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.

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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 :)

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.