"Usually that's just how it happens, I blog what I'm thinking about."
That's what Sarah Foster said last night while standing in the kitchen washing dishes. It got me thinking. I asked myself...what are you thinking though...really?
Here's what's running through my mind currently.
It's my last week running the feeding program. If you know anything about my time spent here then you know I've been doing this since the day I arrived on campus...well almost, but since January fo sho. I started out on fire for what I was getting to do. However, slowly but surely, I began to get tired. It's a ton of work! Physically feeding 863 kids a day is no small feat.
Still, the Lord's calling me higher. Higher than cutting pizza and making bags. Higher than just spending an hour a day out on the street getting to know these kids. You know, the kid's who have a panic look on their face when you run out of bags because they truly don't know where that night's dinner is coming from. That's a different story, though.
What's higher look like? I'm not sure. I do know that it means switching over into spiritually feeding the kids here in the inner-city. Yepp. Next week I start my work in 'Children's Ministry'
And I'll be honest, physically feeding these kids is going to look like a cake walk compared to the barriers the Lords going to have to tear down in the process of my next season. Why do I say that? My whole life satan has convinced me that even though I have something to speak up about no one will listen...or they'll make fun of me... because of the impediments I've had in my speech since childhood. You talk to fast, you mumble, you have a lisp, you blank on stage(not a speech impediment but it happens.) There's some serious spiritual warfare going on with satan trying to keep my mouth shut and God, the Ultimate Victor, bringing forth a well of living water out of my inner most being.
So what will I do? Go. Proclaim the good news of the Gospel to...currently...the children of St. Louis...and eventually....the nations.
On another note, let's talk about the nations...and life after the Dream Center. I can confirm that what many of ya'll have spoken over my life with missions and foreign lands is something the Lord is also bringing about in me. He hasn't definitively laid out His plan of where or how or when but peace has come over my spirit about the whole ordeal. Not just peace but joy as well. I can't wait to get to doing what He's put in me to do. Which by the way... I know what it is He wants me to do. Again not specifically like He's given me all the answers but as a grand picture... a grand hazy picture.
Every time I think forward to the future and what I feel Him prompting me to do it brings tears of gladness and thankfulness. Surprising because I'm not even all that emotional of a person! Thank you Lord for choosing me and entrusting me with what you've called me to do. The best part is how even with all I've envisioned about the future, He's going to do immeasurably more because it's His power I'm walking in.
Anyways, I didn't mean for this post to be so serious. It is indeed what I'm thinking though after I weed through all the random song lyrics and other odd things that go through my head.
So that's where this leads me. Following Gods calling to the Dream Center is by far the best thing I've ever done. He's doing so much in me here that I can't even begin to put it into words.
The most beautiful thing about this whole grand hazy picture is that this is just the beginning.
(p.s. lemme give a blog shout out to Foster, ya'll should check her's out. sarahannfoster.wordpress.com)
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
No Crafty Titles Here
Hiya everybody!
It's been awhile, I know. To tell the truth I've had no desire to write anything lately. That's why it's been awhile.It's not that I have nothing to say, I do. I've kept a list of things and stories I wanted to tell ya'll when I felt like getting around to putting my thoughts into complete coherent sentences. I guess now is that time
Let's get started, shall we?
On street last Friday there were a few people who weren't really receptive to the Word at all but the seed was planted. I found myself thinking I had better things I could be doing after the fifth person said no to prayer or what not...like sleep. I love sleep. Sleep doesn't get people saved though. Anyways here's what God reminded me of....
He's a pursuer of souls.
At least He pursued me. I almost forgot...or really it's just not a daily thought... that there was about a year in between me first getting the seed of the Word planted in my heart and it harvesting into a follower of Christ. Let me simplify that statement, as a freshman I attended my church for the first time but it wasn't until the summer between my sophomore and junior year that I surrendered my life to the Lord. In that in between time God was the last thing on my mind....but He was still there....somewhere in the back tugging at my heart strings. Drawing me into Him, closer and closer. The beautiful thing is to this day and for all the rest of my days... He's still doing it. He's still drawing me closer and closer. How wonderful that is! The moral to this is that I got to thinking about how its not a multitude of my words that draw people into Him....it's a few of His. I don't have to save people...that's not my job. All I gotta do is let the world know He loves you. He really super-de-duper does. I promise.
On a lighter note, a girl asked me to sing at her church. I awkwardly changed the subject. Ain't nobody sticking me on stage...I get scared. She said it'd be an honor to have me sing, though. What a compliment!
I lied about the no one sticking me on stage thing... I have a part in Kidzjam this weekend. I'm doing the memory verse for the first time...on stage....in front of people. I'm believing God for no word vomit...amen.
I wanted to tell ya'll a story from Adopt A Block.... it's a good one. Promise. So here I am standing on the porch at Ms. Stephanies' , she's a wonderful lady the DC knows real well, when I get a surprise visit. My main man, a little boy named Jamond, rolled up in the passengers seat of his grandma's car. It was the absolute cutest thing because his grandmama, who I work with every day in the feeding program, told me that he demanded she drive around until they found me. They found me....it made my day.
Anywho, today I had a thought that changed my perspective on life a little. Something I'm growing in while I'm here in St. Louis is confidence in the gifting's He has given me. While listening to something that was talking about how He's the most creative thing to ever exist I realized what an honor I have bestowed upon me. He has specifically placed within me the ability to be a glimpse into His measure of creativeness. He's called me out of my comfort zone, into deep water, to pull forth this creativeness. Especially when I don't want to do it at all.
You know what kills creativity? Busyness.
Boy am I busy. All the time there's something to do. Never a dull moment here at the DC, that's for sure. Above all else though I am being awakened to the fact that I am a vessel for His creativeness to flow through.
So whats my next step in the awakening? Refining the raw talent that He's placed within me. After all.... I've never even tried to do anything with it...ever. No classes, no nothing. Just a hobby.
hmm my final thought for tonight... who knows, maybe a hobby could become a calling.
(P.s. sorry for the grammar... I happen to be way to tired to go back and fix every little thing)
It's been awhile, I know. To tell the truth I've had no desire to write anything lately. That's why it's been awhile.It's not that I have nothing to say, I do. I've kept a list of things and stories I wanted to tell ya'll when I felt like getting around to putting my thoughts into complete coherent sentences. I guess now is that time
Let's get started, shall we?
On street last Friday there were a few people who weren't really receptive to the Word at all but the seed was planted. I found myself thinking I had better things I could be doing after the fifth person said no to prayer or what not...like sleep. I love sleep. Sleep doesn't get people saved though. Anyways here's what God reminded me of....
He's a pursuer of souls.
At least He pursued me. I almost forgot...or really it's just not a daily thought... that there was about a year in between me first getting the seed of the Word planted in my heart and it harvesting into a follower of Christ. Let me simplify that statement, as a freshman I attended my church for the first time but it wasn't until the summer between my sophomore and junior year that I surrendered my life to the Lord. In that in between time God was the last thing on my mind....but He was still there....somewhere in the back tugging at my heart strings. Drawing me into Him, closer and closer. The beautiful thing is to this day and for all the rest of my days... He's still doing it. He's still drawing me closer and closer. How wonderful that is! The moral to this is that I got to thinking about how its not a multitude of my words that draw people into Him....it's a few of His. I don't have to save people...that's not my job. All I gotta do is let the world know He loves you. He really super-de-duper does. I promise.
On a lighter note, a girl asked me to sing at her church. I awkwardly changed the subject. Ain't nobody sticking me on stage...I get scared. She said it'd be an honor to have me sing, though. What a compliment!
I lied about the no one sticking me on stage thing... I have a part in Kidzjam this weekend. I'm doing the memory verse for the first time...on stage....in front of people. I'm believing God for no word vomit...amen.
I wanted to tell ya'll a story from Adopt A Block.... it's a good one. Promise. So here I am standing on the porch at Ms. Stephanies' , she's a wonderful lady the DC knows real well, when I get a surprise visit. My main man, a little boy named Jamond, rolled up in the passengers seat of his grandma's car. It was the absolute cutest thing because his grandmama, who I work with every day in the feeding program, told me that he demanded she drive around until they found me. They found me....it made my day.
Anywho, today I had a thought that changed my perspective on life a little. Something I'm growing in while I'm here in St. Louis is confidence in the gifting's He has given me. While listening to something that was talking about how He's the most creative thing to ever exist I realized what an honor I have bestowed upon me. He has specifically placed within me the ability to be a glimpse into His measure of creativeness. He's called me out of my comfort zone, into deep water, to pull forth this creativeness. Especially when I don't want to do it at all.
You know what kills creativity? Busyness.
Boy am I busy. All the time there's something to do. Never a dull moment here at the DC, that's for sure. Above all else though I am being awakened to the fact that I am a vessel for His creativeness to flow through.
So whats my next step in the awakening? Refining the raw talent that He's placed within me. After all.... I've never even tried to do anything with it...ever. No classes, no nothing. Just a hobby.
hmm my final thought for tonight... who knows, maybe a hobby could become a calling.
(P.s. sorry for the grammar... I happen to be way to tired to go back and fix every little thing)
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Crisis Mode Airplane and the Girl Afraid of Flying
While in the air on my way to Atlanta last Monday I was actually blogging to you guys. It kinda turned into me live blogging my thoughts during a flight that went into crisis mode. Little did I know that it was the beginning of a very long couple of days. I thought I'd share it with ya'll just because I took the time to write it in the first place. Enjoy :)
'Why hello there! Currently you are being written to from 30,000 feet in the air.
Exciting right?
Mmm for me it's actually scary. I know the Wright brothers are North Carolina bred and all (its where all the cool people hail from) but the whole concept of something that weighs this much not crashing at some point is flabbergasting! Therefor, my blog readers, I must confess to you that I am afraid of flying. Some neato things about this particular flight though are that the people on it are super friendly and there's a plethora of people watching to be done.
I like to observe people. I do it most everywhere I go. In the airport I was reminded whilst sitting among a crowd of people that not only does God know how many hairs are on my head (which is impressive because it changes constantly) but He knows the deepest most inner being of all the people that surrounded me. He is not limited to situations or places or people. He's vast and expansive and His love covers all.
On a lighter note, spring break has officially begun! Woooo, a break... a breath of fresh (country :) ) air! I'm rather excited to be heading to West Virginia to see my moms side of the family and to meet my soon to be step father for the first time. More so, I'm excited for a switch of titles. For a week I am no longer called the inner-city missionary but instead beloved daughter, aunt, and temporary care taker...who also happens to be pretty cool because she's from North Carolina which...of course... is where all the cool people are from.
Can you tell I miss my state...just a little?
I'm changing topics... that one might make me sad. The flight has taken a rather large route change according to the pilot. An extra 45 minutes has been added to our flight time...which will make that hour and a half layover much shorter. Oh wait, turbulence. Crap. The quick descend has my heart racing. Every muscle in my body tense as we pass through this weather front. Delayed once again. Remember that fear... this doesn't help. Plus I get motion sickness easy. Boo. Hopefully this will end soon.'
It didn't end soon. I flew through thunderstorms and turbulence so bad I was grabbing the back of the seat in front of me. Not to mention I spent the night In the ATL airport. That'll have to be a different blog. Some of the craziest things happened that night. But for now Im about to fly back to St. Louis.
...Lets pray this trip goes smoother even though its pouring down snow!
'Why hello there! Currently you are being written to from 30,000 feet in the air.
Exciting right?
Mmm for me it's actually scary. I know the Wright brothers are North Carolina bred and all (its where all the cool people hail from) but the whole concept of something that weighs this much not crashing at some point is flabbergasting! Therefor, my blog readers, I must confess to you that I am afraid of flying. Some neato things about this particular flight though are that the people on it are super friendly and there's a plethora of people watching to be done.
I like to observe people. I do it most everywhere I go. In the airport I was reminded whilst sitting among a crowd of people that not only does God know how many hairs are on my head (which is impressive because it changes constantly) but He knows the deepest most inner being of all the people that surrounded me. He is not limited to situations or places or people. He's vast and expansive and His love covers all.
On a lighter note, spring break has officially begun! Woooo, a break... a breath of fresh (country :) ) air! I'm rather excited to be heading to West Virginia to see my moms side of the family and to meet my soon to be step father for the first time. More so, I'm excited for a switch of titles. For a week I am no longer called the inner-city missionary but instead beloved daughter, aunt, and temporary care taker...who also happens to be pretty cool because she's from North Carolina which...of course... is where all the cool people are from.
Can you tell I miss my state...just a little?
I'm changing topics... that one might make me sad. The flight has taken a rather large route change according to the pilot. An extra 45 minutes has been added to our flight time...which will make that hour and a half layover much shorter. Oh wait, turbulence. Crap. The quick descend has my heart racing. Every muscle in my body tense as we pass through this weather front. Delayed once again. Remember that fear... this doesn't help. Plus I get motion sickness easy. Boo. Hopefully this will end soon.'
It didn't end soon. I flew through thunderstorms and turbulence so bad I was grabbing the back of the seat in front of me. Not to mention I spent the night In the ATL airport. That'll have to be a different blog. Some of the craziest things happened that night. But for now Im about to fly back to St. Louis.
...Lets pray this trip goes smoother even though its pouring down snow!
Monday, March 11, 2013
Late Night Rambles
I broke my computer a few weeks ago. I know... shocking. Actually, it's probably not. You're probably sitting there thinking, 'Rachel, you loose or break every precious thing to you...let's be honest.' Or maybe you're not thinking that. Sadly, it's the truth.
There is a point to my rambling. You must know that I haven't forgotten the promise I made before heading out to the big city. The one where I vowed to blog at least once a month. I inscribed it upon my heart...set it in stone. No matter what, I won't let ya'll down! Currently, I'm writing this thing (for the 2nd time since it deleted my 1st time) from my I-pod. I'm askin' for you to have patience with me since it's practically impossible to have proper grammar on these things. BUT my Bible says nothing's impossible with God.
Here's to keeping my word. Sit back, kick your feet up, and happy reading.
Actually, one more thing before I go any farther. I wanna give a shout out to someone from way back in my Leadership College days who always is speaking encouragin' things that make me want to blog more... because well, I actually have an audience! Surprising! MadDawg....this ones for you.
Today I went to Joyce Meyer Ministries to receive training for the prayer lines. There's a chance every other Monday that if you call the ministry to receive prayer...I'll be the one liftin' you up before the Father. It's a privilege... It really is. I'm rather excited to begin! JMM is a wonderful place. As you pull down Grace Parkway you'll see flags flyin' on both sides of the drive that represent all the different countries the ministry has an impact in. Today was a little breezy so they flew extra well. My favorite thing about the place has to be the game room though. Some of the girls learned my secret talent today. Be on the lookout to see me in the Olympics soon. I have mad air hockey skills. Ok I'm not that good... I just went 4 for 4 in my wins today. Besides air hockey's not even an Olympic sport. Somehow ping pong...oops I mean table tennis is though. In that case air hockey should be an Olympic sport. That's my argument and I'm sticking to it.
It's late and I'm tired. I'm sure my babbling is entertaining. Hmmph... I think I want to share with you guys a few entries from my journal that I have written over the last couple weeks whilst we've been disconnected. Then ima have to call it a night. I need my beauty sleep. Surely, you must understand.
February 26, 2013:
Little boy, 13, called Bobo. Hatred smoldering in his eyes. One blackened because an older boy just punched him. There's no consoling. He talks of shooting. He says to not let go or else he doesn't know what he'll do... But he knows he'll go after the guy who hit him and pushed his little sister. Protective. F-bombs dropped- not surprising. Inner-city kids; God's creation. His Image. Beautiful.
March 4th, 2013:
In my homeland, the great state of North Carolina, I don't believe it's all to common to see all that much when you go to take the trash out. Maybe, if you're lucky, a doe-eyed dear will cross paths with you or you'll catch a glimpse of a raccoon and it's babies waiting for you to go back inside so they can explore your trash to find dinner. That's country life. City life is different...MUCH different. Tonight, I took the trash out. But instead of my animal friends, I saw three police cars with red and blue lights flashing. They were sitting outside of the campus gates with three guys handcuffed on the ground. Oh yea..that's right. I'm in the hood. I'm nosey, I'll admit, so I watched until they stuck the guys inside separate police vehicles. Ooo someone's in trouble. There's never a dull moment here at the DC. Even taking of the trash out can be exciting!
Ok that's two short entires. I'm rather exhausted at this point and I need to be up at 5:30 to hit the gym. It takes twice as long to post from your I-pod... Just in case you were curious. In closing, (just because all my English teachers told me to never end with that) I've enjoyed our time together. I hope we can do this again real soon. Until then, sleep tight world.
There is a point to my rambling. You must know that I haven't forgotten the promise I made before heading out to the big city. The one where I vowed to blog at least once a month. I inscribed it upon my heart...set it in stone. No matter what, I won't let ya'll down! Currently, I'm writing this thing (for the 2nd time since it deleted my 1st time) from my I-pod. I'm askin' for you to have patience with me since it's practically impossible to have proper grammar on these things. BUT my Bible says nothing's impossible with God.
Here's to keeping my word. Sit back, kick your feet up, and happy reading.
Actually, one more thing before I go any farther. I wanna give a shout out to someone from way back in my Leadership College days who always is speaking encouragin' things that make me want to blog more... because well, I actually have an audience! Surprising! MadDawg....this ones for you.
Today I went to Joyce Meyer Ministries to receive training for the prayer lines. There's a chance every other Monday that if you call the ministry to receive prayer...I'll be the one liftin' you up before the Father. It's a privilege... It really is. I'm rather excited to begin! JMM is a wonderful place. As you pull down Grace Parkway you'll see flags flyin' on both sides of the drive that represent all the different countries the ministry has an impact in. Today was a little breezy so they flew extra well. My favorite thing about the place has to be the game room though. Some of the girls learned my secret talent today. Be on the lookout to see me in the Olympics soon. I have mad air hockey skills. Ok I'm not that good... I just went 4 for 4 in my wins today. Besides air hockey's not even an Olympic sport. Somehow ping pong...oops I mean table tennis is though. In that case air hockey should be an Olympic sport. That's my argument and I'm sticking to it.
It's late and I'm tired. I'm sure my babbling is entertaining. Hmmph... I think I want to share with you guys a few entries from my journal that I have written over the last couple weeks whilst we've been disconnected. Then ima have to call it a night. I need my beauty sleep. Surely, you must understand.
February 26, 2013:
Little boy, 13, called Bobo. Hatred smoldering in his eyes. One blackened because an older boy just punched him. There's no consoling. He talks of shooting. He says to not let go or else he doesn't know what he'll do... But he knows he'll go after the guy who hit him and pushed his little sister. Protective. F-bombs dropped- not surprising. Inner-city kids; God's creation. His Image. Beautiful.
March 4th, 2013:
In my homeland, the great state of North Carolina, I don't believe it's all to common to see all that much when you go to take the trash out. Maybe, if you're lucky, a doe-eyed dear will cross paths with you or you'll catch a glimpse of a raccoon and it's babies waiting for you to go back inside so they can explore your trash to find dinner. That's country life. City life is different...MUCH different. Tonight, I took the trash out. But instead of my animal friends, I saw three police cars with red and blue lights flashing. They were sitting outside of the campus gates with three guys handcuffed on the ground. Oh yea..that's right. I'm in the hood. I'm nosey, I'll admit, so I watched until they stuck the guys inside separate police vehicles. Ooo someone's in trouble. There's never a dull moment here at the DC. Even taking of the trash out can be exciting!
Ok that's two short entires. I'm rather exhausted at this point and I need to be up at 5:30 to hit the gym. It takes twice as long to post from your I-pod... Just in case you were curious. In closing, (just because all my English teachers told me to never end with that) I've enjoyed our time together. I hope we can do this again real soon. Until then, sleep tight world.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Today
As far as I know, little boys don't just dream of growing up to be drug dealers. Little girls don't dream of growing up to be someone who feels like they need to sell their body to make a way in life.
Oh no, little boys dream of being firemen or baseball players. Little girls dream of being princesses or singers.
Where's the disconnect?
There are little kids dreaming of growing up to be just like Mommy and Daddy, when Mommy and Daddy don't walk like Jesus. They can't be judged. They're doing the best they can do. They're doing all they've known. It's a generational thing. Somewhere along the way someone made a bad decision and it's impacted...generations.
What you're doing now...what you're doing today...it'll impact more than just you. It'll impact the futures of your great grandkids, their kids, and far more.
Did you get that?
What you do with this day will impact generations.
That's a heavy statement to bare, but truth none the less.
I get the opportunity to meet kids here all the time. I see hurt, confusion, pain, brokenness... all the time. Fear in the eyes of a child is not a beautiful thing. I get close enough to these kids to tie their shoes and paint their faces. Best believe I pray over them every chance I get. God, protect them. God, guide them. God, love them.
You want to see a change in the world? It starts with them. It starts with mentoring, loving on, teaching, raising up...them. To be all God has created them to be in all it's splendor and glory.
Don't want to spend time fixing adults? Spend time nurturing children. Then there will be less adults that need 'fixing'.
In my head I have this glorious picture of what the world should look like. Little girls playing on swings not awaken to what sex is because they've been molested. Little boys pedaling bikes not pedaling drugs. (Do you pedal drugs? I feel like that isn't an actual term for what people do...but it works well here...so yeah lets go with that.) Fathers and Mothers who are husbands and wives first and foremost. Most importantly I envision family's that are centered around Jesus, anchored to what He's called them to do. That's beautiful.
And guess what....
It starts with o.n.e.
It starts with y.o.u.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Gospel Choirs and Mallow Squeeze
(written Friday)
So... here's the deal. I've tried to sit and write ya'll three times in the last two days, and nothing has come out of that. I will not claim writers block since there's power in my words but I will say my wittiness and charm are running a little slow lately, because well that's the honest truth.
I guess the best thing that makes for a good read is straight up authenticity, so here it is.
Sometimes I get lost in the busyness here. In those times all I think about is the task at hand, and I love it. I really do. But every night in the few hours I have to myself I think of ya'll. I've busted out the Christmas coffee house DVD twice already. If Khristen or Marc read this...you guys are so stankin' talented. Certain songs make me miss home too. If you want honesty, it's hard the first few months you're this far away from home. I underestimated the degree to which it would effect me. I truly thought the homesick blues would skip right over me, but apparently they haven't. So yes, the point to this...just know I miss you and I think of you often.
Ok now that that's out of the way let me tell you this. I love worship. More so, I love spontaneous worship. I got to do some of that last night. It was great. I also joined the choir here. It ain't nothing like home. Never before have I one: been a soprano or two: sung so gospely. so. many. runs. Hot tea is my best friend. Ok that's a lie, sweets are probably my best friend.
Working in the food ministry I have way too many opportunity's to eat. All the manual labor we do almost balances it out though. All I need is cardio and I'm good to go. Oh gosh.. I miss crossfit. Some of the girls do workout videos but that just ain't the same. I can't bring myself to do it. It's also way to cold for basketball. I don't really know what the point is of me telling you this. Just wanted to be detailed of my experience here I guess. :)
Tonight was the volunteer banquet. We had senators and congressman and all sorts of other distinguished guest come out to give thanks to all the wonderful volunteers that serve at the Dream Center in some capacity. It was a fun night. I got to wait tables and dance on stage like a fool before handing out prizes to some lucky winners. I may or may not have ice on my ankle currently from an accident that happened while leaving backstage.
After all was said and done....we went to froyo. Mmmm, froyo. I love cake batter froyo with strawberries, cookie dough, hot fudge and mallow squeezed on top. So good. Ya know what else is good? Fitz's root beer! If you saw the picture of the float I posted then there'd be no arguing that they're the best. There is definitely some good eatin' in the city.
..........................................................................................................
Two days later I am now getting around to finishing this thing. Really it's just rambling but I figured it's best ya'll know. I sang in the choir today. It ain't Hillsong no more. I also ran the food pantry with one of the other girls. We almost didn't make it back in time to sing again. Today's a peaceful day. Filled with movies and alone time. It's wonderful.
Welp that's all I got for now...maybe...probably not. but I've prolonged posting this for too long so...
here ya go :)
So... here's the deal. I've tried to sit and write ya'll three times in the last two days, and nothing has come out of that. I will not claim writers block since there's power in my words but I will say my wittiness and charm are running a little slow lately, because well that's the honest truth.
I guess the best thing that makes for a good read is straight up authenticity, so here it is.
Sometimes I get lost in the busyness here. In those times all I think about is the task at hand, and I love it. I really do. But every night in the few hours I have to myself I think of ya'll. I've busted out the Christmas coffee house DVD twice already. If Khristen or Marc read this...you guys are so stankin' talented. Certain songs make me miss home too. If you want honesty, it's hard the first few months you're this far away from home. I underestimated the degree to which it would effect me. I truly thought the homesick blues would skip right over me, but apparently they haven't. So yes, the point to this...just know I miss you and I think of you often.
Ok now that that's out of the way let me tell you this. I love worship. More so, I love spontaneous worship. I got to do some of that last night. It was great. I also joined the choir here. It ain't nothing like home. Never before have I one: been a soprano or two: sung so gospely. so. many. runs. Hot tea is my best friend. Ok that's a lie, sweets are probably my best friend.
Working in the food ministry I have way too many opportunity's to eat. All the manual labor we do almost balances it out though. All I need is cardio and I'm good to go. Oh gosh.. I miss crossfit. Some of the girls do workout videos but that just ain't the same. I can't bring myself to do it. It's also way to cold for basketball. I don't really know what the point is of me telling you this. Just wanted to be detailed of my experience here I guess. :)
Tonight was the volunteer banquet. We had senators and congressman and all sorts of other distinguished guest come out to give thanks to all the wonderful volunteers that serve at the Dream Center in some capacity. It was a fun night. I got to wait tables and dance on stage like a fool before handing out prizes to some lucky winners. I may or may not have ice on my ankle currently from an accident that happened while leaving backstage.
After all was said and done....we went to froyo. Mmmm, froyo. I love cake batter froyo with strawberries, cookie dough, hot fudge and mallow squeezed on top. So good. Ya know what else is good? Fitz's root beer! If you saw the picture of the float I posted then there'd be no arguing that they're the best. There is definitely some good eatin' in the city.
..........................................................................................................
Two days later I am now getting around to finishing this thing. Really it's just rambling but I figured it's best ya'll know. I sang in the choir today. It ain't Hillsong no more. I also ran the food pantry with one of the other girls. We almost didn't make it back in time to sing again. Today's a peaceful day. Filled with movies and alone time. It's wonderful.
Welp that's all I got for now...maybe...probably not. but I've prolonged posting this for too long so...
here ya go :)
Monday, January 21, 2013
Updates and Whatsnot.
.....So, where do I begin?
We've had no wifi which is why I've been so distant, please accept my apologies. I've been journaling so I could remember every little detail that I may want to put in this thing...also it's a good practice to put into habit.
I may just use this post as a moment to sit back and tell ya'll a few different little stories instead of painting a grand picture of what my times been like so far. My hands hurt from the weather so the less typing the better.
I'll start with my story from ECD (early childhood development....church.) last Sunday. It was my Sunday department...now it's not. I was moved to the pantry but that's a whole different story.
I had three little boogers. Okay really only two boogers and one sweetheart. One of the little girl boogers sat in my lap. She has taken quiet the attachment to me. I could tell because anytime I left her side she would cry out for me.
..... Hold up, I feel a Jesus correlation....
God never, ever, ever leaves my side....but if by some chance I'm not walking with Him and I know that He's the source of my love, all I have to do is cry out for Him. And just like it happened with my little girl booger, He'll swoop in and carry me, and my hold my hand, and guide me. That's my Savior.
So with the little girl in my lap, well I held her a little closer than I normally would with other peoples children....because in that moment God showed me a picture of what was waiting for her once she left the Dream Center. It's not that her family is terrible, her mom is such a sweet lady and serves within the church. It is, however, that when you live in the inner-city you can only shelter your children but so much. The sirens, shots going off, cursing, fighting, a principality is over St. Louis. A glance of all that is what I saw while she was sitting in my lap watching a zoo movie...sucking her thumb, and playing with my ear.
One more ECD story....
Standing before me was the sweetheart booger just a little boy but all dressed up like a grown man. Looking sharp in his dress slacks and button up. But when I looked at him I saw what this society generally makes of young men like him. I pictured the guy's I see walking down the street or what not. I think I pictured this because he was quiet and composed and sat patiently while he watched the other two girl boogers hold my attention and affection. It didn't take long to break him though. I motioned for him to come sit by us, and he did, but he pulled his chair to me as close as it could get and latched on to hug my side. My heart swooned because eventually I want to adopt a little boy just like him. He held my hand and had tickle fights, and the child in him came forth once more.
IT WAS BEAUTIFUL.
IT MAKES EVERYTHING WORTH IT.
Ok actually, I'm tired of telling stories. I'll post hopefully again tomorrow...or soon, with more of what's been going on. I miss home and all ya'll there but God's doing some huge things in me here. I can't wait to see how my time unfolds here and what will come out of this.
hope ya'll enjoyed this one...keep an eye out for the next :)
XOXO.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)