The Weekend God turned everything to Spring

We gathered together, we played, we prayed, and the 30 of us met with Jesus. It was a beautiful time because just as the frost and the snow melted off from the sidewalks and the rooftops--the coldness, closed-ness, and frost also was melted away from the hearts of those who went. Each of them (including me!) had a fresh touch from our beautiful, wonderful, Creator God. Thank you for your prayers and continued prayers that God will continue to touch, melt, and open up heart here in Eden! One morning, during our "morning encounters with God" we were given the 'assignment' to look around at nature and see what God may want to reveal to you. As I gazed outside, although I am neither a psalmist nor an artist, I felt God tugging at something in my heart. He showed me the melting snow and how when it is melted it not only reveals what is underneath that had remained buried for so long, but also it has the opportunity to have new growth in the places that were previously iced over, in so many ways--it is the same as with our hearts and I saw that weekend God do a "melting" of the snow, frost, and ice that people may have come to the retreat with, I saw Him melt it so that He can bring new growth. And in many ways--this is what I feel is coming to Eden (in the physical and the spiritual): Spring, God bringing new growth. In some ways as writing this--it reminds me of when Spring came to Narnia for the frist time in 100 years...and to that I say--God let it be so here as well!

Accidents, Apartments, and VISAS...Oh My!!

Life comes with it's surprises, which is a good thing, otherwise it might get pretty boring always knowing what will happen next. But then again, there are some surprises that we would not have wished for. I can actually give a few examples for what I mean here. Two weeks ago Friday, I was getting into the backseat of a taxi on the right-hand side. Before I knew what was happening, boom-de-boom-boom! Our taxi (which was stationary before--the motor hadn't even been turned on) was currently in a ditch about 100-200 feet from where I had tried to get in. I was sitting in the taxi--but my hat didn't make the ride, it was back at the scene of the accident where I hit my head on initial impact and then the jolt of the car came and hit me in the back, all within a second (or so it seemed). It was pretty traumatic, I didn't know what to make of it all--and my taxi driver and everyone who asked me how I was...they didn't know what to make of me: the American girl who shed an occasional tear still sitting in the back seat of a now totaled car. But I can honestly say that God protected me BIG TIME. I walked away (which had I tried to get in on the left-hand-side of the car I probably couldn't have done) with only some soreness and a small bruise--nothing broken or fractured. And I am glad to be able to say now that I haven't really felt any discomfort or soreness for a week now! Thank you Jesus! Yet even though the accident was not planned nor wanted, I saw God's hand in and through it. He had even prepared me the night before and that morning by bring worship songs to mind. He is good!

A few surprises came with my apartment--it is everything that I could have wanted (and had prayed for) and more! Big enough to have people over, near by others that I know, and in a safe location! It was perfect! Yet...I also had a surprise there too, I realize that upon moving in, although I am living alone...I am not quite as alone as I had hoped. There are a few big (BIG) bugs that come out from time to time, they crawl, they scurry, and I think one of them just scurried into my bedroom (which means I doubt I'll have a very peaceful night sleep). They are apparently a common bug here in Eden, although I admit--they are not too polite--they just invite themselves in, often through the drains. Their name: (I wince even while writing this) cockroaches. I think I announced myself to my neighbors this afternoon as I saw one and tried to kill it with soapy water (really works!) but it moved--hence my little announcement of my presence to the neighbors (word to the wise: they are not killed by women shrieking). So tomorrow--I bleach EVERYTHING. And hopefully they will realize that not only are they no longer welcome here...but that if they return, I will kill them. (That announcement--I would love for them to pass along to whomever they might know!)

So yes, surprises are not always desirable...but they make life interesting--I now have two more life stories that I didn't have before. But it is all worth it, because I have my VISA which is my legal permission to live in Eden. "Worth it?" one might ask, "you think it's worth it to live in a land that may have cockroach parties while you are sleeping, you think that is all worth it so that you can live there...?" Yes, yes I do. You see, Eden is not made up of car accidents or cockroaches; it is made up of people, many who have become my friends and it is worth it to live with cockroaches (not that I won't try to get rid of them--I will!!) so that I can spend more time with my friends here as we walk together on this life-journey that God has for each of us, this journey to His heart.