My trip to North Dakota was fun & refreshing & encouraging & relaxing.
We laughed till we cried and we stayed up late. We watched movies and we went shopping.
You know, it's funny the way God works. I went up there with all intentions to bless this family (which I did) but I'm almost certain I left more blessed and encouraged than they were. My God is big and my God is real and my God is able to move despite chaos and despite negativity and despite trials. My God is a Rescuer and a Redeemer of all people in all life circumstances and all backgrounds. So with that I left North Dakota encouraged by how big God is and by how much of an honor it is to be called to be a lover of His people--no matter who they are, where they've been, and what they've done. I missed my best friend & after a crazy weekend at the lake & a long drive through ND and Minnesota we parted ways and I was once again brought to a "divine appointment" by the Lord (because nothing just happens.) It was by far one of the oddest situations I've ever been in, but I did ask God to send me someone that day as I traveled and He did. I was on the aisle seat and next to me was a guy & his wife. He is looking at a porn magazine--straight up porn--and is sitting there next to his wife just looking at these pictures like it was no big deal. Well as you know how airplane seats work, you're pretty close to the person next to you and when your trays are down it's a bit impossible to ignore what's going on. I was writing in my journal and trying to focus on my writing and not at this guy. Well about 20 minutes into our flight, he takes his headphones out and just as a reaction, I did too. He begins to ask me what I'm writing about (as he closes his magazine). I told him I was writing down prayer requests. He continues to ask questions--Do you pray alot? What do you pray about? Why do you write it down? Are you one of those church people? Why is this important to you? How long have you been doing this? What does it mean to pray for people?--And with every question, more minutes were passing in which he was distracted from his magazine. He was slightly bitter about some Christians he had encountered, but continued to ask basic questions and we engaged in small talk the remainder of the flight. He asked if he could look through my journal which was a bit too personal for me, but I said sure anyway. He flipped through and as he saw the names he said "Wow, you really are going to remember us." because I had told him I wouldn't forget him and his wife, that I would be praying for them. Well obviously their marriage is having some trouble, so he asked if I would pray for them as a couple even though he didn't really "understand" praying. God is big.
Upon returning home, God has allowed me the opportunity again to be with my highschool students. I love these kids. I love them with all my heart. I will miss them a ridiculous amount when I go back to Lee, but I know I will continue to be in touch with them. God is moving and it's crazy and huge and powerful and effective and it's crazy. God works in crazy ways.
What is ahead for me is exciting. I always have a hard time when I first get back to school, but this year I have things I'm looking forward to and beyond that people that I am very anxious to be with. I carry them on my heart and I miss them. God has blessed me beyond measure.
Just a couple more weeks left and I am now beginning my attempt to process summer- the conversations, the phone calls, the late night talks, the quiet times, my writings, the time spent in prayer.....God has taught me a lot.
I have been researching grad programs and post-undergrad options. I know exactly what my concentration is going to be for counseling and so that's exciting. Trying to make the decision of whether or not I want there to be two concentrations or just one. God has revealed His purpose for me!
I'm tired but content. I'm anxious but expectant. I'm longing but I'm filled. God is so good to me.
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