So, I was doing to paperwork, as is the custom of missionaries it seems, and I realized that next week I will have been in Georgia a month. Consequently, I will also reach the halfway point of this journey.
I wanted to share a story of one of the most challenging and best days so far. For some background: The Living Vine runs four thrift stores called Blessingdales to help with the expenses around here. As a summer missionary, and staff, I work in a thrift shop a few times a week. I have heard from other staff members how God changed the stores from a resource for the Vine to a spiritual resource for the community but until Monday I had not seen that in action. Monday started as a bad day: we couldn't find keys for important things and the air was out in the store (not good on a hot day). However, it changed quickly; here is a excerpt from my journal:
"I am overwhelmed by God's plan. Three people have come to me today and poured their hearts out. For the last week I just came to the store just to work and make money for the Vine. I thought that was my purpose. But now I see God is doing more here than providing for our needs; we are providing for the community's needs. A lady who poured her story to me said she comes to the store just because of the feeling of peace she gets. It is so cool how God works. It is unreal that he brought me hundreds of miles from home to live life alongside people. I'm not solving world hunger problems or any other huge social justice issue; I'm just living life. Somehow I think this is the way the Christian life is supposed to be."
I have also come to the realization that in a little over two months I will begin my senior year in college-wow, where did the time go?! I am amazed at how my life has changed in the last three years! Those three years have resulted in my journey this summer and I pray that God draws me closer to him over the next five weeks.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Summer Adventure
So, I have been in Georgia for a week now and not a whole lot has changed. Georgia is a lot like Louisiana so it's not a big culture shock or anything like that.
I have had many people give me advice and words of wisdom and two that I have held on to are "You will mess up, count on it, everyone does" and "8 weeks here is not enough time to even scratch the surface of what God can do to you here." So, needless to say those are not very happy words of encouragement. I've been thinking about that lately when I have off time since I don't have a car and can't go to many places. My first thought was that I probably should just get back on the plane because if I'm not going to have enough time here and mess up a lot they would be better off without me. However, that is not the case. I have been lonely here at times, I have fought sadness and frustration and slothfulness and I have struggled to get in the Word. I hate how when I have a whole day with no plans I waste time and don't give God my whole day and just listen. I want to learn to be patient and listen. I want to learn to love these girls even when they lie to me, are manipulative and are broken and falling apart. I am not used to failing. I don't like it. I don't want to fail in my relationships with these girls but I know that God can use me, and if it is through my failure and teaching the girls how to apologize and mend relationships then so be it. I know I don't know everything about handling relationships and I feel small against these girl's situations. I realize I have nothing to give to these girls without God. He is the only thing I can offer that will help. My personal words of wisdom are not enough; in this situation, I am inadequate but the Lord is strong. "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me" 2 Corinthians 12:9
I am determined to let God do a good work in me. I know that without a doubt I am in the right place for the next 7 weeks. I am surrounded by amazing (yet intimidating) women of God who want to pour into me. My prayer is that I see where I need help, I am rid of my pride, and I become vulnerable so that I am changed and become more like God.
Some good things that have happened here: I like the beach :) the girls feel safe so they have retreated to their childhoods that were taken from them and they like to play (I also like to play). I am in the process of getting a tan, hopefully this will happen :)
Some things I want to do: eat some good food (Paula Deen may be out of the question-you have to get in line early in the morning to get a ticket then wait in line with your ticket...), See River St and the town squares, hangout with some cool Georgia folk.
(by the way, I would like to discover things that I like. Throughout the q&a time I've had with almost every person I meet I can't think of things I like to do. Maybe I like cooking? I know the things my friends like, but I am blank on my likes. I know what I don't like, but I want to be a more decisive person...I should work on this :)
I have had many people give me advice and words of wisdom and two that I have held on to are "You will mess up, count on it, everyone does" and "8 weeks here is not enough time to even scratch the surface of what God can do to you here." So, needless to say those are not very happy words of encouragement. I've been thinking about that lately when I have off time since I don't have a car and can't go to many places. My first thought was that I probably should just get back on the plane because if I'm not going to have enough time here and mess up a lot they would be better off without me. However, that is not the case. I have been lonely here at times, I have fought sadness and frustration and slothfulness and I have struggled to get in the Word. I hate how when I have a whole day with no plans I waste time and don't give God my whole day and just listen. I want to learn to be patient and listen. I want to learn to love these girls even when they lie to me, are manipulative and are broken and falling apart. I am not used to failing. I don't like it. I don't want to fail in my relationships with these girls but I know that God can use me, and if it is through my failure and teaching the girls how to apologize and mend relationships then so be it. I know I don't know everything about handling relationships and I feel small against these girl's situations. I realize I have nothing to give to these girls without God. He is the only thing I can offer that will help. My personal words of wisdom are not enough; in this situation, I am inadequate but the Lord is strong. "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me" 2 Corinthians 12:9
I am determined to let God do a good work in me. I know that without a doubt I am in the right place for the next 7 weeks. I am surrounded by amazing (yet intimidating) women of God who want to pour into me. My prayer is that I see where I need help, I am rid of my pride, and I become vulnerable so that I am changed and become more like God.
Some good things that have happened here: I like the beach :) the girls feel safe so they have retreated to their childhoods that were taken from them and they like to play (I also like to play). I am in the process of getting a tan, hopefully this will happen :)
Some things I want to do: eat some good food (Paula Deen may be out of the question-you have to get in line early in the morning to get a ticket then wait in line with your ticket...), See River St and the town squares, hangout with some cool Georgia folk.
(by the way, I would like to discover things that I like. Throughout the q&a time I've had with almost every person I meet I can't think of things I like to do. Maybe I like cooking? I know the things my friends like, but I am blank on my likes. I know what I don't like, but I want to be a more decisive person...I should work on this :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)