did improve, and can I just say that I need to be more grateful? Yesterday, literally, God answered a prayer, as I was praying. I am currently in a waiting process for a job. I have one first interview, and a second interview for another job next week. My first payment is scraped by..But God provides.
Well, I am anxious to read about the lives about my friends, get in my cozy PJ's, and make a nice cup of tea, with maybe some popcorn to accompany it.
One week left of classes. Finals. Home again.
Brief re-cap of whats up. I got to go home for Thanksgiving. Loved it. I love my family. Now I am back in Chicago trying to wrap up. This week came full force. I have worked my tail off. My room reflects my week, that is to say it is a chaotic mess. I don't like it. Its full of unclean laundry, unmade bed, papers, books, unopened mail and other clutter. I began to clean it up earlier, but I stopped and decided to finally rest. I haven't blogged, or read blogs in about a month. I just need to take a breather. Tonight is a no study night for me:) Today made me slightly irritable, due the fire-alarm going of during my dictation test and having to finish in the SDR. Not cool. The day did improve, and can I just say that I need to be more grateful? Yesterday, literally, God answered a prayer, as I was praying. I am currently in a waiting process for a job. I have one first interview, and a second interview for another job next week. My first payment is scraped by..But God provides.
Well, I am anxious to read about the lives about my friends, get in my cozy PJ's, and make a nice cup of tea, with maybe some popcorn to accompany it.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Monday Musings
Today. Man. What a day.
I got around 5.5 hours of sleep. I woke up early to spend time in the the word. There is a whole selfish story to tag along with that..My SIM card disappeared. It was there before Philosophy, but not after. So I have no cell phone. That thing won't even tell me what time it is.. I had milk in my soup, took lactaid, and for the first time it caused a rash to break out in the middle of Phonetics. I went to teach, none of my students showed up. Two meetings, and solely fruit for dinner. Awesome. However, I can look back on this day, and be humbled. I remember being so upset about the SIM card, after I made lunch, I sat down and just prayed for grace. I prayed for humility, wisdom, patience, and a positive Christ reflective attitude no matter what the rest of the day held. I also prayed for my SIM card to be found, but that did not happen, however, i managed to remain calm, much more than before lunch. I am actually just tired. Not mad. Its only by God's grace that I can now "shake off" the things that would normally greatly upset me. Its amazing how prayer can really effect my attitude. Pray without ceasing, as Paul writes. It really does work. Things certainly did not go as planned,
Allie, when will you learn? How many times will we have to go through this? This song comes to my head. Its been in my head for a while now. I feel like this is true all around. I have been battling this all semester, this whole "Love your neighbor as yourself" truth. I feel like this goes for my internship, my classmates, my family, anyone. Loving a person is hard. Really hard. Its a choice we have to make. It takes effort, it takes patience, it takes time. I can only pray to show others His love. Some people, its harder than others. There is one person in specific that I know God has placed in my life, that really tries me. Sometimes I cringe, and feel like I don't have the patience to deal. However, that is wrong. I need to be in prayer for this person. Needy Christians can be trying to me. My mentality, is " You should be learn dependency on God, not me". However, some need to grow. I am learning to be that middle of the night phone call, that answer to help, that ear to listen. Its hard. I don't want to always do it. It can be inconvenient to me. However, Christ put up with me. He still does. Daily. He put up with loudmouth Peter, and doubting Thomas. I need to act like that. When will I learn? "Teach me your ways Oh Lord, and lead me to your understanding and righteousness. May I strive to become more like you. Give me love for others, patience, and wisdom."
Loving a person just the way they are, it's no small thing
It takes some time to see things through
Sometimes things change, sometimes we're waiting
We need grace either way
Hold on to me
I'll hold on to you
Let's find out the beauty of seeing things through
There's a lot of pain in reaching out and trying
It's a vulnerable place to be
Love and pride can't occupy the same spaces baby
Only one makes you free
Hold on to me
I'll hold on to you
Let's find out the beauty of seeing things through
If we go looking for offense
We're going to find it
If we go looking for real love
We're going to find it
Loving a Person
Sara Groves
I got around 5.5 hours of sleep. I woke up early to spend time in the the word. There is a whole selfish story to tag along with that..My SIM card disappeared. It was there before Philosophy, but not after. So I have no cell phone. That thing won't even tell me what time it is.. I had milk in my soup, took lactaid, and for the first time it caused a rash to break out in the middle of Phonetics. I went to teach, none of my students showed up. Two meetings, and solely fruit for dinner. Awesome. However, I can look back on this day, and be humbled. I remember being so upset about the SIM card, after I made lunch, I sat down and just prayed for grace. I prayed for humility, wisdom, patience, and a positive Christ reflective attitude no matter what the rest of the day held. I also prayed for my SIM card to be found, but that did not happen, however, i managed to remain calm, much more than before lunch. I am actually just tired. Not mad. Its only by God's grace that I can now "shake off" the things that would normally greatly upset me. Its amazing how prayer can really effect my attitude. Pray without ceasing, as Paul writes. It really does work. Things certainly did not go as planned,
Allie, when will you learn? How many times will we have to go through this? This song comes to my head. Its been in my head for a while now. I feel like this is true all around. I have been battling this all semester, this whole "Love your neighbor as yourself" truth. I feel like this goes for my internship, my classmates, my family, anyone. Loving a person is hard. Really hard. Its a choice we have to make. It takes effort, it takes patience, it takes time. I can only pray to show others His love. Some people, its harder than others. There is one person in specific that I know God has placed in my life, that really tries me. Sometimes I cringe, and feel like I don't have the patience to deal. However, that is wrong. I need to be in prayer for this person. Needy Christians can be trying to me. My mentality, is " You should be learn dependency on God, not me". However, some need to grow. I am learning to be that middle of the night phone call, that answer to help, that ear to listen. Its hard. I don't want to always do it. It can be inconvenient to me. However, Christ put up with me. He still does. Daily. He put up with loudmouth Peter, and doubting Thomas. I need to act like that. When will I learn? "Teach me your ways Oh Lord, and lead me to your understanding and righteousness. May I strive to become more like you. Give me love for others, patience, and wisdom."
Loving a person just the way they are, it's no small thing
It takes some time to see things through
Sometimes things change, sometimes we're waiting
We need grace either way
Hold on to me
I'll hold on to you
Let's find out the beauty of seeing things through
There's a lot of pain in reaching out and trying
It's a vulnerable place to be
Love and pride can't occupy the same spaces baby
Only one makes you free
Hold on to me
I'll hold on to you
Let's find out the beauty of seeing things through
If we go looking for offense
We're going to find it
If we go looking for real love
We're going to find it
Loving a Person
Sara Groves
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Ready, Break!
Do you ever have those days that you feel so driven? I love days like that. I'm having one today.
I have been on a schedule all morning, and its working out nicely. I'm sitting in this really pretty coffee shop in the Ukrainian Village that my friend Lisa took me to. I have finished two papers, and a "virtual field trip" since I've been here, while drinking two cups of decaf coffee with added cinnamon. Such goodness. I love this feeling of accomplishment accompanied by a simple pleasure. (In this case, my decaf coffee)
I am now trying to figure out how to write my philosophy paper. I looked at the instructions, and my brain somewhat froze up. So I'm taking a break. That class just scares me. It find it very intimidating.
I need to work on Internship things. I have one week from today to turn in my top three choices to the missions department. yikes.
Last night, I went to Jewel-Osco and saved 11 dollars on my gluten free, soy free, dairy free groceries. They are getting more stuff, and more deals. My heart was so happy last night. I feel like its a game when I go into the grocery store. How much gluten free food can I find? Lets compare the cost! I always stand in awe for a moment when I find something "normal". People probably think "what is that girl's problem? why is she staring at the shelf like that?" For example, I found gluten free waffles. Waffles, the kind where you just pop them in the toaster and within 90 seconds or so they come out nice and crisp, ready to eat. Its like getting to feel normal again. Really, I am getting used to this. I like not being sick, and being able to eat good food. It also allows me to be creative..if some would call it that. Maybe just weird.
The past few days, I have been so grateful, for a lot of things. Looking for joy, and finding it. God has been so good to me, school bill, groceries, health, friends and getting to now go home for thanksgiving. I love my friends and family. I'm just going to say that again. I am richly blessed.
"His mercies are new every morning, Great is YOUR faithfulness." -Lam. 3:22
I have been on a schedule all morning, and its working out nicely. I'm sitting in this really pretty coffee shop in the Ukrainian Village that my friend Lisa took me to. I have finished two papers, and a "virtual field trip" since I've been here, while drinking two cups of decaf coffee with added cinnamon. Such goodness. I love this feeling of accomplishment accompanied by a simple pleasure. (In this case, my decaf coffee)
I am now trying to figure out how to write my philosophy paper. I looked at the instructions, and my brain somewhat froze up. So I'm taking a break. That class just scares me. It find it very intimidating.
I need to work on Internship things. I have one week from today to turn in my top three choices to the missions department. yikes.
Last night, I went to Jewel-Osco and saved 11 dollars on my gluten free, soy free, dairy free groceries. They are getting more stuff, and more deals. My heart was so happy last night. I feel like its a game when I go into the grocery store. How much gluten free food can I find? Lets compare the cost! I always stand in awe for a moment when I find something "normal". People probably think "what is that girl's problem? why is she staring at the shelf like that?" For example, I found gluten free waffles. Waffles, the kind where you just pop them in the toaster and within 90 seconds or so they come out nice and crisp, ready to eat. Its like getting to feel normal again. Really, I am getting used to this. I like not being sick, and being able to eat good food. It also allows me to be creative..if some would call it that. Maybe just weird.
The past few days, I have been so grateful, for a lot of things. Looking for joy, and finding it. God has been so good to me, school bill, groceries, health, friends and getting to now go home for thanksgiving. I love my friends and family. I'm just going to say that again. I am richly blessed.
"His mercies are new every morning, Great is YOUR faithfulness." -Lam. 3:22
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