It’s a new year, and the beginning of a new journey. One that looks nothing like the last, but no
less exciting, with the promise of no fewer encounters with God, leaps of
faith, and challenges of character.
I rang in this New Year, 2008 at The Call in Kansas City,
alongside several other January ’07 World Racers with a day of prayer and
fasting for our nation following a three-day conference with the International
House of Prayer (IHOP). It was
wonderful to see friends again and live in community so similar to our past
year together. We rented an unfurnished
apartment with one bathroom, and lined 10 of us on the floor with our mats and
sleeping bags right next to one another.
It was fun to realize how easily we adapt in that situation. We probably wouldn’t have known how to live
together otherwise!!
Some wonderful friends of mine from church donated their ’94
Jeep Cherokee Laredo to me, as they knew of my need for a vehicle. There are not words to express my thanks to
Paul and Lynn (and Adam.) It’s more than I could have expected, but a clear
answer to prayer. I came home knowing
that God would give me a car. As the
weeks progressed, my faith wavered, and I began to pursue something else, but
He closed that opportunity, and made this available to me. How amazing are the works of our God!
After being home for just shy of 2 months, I am feeling like
I am maybe now getting caught up with the American speed of life. Thanksgiving and a wedding in the first week
of being home, then Christmas and New Years, and starting 2 jobs has kept me
pretty busy, but I’m getting used to it.
I’m still not yet used to thinking weeks and even months in advance for
schedules (didn’t have to think about that on the Race), and so I’m having to
compensate for double booking, but it’s all falling in line.
I have been working at Starbucks for about 5 weeks now, and
started waiting tables at Court Ave Restaurant, a former workplace, just last
week. I have also just recently
accepted the position of ‘Clinic Manager’ for a free medical clinic that our
church is going to begin holding once a month.
It’s an administrative (volunteer) position that will really challenge
me and keep me busy with my other 2 jobs, but I feel it’s exactly where God is
calling me to do right now.
I am praying how to best balance working and making money
and yet staying true to the priorities God has clearly asked me to keep:
devoted time with Him, time with my family, going to my siblings’ high school
show choir competitions, being available to people, and walking in faith. I have a tendency to become a bit of a
workaholic, but I know that He’s asking me to walk in faith, and not try to
make certain things happen by man’s means, but only by His provision, namely
buying a house. It’s a challenge in faith, but I know that He provides and
never lies, so what He says, goes.:-)
Sorry this update’s been so long in coming, but better
late than never I suppose. I pray you
all have a wonderful New Year! May God
continue to richly bless your obedience to Him.
