Okokokokok....
So where were we? Work's still work. My commission is going up as I do more. The more I do the more comfortable I feel. But I still have a looooong way to go. I miss having a camera; mine died so I'm looking to get a new one eventually. I want an SLR but those are not cheap. I might spring for one after Thanksgiving and do the whole "investment" thing. Because if I stay in this field I have to start investing in the proper equipment. And starting at some point I wanna take classes too. But why must things require money?!?!?!? Cuz I also am going to need a new computer soon and am reeeeeelly wanting to go to India over Easter (to meet up with Jess and Holly and Lisa Walker from Korea). Meh, the Lord'll provide if I'm supposed to get/do these things.
Um, other things...I've got a place to live! I'm moving in this week with a girl from church. Stephanie is the same age as I am and is an engeneer. She works with the teens and I'm actually hoping to start working with them eventually myself.
I've decided to give away my cat. Right now I'm too "unsettled" to have an animal and if something were to happen to him and he'd need some kind of medical help I could not afford to take care of him. Practically, pragmatically, now's just not the time. I'm good with that decision, really. I've found a shelter that I want to take him but it's like an hour away they have hours that don't line up with my hours at the studio. I'm hoping to take him next week on my day off.
It's getting nice and cool and fall-y here! Yay! I love this time of year...if only I had a camera to take pics of it...
Thats all for now.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Woa
I thought about posting this as "It's a small world after all" but I think we are past that. I leave it for you to decide.
So a few weeks back a new girl was hired at the photo studio. While she was in the process of being hired (they were having her do a shoot) it was found out that she had spent time in Canada. We did the whole "Cool! Where?" thing and discovered that we had both lived in the same town but did not make much of it because it had been some time back for both of us and she had mentioned that she had not lived there for too long, nor did we really have time to dig deeper.
Until today.
It started when we were talking about college and it was discovered that she knew someone who had gone to BJU and I knew the girl too (more as a passing acquaintance). That's the "it's a small world" part.
BUT
From there we decided to dig unto out Canadian past. The conversation went something like this (I am taking a few liberties in the process);
Me: "How old were you when you were in Canada?"
Jen: "Ummm....5th grade."
Me: "Where did you go to school? [starts naming some of the schools finally naming.....]...Prince Andrew?"
Jen: "Yeh! Prince Andrew!"
Me: "Me too!!"
[insert look of "crazy!"]
Me: "When were you born?"
Jen: "'86"
[Some quick mental math reveals that she and I were at Prince Andrew at the same time, only when she was in grade 5 I was in grade 8].
Me: "Thats so funny!! Where did you live?"
Jen: I dunno, a subdivision with a big park in the middle of it."
Me: "Me too!!"
[insert another look, then I google my old neighborhood]
Me: "I lived here. In Heritage Park."
Jen: "I lived here! [points to the main street of the same subdivision.] And my pastor lived over....here... [points to my street].
[another look]
Me: Where'd you go to church?"
Jen: "I can't remember, but the pastors son had something wrong with him."
Me: "My little brother is in a wheelchair."
[another look]
Me: "Emmanuel Baptist Church?"
Jen: "I can't remember."
There was a little more conversation where both of us were like..."Ummm...woa." Then I had to leave, as I did I called my mum and told her about Jen. I told her what I had learned and mum remembered them, as did Dad when I called him.
So, yeh, I work with a girl who went to church with me in Canada for eight months more than ten years ago.
Some say coincidence; I say God. Either way: "Woa."
So a few weeks back a new girl was hired at the photo studio. While she was in the process of being hired (they were having her do a shoot) it was found out that she had spent time in Canada. We did the whole "Cool! Where?" thing and discovered that we had both lived in the same town but did not make much of it because it had been some time back for both of us and she had mentioned that she had not lived there for too long, nor did we really have time to dig deeper.
Until today.
It started when we were talking about college and it was discovered that she knew someone who had gone to BJU and I knew the girl too (more as a passing acquaintance). That's the "it's a small world" part.
BUT
From there we decided to dig unto out Canadian past. The conversation went something like this (I am taking a few liberties in the process);
Me: "How old were you when you were in Canada?"
Jen: "Ummm....5th grade."
Me: "Where did you go to school? [starts naming some of the schools finally naming.....]...Prince Andrew?"
Jen: "Yeh! Prince Andrew!"
Me: "Me too!!"
[insert look of "crazy!"]
Me: "When were you born?"
Jen: "'86"
[Some quick mental math reveals that she and I were at Prince Andrew at the same time, only when she was in grade 5 I was in grade 8].
Me: "Thats so funny!! Where did you live?"
Jen: I dunno, a subdivision with a big park in the middle of it."
Me: "Me too!!"
[insert another look, then I google my old neighborhood]
Me: "I lived here. In Heritage Park."
Jen: "I lived here! [points to the main street of the same subdivision.] And my pastor lived over....here... [points to my street].
[another look]
Me: Where'd you go to church?"
Jen: "I can't remember, but the pastors son had something wrong with him."
Me: "My little brother is in a wheelchair."
[another look]
Me: "Emmanuel Baptist Church?"
Jen: "I can't remember."
There was a little more conversation where both of us were like..."Ummm...woa." Then I had to leave, as I did I called my mum and told her about Jen. I told her what I had learned and mum remembered them, as did Dad when I called him.
So, yeh, I work with a girl who went to church with me in Canada for eight months more than ten years ago.
Some say coincidence; I say God. Either way: "Woa."
Thursday, August 27, 2009
A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That
I shall again forgo the apology.
Life has been kinda busy but not as busy I might think it is. I've been working mostly evenings which is nice but I am not the most motivated of people when it comes to getting things done in the mornings then going to work later. I spend too much time online usually. Incidentally, I work today at 4 and it is now 11:30 and I've only taken my shower and done my hair. I'm sitting here in my t-shirt just chilling. I've been up since 8. However, yesterday, I worked from 10-4 and was up at 7 and got my room cleaned before going to work. I came back and fixed some broken jewelry. More than I might get done today. Tho I am planning on tossing a load of laundry in the washer after I post. Ok....rambling done now. Even tho I do waste time I still am doing other things; last Saturday for instance my church had a free car wash in the morning and I was there until I had to go to work. I go to Rebecca and Bill's about every other week for dinner (and to see my cat), and on my days off I run errands and apply for jobs. And on occasion get together with people from church. Friday some of us are going out for Korean. Which is another thing I need to to....find a Korean restaurant for Friday.
Wow...I have a life! I find I enjoy having one. But I do miss Holly and Jessica and my students.
Speaking of Korea; it's inservice this week at SCS and I've been talking to Holly and Jessica when I or they can. They are busy. But "hearing" them talk via IM... I don't miss it. I'm not sad that I'm not there. I only would go to see my kids and to hang out with Holly and Jess. That's it. I don't miss feeling judged, or feeling like I'm not the "right" kind of Christian, or being looked at strangely because I do things differently or think differently than the prescribed manner. I can' wear my odd pants here and not get made fun of. I can have my terrible blond moments (I don't have them often but when I do I do them right) and not get mocked for them for the next week. I get mocked for a day and that's it (I really don't mind being made fun of, just find another joke, really) . I can talk to a guy as an equal.
There's a "movement" if you will where people my age who were raised "Fundamentalist" are leaving it's camps. Now, I don't get into all that, I'm not even sure what it is. I just know that for much of the last eight years (college and Korea) I've been in something that holds itself to be "Fundamentalist". Of course, I grew up in a "Fundamentalist" background, but it was so. very. different. Certain of the more visible nature who are amongst the more sane ones are wondering why people my age are leaving in droves. Sadly, the type of Fundyism I grew up in is hard to find so many people are leaving the more [can't think of a good adjective.... maybe stupid?] kind. People are tired of being told that they are not "good Christians" (not in so many words but really, that's what's going on) because they dress funny, have a "worldly" hairstyle, listen to the "wrong" music or do any number of things. I have so many friends who have left the movement because they are tired of it and want to be accepted on the merits of Christ and His work on the Cross and on what they do for the Kingdom and not based on things that just. don't. matter. For a while I too was wondering why they were leaving. But now that I am where I am (spiritually, physically, emotionally, in every way), I can see where those who are leaving are coming from. I'm not saying I'm leaving, I'm not saying I'm staying. As before mentioned, I'm not even sure what the point is. However, I do see both sides now. Quite clearly. And both have pros and cons. But is that whole "Fundamentalism" debate really worth it? It just causes Christians to fight and bicker amongst themselves.
Where was I going with this? I'm not really sure, I just know that now, I'm back in a similar type of situation I grew up in; I'm accepted for who I am, I am loved for who I am, I don't feel like I have to keep looking over my shoulder to make sure I am being "good". The focus is not outward anymore.
OKokok, enough of that. On to other things.
I'm still at the photo studio and really do enjoy it. I had a strong lead to work at the Macaroni Grill here but they said no as far as serving but they want me to call in September and they should have a hostessing job for me then. I'd love to get it; I worked at a Mac. Grill in high school and really loved it. I was a hostess/singer and that's what they are interested in having me do at the one here. I am looking for other jobs too tho, you never know what God has. I'm also beginning to look for places to live. I've found one that might work but I really would need that second job. It's about 20 min from the mall where I am currently working and is less than $700/mo with most utilities included. It's still a tad expensive but I should be able to swing it. I'm going to keep looking for other places too. A roommate would really be ideal, I could maybe find a place and once everything is split have rent and stuff be about $500/mo. But roommates don't fall outta the sky. I have about a month tho so again; we'll see what God has in mind.
If/when I settle here I am planning on volunteering with the USO in the area. I've always had a love and respect for the men and women who serve and being able to serve them would be awesome. Eventually I'd love to even do a benefit concert for the USO. I was thinking about starting to plan for one for this year but since I'm still not completely sure I'll be settling here I decided to wait a bit. But if I'm here, next year for sure.
Ok, that's it for now. Laundry time!!
Life has been kinda busy but not as busy I might think it is. I've been working mostly evenings which is nice but I am not the most motivated of people when it comes to getting things done in the mornings then going to work later. I spend too much time online usually. Incidentally, I work today at 4 and it is now 11:30 and I've only taken my shower and done my hair. I'm sitting here in my t-shirt just chilling. I've been up since 8. However, yesterday, I worked from 10-4 and was up at 7 and got my room cleaned before going to work. I came back and fixed some broken jewelry. More than I might get done today. Tho I am planning on tossing a load of laundry in the washer after I post. Ok....rambling done now. Even tho I do waste time I still am doing other things; last Saturday for instance my church had a free car wash in the morning and I was there until I had to go to work. I go to Rebecca and Bill's about every other week for dinner (and to see my cat), and on my days off I run errands and apply for jobs. And on occasion get together with people from church. Friday some of us are going out for Korean. Which is another thing I need to to....find a Korean restaurant for Friday.
Wow...I have a life! I find I enjoy having one. But I do miss Holly and Jessica and my students.
Speaking of Korea; it's inservice this week at SCS and I've been talking to Holly and Jessica when I or they can. They are busy. But "hearing" them talk via IM... I don't miss it. I'm not sad that I'm not there. I only would go to see my kids and to hang out with Holly and Jess. That's it. I don't miss feeling judged, or feeling like I'm not the "right" kind of Christian, or being looked at strangely because I do things differently or think differently than the prescribed manner. I can' wear my odd pants here and not get made fun of. I can have my terrible blond moments (I don't have them often but when I do I do them right) and not get mocked for them for the next week. I get mocked for a day and that's it (I really don't mind being made fun of, just find another joke, really) . I can talk to a guy as an equal.
There's a "movement" if you will where people my age who were raised "Fundamentalist" are leaving it's camps. Now, I don't get into all that, I'm not even sure what it is. I just know that for much of the last eight years (college and Korea) I've been in something that holds itself to be "Fundamentalist". Of course, I grew up in a "Fundamentalist" background, but it was so. very. different. Certain of the more visible nature who are amongst the more sane ones are wondering why people my age are leaving in droves. Sadly, the type of Fundyism I grew up in is hard to find so many people are leaving the more [can't think of a good adjective.... maybe stupid?] kind. People are tired of being told that they are not "good Christians" (not in so many words but really, that's what's going on) because they dress funny, have a "worldly" hairstyle, listen to the "wrong" music or do any number of things. I have so many friends who have left the movement because they are tired of it and want to be accepted on the merits of Christ and His work on the Cross and on what they do for the Kingdom and not based on things that just. don't. matter. For a while I too was wondering why they were leaving. But now that I am where I am (spiritually, physically, emotionally, in every way), I can see where those who are leaving are coming from. I'm not saying I'm leaving, I'm not saying I'm staying. As before mentioned, I'm not even sure what the point is. However, I do see both sides now. Quite clearly. And both have pros and cons. But is that whole "Fundamentalism" debate really worth it? It just causes Christians to fight and bicker amongst themselves.
Where was I going with this? I'm not really sure, I just know that now, I'm back in a similar type of situation I grew up in; I'm accepted for who I am, I am loved for who I am, I don't feel like I have to keep looking over my shoulder to make sure I am being "good". The focus is not outward anymore.
OKokok, enough of that. On to other things.
I'm still at the photo studio and really do enjoy it. I had a strong lead to work at the Macaroni Grill here but they said no as far as serving but they want me to call in September and they should have a hostessing job for me then. I'd love to get it; I worked at a Mac. Grill in high school and really loved it. I was a hostess/singer and that's what they are interested in having me do at the one here. I am looking for other jobs too tho, you never know what God has. I'm also beginning to look for places to live. I've found one that might work but I really would need that second job. It's about 20 min from the mall where I am currently working and is less than $700/mo with most utilities included. It's still a tad expensive but I should be able to swing it. I'm going to keep looking for other places too. A roommate would really be ideal, I could maybe find a place and once everything is split have rent and stuff be about $500/mo. But roommates don't fall outta the sky. I have about a month tho so again; we'll see what God has in mind.
If/when I settle here I am planning on volunteering with the USO in the area. I've always had a love and respect for the men and women who serve and being able to serve them would be awesome. Eventually I'd love to even do a benefit concert for the USO. I was thinking about starting to plan for one for this year but since I'm still not completely sure I'll be settling here I decided to wait a bit. But if I'm here, next year for sure.
Ok, that's it for now. Laundry time!!
Friday, August 07, 2009
Happiness is...
I've always considered myself a happy person, and really I am. But lately I've realized that right now I am the happiest I've ever been. I'll be driving around and realize that all those stupid metaphors about being so happy you could explode are indeed true! I thought I was happy in Korea, and I was really, happy in that I had some amazing friends and students whom I loved. Happy knowing that I was where God wanted me. But now...here...it's difficult to explain.
I have friends here; new and old. I have a job I mostly love (it has it's moments of frustration but I do enjoy it about 95% of the time). My amazing church. I am always so excited for Sundays; can't wait for them. This weekend I'm in MN hanging out with Joshua while Mum and Dad are away for their anniversary and as I was driving here and realizing I'd be missing Sunday at SVPC I almost wanted to cry. The past several years I've had to force myself to go to church. But now I hate missing it and hate being late and missing the dear sweet fellowship time and the Gospel and Grace-filled preaching and teaching. Last week was communion at SVPC and they asked me to fill in for someone in the Praise and Worship team and I truly felt like I was ministering and worshiping while I was singing. Up till now, no matter the church I've been in I've felt like a seal on display while I was singing and also felt like I was "supposed" to sing. Like people expected me to do it. Last week it was like...like I was worshipping. Like I really was using my talents for God. I did not feel on display at all. It was God who was the focus, not me. Oddly enough I've never been given more compliments about my voice than I have here. Every week at least three people come say something to me. Sometimes more. But again, I don't feel strange saying "God gave me my voice, I'm just giving it back to Him." usually I felt really really strange saying it, like it was fake or something.
But I'm just...happy. About to explode happy. I get the sense that I'm where God wants me to be. He's not done with me yet (I am still living afterall). But He's got me in a great place. I'm in an area I've wanted to live in for a good ten-plus years. I've got a great church. I have great friends near (and far...) and I am living with wonderful people and I have a mostly ok job. I also have a job interview at Macaroni Grill on Wednesday after getting back from MN. They are hiring servers and hostesses and I said I'd do both if it got me more hours. It is to be hoped that I get that job.
What is the verse? "Every good and perceft gift comes from God"? (Joanna paraphrase). I've told my students for the past three years (and I remember the realization when I had it); as a Christian if it comes, it's from God, or at least ordained by Him. So no matter what it is; getting fired from a job, not knowing where you are going to live, getting a place to live rent-free for two months, getting a job with in five days of moving to a new area...finding an amazing Church. It's all from God. So I can't complain. Was I happy in Korea? Yes. But I really and truly am happier here than I've ever been in my life. Things really can only get better ya know?
Those of you who've been praying, thank you so very much! And please keep it up! There are still things to get figured out but He does everything in His time. So you'll hear no complaints from me.
I have friends here; new and old. I have a job I mostly love (it has it's moments of frustration but I do enjoy it about 95% of the time). My amazing church. I am always so excited for Sundays; can't wait for them. This weekend I'm in MN hanging out with Joshua while Mum and Dad are away for their anniversary and as I was driving here and realizing I'd be missing Sunday at SVPC I almost wanted to cry. The past several years I've had to force myself to go to church. But now I hate missing it and hate being late and missing the dear sweet fellowship time and the Gospel and Grace-filled preaching and teaching. Last week was communion at SVPC and they asked me to fill in for someone in the Praise and Worship team and I truly felt like I was ministering and worshiping while I was singing. Up till now, no matter the church I've been in I've felt like a seal on display while I was singing and also felt like I was "supposed" to sing. Like people expected me to do it. Last week it was like...like I was worshipping. Like I really was using my talents for God. I did not feel on display at all. It was God who was the focus, not me. Oddly enough I've never been given more compliments about my voice than I have here. Every week at least three people come say something to me. Sometimes more. But again, I don't feel strange saying "God gave me my voice, I'm just giving it back to Him." usually I felt really really strange saying it, like it was fake or something.
But I'm just...happy. About to explode happy. I get the sense that I'm where God wants me to be. He's not done with me yet (I am still living afterall). But He's got me in a great place. I'm in an area I've wanted to live in for a good ten-plus years. I've got a great church. I have great friends near (and far...) and I am living with wonderful people and I have a mostly ok job. I also have a job interview at Macaroni Grill on Wednesday after getting back from MN. They are hiring servers and hostesses and I said I'd do both if it got me more hours. It is to be hoped that I get that job.
What is the verse? "Every good and perceft gift comes from God"? (Joanna paraphrase). I've told my students for the past three years (and I remember the realization when I had it); as a Christian if it comes, it's from God, or at least ordained by Him. So no matter what it is; getting fired from a job, not knowing where you are going to live, getting a place to live rent-free for two months, getting a job with in five days of moving to a new area...finding an amazing Church. It's all from God. So I can't complain. Was I happy in Korea? Yes. But I really and truly am happier here than I've ever been in my life. Things really can only get better ya know?
Those of you who've been praying, thank you so very much! And please keep it up! There are still things to get figured out but He does everything in His time. So you'll hear no complaints from me.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Provisions
So I'm not even going to apologize for not really posting lately cuz "real" posts are so few and far between I am starting to begin all of 'em with an apology so we'll just get right into it 'k?
Work is still pretty cool. I am still looking for other jobs (second job or a full time one) but so far nothing. My sales are going up and I feel like I'm getting better at the photography part too. I actually had my first repeat customer a while back. I had gotten some girls (two sisters and a friend) to come in so I could practice on them. They did not get anything then but the next day the friend came back with her mom and sister! She made them come from an hour away to get "real" pictures done. Then they spent about $400. Made me happy. I've had a few other good shoots and sales lately but none that come as immediately to mind. I did however do a shoot for a lady who was graduating from some random Bible College with a masters in Urban Ministry. We got to talking and she was so sweet! During the whole conversation she'd interject with "Praise Jesus" and "I call on Jesus power to be with you." (She was black). At the end (after I had told her my story of Korea and getting here etc.) she said "I wanna plant a seed and you have to let me ok?" I wasn't really sure what she was going to do and was half expecting her to give me a mustard seed or something. But she didn't; she gave me $120!! Made me cry. When I told her I could not accept it she insisted that I keep it. "This morning I was at the health club and it was just me and God and I asked Him to let me be a blessing to someone today. I almost did not come to get my pictures done but something told me to come and I think you are the answer to my prayer." Other people have been generous and given me money too (cheques in the mail etc). God's providing.
Another way God's provided is through housing. I had a place to stay through the end of the month of July (Rebecca had gotten married and her lease on her apartment was out at the end of the month she said I could stay there rent free!). I've been attending an a.ma.zing. church (more on them in a second) and a couple in the church knowing that I was looking for a place to live offered me a place to stay with them for the time being. Again, free. So I'll be living with the Kraays until about October. Sadly I can't have Mac with me as David Kraay is allergic to cats but Rebecca and Bill offered to take him, so again, God is providing. According to Rebecca he's made himself right at home. He knew Rebecca because of living with her that week or so before the wedding and knew her cats. Apparently he's starting to warm up to Bill.
Ok. Church. This church is so amazing it almost warrants a seperate post...but I shall just put it with this one and make this a nice long juicy post. (=
I've been going to Rebecca's church in Schaumberg. It's a PCA church and such a wonderful body of believers. I've not been to a church like this in ages. I'm pretty sure Shiloh (the church my family attended in Georgia) was like this but when you're a teen nothing much like this sticks ya know? I attended two churches in Greenville; one for three years and one for two and the preaching was good but that was it. Fourth in Minnesota is an interesting situation; it's huge and I've not even gone a years worth of Sundays. I'd go and stuff when I'm visiting my parents but never felt connected. When I got back from Korea and was trying to figure out what to do next no one was helpful beyond the very unhelpful "Praying for you" pat on the head and send me on my way. A lot of times I felt like people would talk to me out of "duty" if that makes any sense. Um, hello I've just moved back across the globe, and have no job. Prayer is nice but do you know of any job leads?
But this church....wow...again...wow. My first Sunday there I had a few people come up to me to tell me that they recognized me from Rebecca's Facebook and they had wanted to meet me. Then others would just come up to me and welcome me to the church and want to know how I got there and all sorts of things about me. One couple told me that most of the church would go out for lunch after the service and that they hoped that I would join them. Pretty sure in that one service I was made more welcome than I was in 3 weeks of attending my parents church in MN and Fourth knows me. Only like five people in this church had any idea of who I was yet they still made me feel loved and welcomed. The next week I was there again and was talking to the ones that I had met and mentioned that I had gotten the photography job. A man was walking by (whom I had not yet met) and said "Oh! You got that job! Good, I was praying for you!" Several were like "You need another job? I know [of these places that are] hiring." Others said that they were looking into different places for me to live (this was before the Kraays offered me a place). Over and over again this church has shown that they live their Christianity. They are not at all just "Sunday Christians". Their lives are overflowinf with Grace and they can't wait to share it. The preaching is good too tho I've yet to hear the Sr. Pastor (he's on Sabbatical until the begining of August.). The pastor I have heard is excellent, very expository which is what I'm used to from Dad. The sermon last week was so encouraging; out of Daniel 12 and how the tough times we'll go through have a reason and an end and how that as Chrisitans we don't need to worry when we do go through those tough times.
Ok....that's long enough for now. I gotta make dinner.
Work is still pretty cool. I am still looking for other jobs (second job or a full time one) but so far nothing. My sales are going up and I feel like I'm getting better at the photography part too. I actually had my first repeat customer a while back. I had gotten some girls (two sisters and a friend) to come in so I could practice on them. They did not get anything then but the next day the friend came back with her mom and sister! She made them come from an hour away to get "real" pictures done. Then they spent about $400. Made me happy. I've had a few other good shoots and sales lately but none that come as immediately to mind. I did however do a shoot for a lady who was graduating from some random Bible College with a masters in Urban Ministry. We got to talking and she was so sweet! During the whole conversation she'd interject with "Praise Jesus" and "I call on Jesus power to be with you." (She was black). At the end (after I had told her my story of Korea and getting here etc.) she said "I wanna plant a seed and you have to let me ok?" I wasn't really sure what she was going to do and was half expecting her to give me a mustard seed or something. But she didn't; she gave me $120!! Made me cry. When I told her I could not accept it she insisted that I keep it. "This morning I was at the health club and it was just me and God and I asked Him to let me be a blessing to someone today. I almost did not come to get my pictures done but something told me to come and I think you are the answer to my prayer." Other people have been generous and given me money too (cheques in the mail etc). God's providing.
Another way God's provided is through housing. I had a place to stay through the end of the month of July (Rebecca had gotten married and her lease on her apartment was out at the end of the month she said I could stay there rent free!). I've been attending an a.ma.zing. church (more on them in a second) and a couple in the church knowing that I was looking for a place to live offered me a place to stay with them for the time being. Again, free. So I'll be living with the Kraays until about October. Sadly I can't have Mac with me as David Kraay is allergic to cats but Rebecca and Bill offered to take him, so again, God is providing. According to Rebecca he's made himself right at home. He knew Rebecca because of living with her that week or so before the wedding and knew her cats. Apparently he's starting to warm up to Bill.
Ok. Church. This church is so amazing it almost warrants a seperate post...but I shall just put it with this one and make this a nice long juicy post. (=
I've been going to Rebecca's church in Schaumberg. It's a PCA church and such a wonderful body of believers. I've not been to a church like this in ages. I'm pretty sure Shiloh (the church my family attended in Georgia) was like this but when you're a teen nothing much like this sticks ya know? I attended two churches in Greenville; one for three years and one for two and the preaching was good but that was it. Fourth in Minnesota is an interesting situation; it's huge and I've not even gone a years worth of Sundays. I'd go and stuff when I'm visiting my parents but never felt connected. When I got back from Korea and was trying to figure out what to do next no one was helpful beyond the very unhelpful "Praying for you" pat on the head and send me on my way. A lot of times I felt like people would talk to me out of "duty" if that makes any sense. Um, hello I've just moved back across the globe, and have no job. Prayer is nice but do you know of any job leads?
But this church....wow...again...wow. My first Sunday there I had a few people come up to me to tell me that they recognized me from Rebecca's Facebook and they had wanted to meet me. Then others would just come up to me and welcome me to the church and want to know how I got there and all sorts of things about me. One couple told me that most of the church would go out for lunch after the service and that they hoped that I would join them. Pretty sure in that one service I was made more welcome than I was in 3 weeks of attending my parents church in MN and Fourth knows me. Only like five people in this church had any idea of who I was yet they still made me feel loved and welcomed. The next week I was there again and was talking to the ones that I had met and mentioned that I had gotten the photography job. A man was walking by (whom I had not yet met) and said "Oh! You got that job! Good, I was praying for you!" Several were like "You need another job? I know [of these places that are] hiring." Others said that they were looking into different places for me to live (this was before the Kraays offered me a place). Over and over again this church has shown that they live their Christianity. They are not at all just "Sunday Christians". Their lives are overflowinf with Grace and they can't wait to share it. The preaching is good too tho I've yet to hear the Sr. Pastor (he's on Sabbatical until the begining of August.). The pastor I have heard is excellent, very expository which is what I'm used to from Dad. The sermon last week was so encouraging; out of Daniel 12 and how the tough times we'll go through have a reason and an end and how that as Chrisitans we don't need to worry when we do go through those tough times.
Ok....that's long enough for now. I gotta make dinner.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
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