Today we had no water. As my friend says, if something happens, it happens all at once. They're struggling with a mold problem right now and thankfully a couple has offered to let them stay in their house for several weeks while they are away on vacation. Yet even as she was trying to catch her breath with all the allergies that have been triggered by the sci-fi black fungus spreading all over her house, my friend was still selflessly thinking of others. When I told her that we had no water in the dorm, she insisted we come over and use their shower and went to turn on the boiler to make sure we had hot water. We had no water but we had a clean mold-free room whereas she was the one concerned about us. I want to be like her.
Sometimes it's easy to think that being a good Christian means paying your tithe, giving your spare clothes to the poor, preaching an evangelistic series, or being a literature evangelist. These are all good and important things to do but the mere act of doing them doesn't define you as a Christian. A Christian is someone who thinks of others before themselves and in doing so, lays down their desires and needs, to ensure that the needs of others are met first. It may be as simple as offering a hot shower but the intent of the heart is what counts. Not making a list and checking it twice, but instead acting out of love and care.
The water is back on again, though I hear some strange gurgling in the pipes which I hope isn't indicative of another problem. I'm grateful but even more than that, I'm thankful for the lesson I learned today from my dear friend who cared without thought of herself and in doing so reminded me once again how much Jesus cares for me.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Thankful in All Things
Two days ago I had a sudden allergic reaction. I'm still not sure to what, whether it was the molokhai soup I had, or something in the air, or just that my system got overloaded. Whatever it was, I was in the mall with two friends, looking for stuff for the Christmas banquet we were hosting for the staff and faculty, and noticed I started to itch on my face and neck. At first it didn't bother me too much, I often have a couple of itchy spots on my neck. But after I took my scarf off and then my coat, I knew there was something wrong.
By the end of the evening, we had stopped by the pharmacy where I picked up an anti-histamine med. I took it home, debated quite a while and read up all the side effects online, before finally taking the double dose I was recommended to by the pharmacist. Since the worst side effect didn't include death, I figured I'd be okay.
By morning I woke up and realized it hadn't kicked in quickly enough. My eyes were now quite swollen and I feared that within a couple of hours they would be swollen shut. My entire face and neck were quite swollen and I could compete with Alvin the Chipmunk in a look-alike show. I began to message friends to see who could take me to the cheap clinic at the bottom of the hill. One friend recommended a doctor coming to see me instead, he called, and within an hour, the doctor was knocking on my door.
An injection, prescription, and promised blood tests the next day later, I was resting in bed and praying the swelling would go down. The doctor couldn't give me a specific time frame for recovery as it varied by person but promised the injection would keep the swelling from getting worse. Thankfully, he was right, and microscopically slowly the swelling began to go down.
This time of looking very much unlike myself has been quite a growing experience. I feel exactly like myself, though somewhat sleepier as the medication tends to make me drowsy, plus my body is fighting hard to return to normal. Yet even though I feel and sound the same, I don't look the same and people's reactions have varied.
Some have laughed nervously, others told me I looked just fine. Some have been very frank and said I don't look like myself at all, while others said they didn't recognize me without seeing my hair (when I wore a headscarf for the Christmas concert). Then there were the encouraging ones, who promised me I was looking better each day or even told me I looked more attractive now (honestly?). The ones who took the time to check up on me by text message and see how I was doing. The ones who kindly told me not to be sad, because this would pass in a few days, as they reminded me that there were many others who had illnesses or disabilities that would not pass in a few days or even months.
I'm learning to be grateful in all circumstances, and this has been one of those circumstances that I am thankful for even though it seems rather strange to say so. I've learned that people are generally kind and helpful. I've learned to be more kind to others when they are in a difficult situation. I've learned that it's not about saying a lot of flowery words, but just saying I'm sorry and You are looking much better today are really all one needs to say. I've also learned that the One Who will never fail me will give me the strength to smile, explain what happened, and make it through the day. And for that, I'm most thankful.
By the end of the evening, we had stopped by the pharmacy where I picked up an anti-histamine med. I took it home, debated quite a while and read up all the side effects online, before finally taking the double dose I was recommended to by the pharmacist. Since the worst side effect didn't include death, I figured I'd be okay.
By morning I woke up and realized it hadn't kicked in quickly enough. My eyes were now quite swollen and I feared that within a couple of hours they would be swollen shut. My entire face and neck were quite swollen and I could compete with Alvin the Chipmunk in a look-alike show. I began to message friends to see who could take me to the cheap clinic at the bottom of the hill. One friend recommended a doctor coming to see me instead, he called, and within an hour, the doctor was knocking on my door.
An injection, prescription, and promised blood tests the next day later, I was resting in bed and praying the swelling would go down. The doctor couldn't give me a specific time frame for recovery as it varied by person but promised the injection would keep the swelling from getting worse. Thankfully, he was right, and microscopically slowly the swelling began to go down.
This time of looking very much unlike myself has been quite a growing experience. I feel exactly like myself, though somewhat sleepier as the medication tends to make me drowsy, plus my body is fighting hard to return to normal. Yet even though I feel and sound the same, I don't look the same and people's reactions have varied.
Some have laughed nervously, others told me I looked just fine. Some have been very frank and said I don't look like myself at all, while others said they didn't recognize me without seeing my hair (when I wore a headscarf for the Christmas concert). Then there were the encouraging ones, who promised me I was looking better each day or even told me I looked more attractive now (honestly?). The ones who took the time to check up on me by text message and see how I was doing. The ones who kindly told me not to be sad, because this would pass in a few days, as they reminded me that there were many others who had illnesses or disabilities that would not pass in a few days or even months.
I'm learning to be grateful in all circumstances, and this has been one of those circumstances that I am thankful for even though it seems rather strange to say so. I've learned that people are generally kind and helpful. I've learned to be more kind to others when they are in a difficult situation. I've learned that it's not about saying a lot of flowery words, but just saying I'm sorry and You are looking much better today are really all one needs to say. I've also learned that the One Who will never fail me will give me the strength to smile, explain what happened, and make it through the day. And for that, I'm most thankful.
Monday, December 5, 2016
The Giver Becomes the Receiver
All my life I was the Giver. Perhaps it came with the territory, being the oldest I helped take care of my younger siblings. Perhaps it was part of my personality, as I preferred to deflect attention from me and bring joy to others. Perhaps it was culturally inbuilt, as both my ethnic and environmental cultures emphasized giving without thought of receiving in return. Regardless of where or why, I was comfortable giving more so than receiving.
Then I came here. Here, I've had to learn a lesson I never thought would be so difficult to learn. I've had to learn to receive graciously.
In tandem with giving, is the pitfall of receiving selfishly. We all know someone who, either through their upbringing or character weakness, doesn't understand the meaning of giving because they have spent their life receiving. Even the act of receiving has become routine so much so that they fail to appreciate the sacrifice on the part of the one who has given to them. That was my greatest fear. I think at times I focused on giving because I didn't want to become someone who, through receiving, forgot to be grateful, unselfish, and caring about others.
It is possible to receive graciously, however. To receive is not less blessed than to give, though the inverse is often quoted as a virtue. Yet to receive someone's generous gift from their heart is to bless them also through a humble gratitude. It allows the other person to experience the joy of giving without censuring them.
When I first arrived, I quickly learned that I could not exercise the same type of independence that I had embraced in the US. The language was different, cultural expectations were different, and I had a a lot to learn. The first lesson I had to learn was to ask for help. Instead of heroically struggling up the hill with my shopping for the month, I had to learn to accept a ride from a friend. Instead of booking a taxi to take me to the airport in the middle of the night, I had to learn to ask a friend to take me. Instead of carrying 10 liter water jugs up 3 flights of stairs, I had to learn to thank a friend who offered to do it for me.
All of this was very uncomfortable for me at first. I wanted to be able to prove that I could do life on my own. I was in my 30s, after all, and had plenty of experience managing in a variety of circumstances. Yet I quickly realized that life here was not about doing it on my own. Life here was about community and living within that community meant that it was okay and even encouraged to reach out and connect, to give and receive, in an ever-increasing cat's cradle that was never meant to be untangled to find its beginning point.
One of my friends told me once that they were very uncomfortable receiving and having the spotlight on them. I nodded my head. I understood. He was a Giver too, just like me. Yet the more I think about it, the more I see the beauty in this concept of not only giving but also receiving.
In this Christmas season, we are privileged to receive the greatest gift of all. Belonging. Salvation. Love. There is no way to repay this Gift but we can express our gratitude by graciously receiving and knowing that in doing so, we are giving great joy to the heart of our Father. See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. ~1 John 3:1
Then I came here. Here, I've had to learn a lesson I never thought would be so difficult to learn. I've had to learn to receive graciously.
In tandem with giving, is the pitfall of receiving selfishly. We all know someone who, either through their upbringing or character weakness, doesn't understand the meaning of giving because they have spent their life receiving. Even the act of receiving has become routine so much so that they fail to appreciate the sacrifice on the part of the one who has given to them. That was my greatest fear. I think at times I focused on giving because I didn't want to become someone who, through receiving, forgot to be grateful, unselfish, and caring about others.
It is possible to receive graciously, however. To receive is not less blessed than to give, though the inverse is often quoted as a virtue. Yet to receive someone's generous gift from their heart is to bless them also through a humble gratitude. It allows the other person to experience the joy of giving without censuring them.
When I first arrived, I quickly learned that I could not exercise the same type of independence that I had embraced in the US. The language was different, cultural expectations were different, and I had a a lot to learn. The first lesson I had to learn was to ask for help. Instead of heroically struggling up the hill with my shopping for the month, I had to learn to accept a ride from a friend. Instead of booking a taxi to take me to the airport in the middle of the night, I had to learn to ask a friend to take me. Instead of carrying 10 liter water jugs up 3 flights of stairs, I had to learn to thank a friend who offered to do it for me.
All of this was very uncomfortable for me at first. I wanted to be able to prove that I could do life on my own. I was in my 30s, after all, and had plenty of experience managing in a variety of circumstances. Yet I quickly realized that life here was not about doing it on my own. Life here was about community and living within that community meant that it was okay and even encouraged to reach out and connect, to give and receive, in an ever-increasing cat's cradle that was never meant to be untangled to find its beginning point.
One of my friends told me once that they were very uncomfortable receiving and having the spotlight on them. I nodded my head. I understood. He was a Giver too, just like me. Yet the more I think about it, the more I see the beauty in this concept of not only giving but also receiving.
In this Christmas season, we are privileged to receive the greatest gift of all. Belonging. Salvation. Love. There is no way to repay this Gift but we can express our gratitude by graciously receiving and knowing that in doing so, we are giving great joy to the heart of our Father. See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. ~1 John 3:1
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho, Off to the Gym I Go!
I went to the gym for the first time today! Well, not in my life but at least in 20+ years. Being a college student and then working on a missionary salary meant I couldn't resign myself to paying $50 for a gym membership when I could walk for free on the loop around campus. This afternoon, though, when a friend invited me to come along to their gym, I decided to go. One of my very first decisions when I came to Lebanon was to engage in as many experiences as I could. Whether it was something new or familiar, I wanted to be involved so I could slip into the natural rhythm of life as quickly as possible.
After spending a few minutes on the treadmill, I decided to check out the aerobics class. I headed down the stairs and into a large room filled with mirrors and fun exercise equipment like mats, hand weights, and huge bouncy balls. I looked around and saw several women with their mats and hand weights so I grabbed my own and then waited. And waited. I must have waited 10 minutes. Meanwhile the women chatted away amongst themselves, each seemed to have come with a friend, while I was there by myself. I felt somewhat awkward but reminded myself to embrace the awkwardness as part of the experience.
When the instructor arrived, they turned on the music and away we went. For the next hour I stretched, ran in place, flung my arms about, attempted pushups, and generally moved every single muscle group til it was ready to quit. The instructor would occasionally call out to me to keep my chin up and smile--I must have looked like I was not having a good time! When it was over I went right over to the membership desk and signed up for a month of aerobics classes.
I'd been wondering and somewhat worrying about how I was going to exercise when the bad weather came. I was so thankful tonight to see how God worked it out, even to having a friend who comes regularly to the gym and is graciously kind enough to come on the days and at the times that the class happens. It's a beautiful reminder yet again how God takes care of the small things which encourages me to know that He will take care of the important things too.
After spending a few minutes on the treadmill, I decided to check out the aerobics class. I headed down the stairs and into a large room filled with mirrors and fun exercise equipment like mats, hand weights, and huge bouncy balls. I looked around and saw several women with their mats and hand weights so I grabbed my own and then waited. And waited. I must have waited 10 minutes. Meanwhile the women chatted away amongst themselves, each seemed to have come with a friend, while I was there by myself. I felt somewhat awkward but reminded myself to embrace the awkwardness as part of the experience.
When the instructor arrived, they turned on the music and away we went. For the next hour I stretched, ran in place, flung my arms about, attempted pushups, and generally moved every single muscle group til it was ready to quit. The instructor would occasionally call out to me to keep my chin up and smile--I must have looked like I was not having a good time! When it was over I went right over to the membership desk and signed up for a month of aerobics classes.
I'd been wondering and somewhat worrying about how I was going to exercise when the bad weather came. I was so thankful tonight to see how God worked it out, even to having a friend who comes regularly to the gym and is graciously kind enough to come on the days and at the times that the class happens. It's a beautiful reminder yet again how God takes care of the small things which encourages me to know that He will take care of the important things too.
Monday, November 28, 2016
Paganini
It was a simple clear package. He handed it to me apologetically, as it had been sitting in his room for several weeks, somehow he'd kept forgetting to give it to me. I wasn't expecting a gift, so it was a kind surprise, but as he handed me the gift and I thanked him for it, I looked down to see what was in my hand. I was startled. It was a comb.
When I first came to Lebanon, I arrived with 2 large suitcases and a carry-on, each packed to the limit. Returning in the summer, I picked up several items that were hard to find in Beirut, or were more expensive. One day, when I was laboriously trying to make some sense out of my hair that insisted on grabbing onto the humidity in the air and looking like a rat's nest, I thought how wonderful it would be to have a comb. Yes, it seemed like a small thing but living at the top of the hill meant that even a trip to find a comb became an expedition in itself.
I went to town with friends a couple of times and didn't manage to find a good comb. I pushed the thought to the back of my mind and resigned myself to waiting til I had a solid afternoon to dedicate to shopping for several items I needed. Then my friend handed me a comb.
This wasn't just any comb, either. The package said it was a spinning tooth comb patented to gently turn and roll out the tangles easily without damaging my hair and was ideal for all hair types. My hair can get very tangled as I have been blessed with the Islander genes in that regards. I smiled inside as I realized that my Heavenly Father, Who knew I'd been looking for a comb, had provided one at just the right time.
I've been asking God to answer several prayer requests in my life. Though I know logically that He will answer them in His perfect timing, I tend to forget reality and get caught up in the thought that He isn't capable and I have to do it all by myself. This tends to make me even more stressed out, of course. Yet, as He reminded me once again today, God knows what I need and He will provide it in a way that will let me know without a doubt that the answer has come from Him. It may be something as simple as a comb or as complex as my future but regardless, if I trust and wait in faith, He will honour the request and answer it at the right time.
When I first came to Lebanon, I arrived with 2 large suitcases and a carry-on, each packed to the limit. Returning in the summer, I picked up several items that were hard to find in Beirut, or were more expensive. One day, when I was laboriously trying to make some sense out of my hair that insisted on grabbing onto the humidity in the air and looking like a rat's nest, I thought how wonderful it would be to have a comb. Yes, it seemed like a small thing but living at the top of the hill meant that even a trip to find a comb became an expedition in itself.
I went to town with friends a couple of times and didn't manage to find a good comb. I pushed the thought to the back of my mind and resigned myself to waiting til I had a solid afternoon to dedicate to shopping for several items I needed. Then my friend handed me a comb.
This wasn't just any comb, either. The package said it was a spinning tooth comb patented to gently turn and roll out the tangles easily without damaging my hair and was ideal for all hair types. My hair can get very tangled as I have been blessed with the Islander genes in that regards. I smiled inside as I realized that my Heavenly Father, Who knew I'd been looking for a comb, had provided one at just the right time.
I've been asking God to answer several prayer requests in my life. Though I know logically that He will answer them in His perfect timing, I tend to forget reality and get caught up in the thought that He isn't capable and I have to do it all by myself. This tends to make me even more stressed out, of course. Yet, as He reminded me once again today, God knows what I need and He will provide it in a way that will let me know without a doubt that the answer has come from Him. It may be something as simple as a comb or as complex as my future but regardless, if I trust and wait in faith, He will honour the request and answer it at the right time.
Friday, November 25, 2016
Taouk Without the Taouk Please
I had to laugh today when I looked up the meaning of taouk on Google. It is a chicken shish kebab which is typical of the Middle East. Why did I laugh? Because I ordered a taouk sandwich for lunch and was surprised to find it came with chicken inside. Once again, lost in translation.
I'm very excited that, though slowly, I'm learning words here and there in Arabic. When a friend got up to leave the table at lunch yesterday, he waved at us and said Bel ezen and I nearly jumped out of my chair with excitement. I understood what he said! Bel ezen means excuse me, or pardon me, and can be used when you accidentally bump into someone with your shopping cart in the store, or in any number of situations.
Learning a language opens up a whole new horizon, I'm learning. Though at first I'll admit it was somewhat discouraging, as I'd imagined that every time I said Marhaba, angels would sing and all the Lebanese would cheer, now the excitement is beginning to grow. Sure, some of my friends are not impressed with my baby steps in language learning, but I've found that there are many more who are supportive and encouraging. Of course it helps that I have a really great Arabic teacher.
Ebtissam, the women's dean, decided two months ago to offer an hour of language learning once a week to those who were interested. In the middle of her very busy schedule, as she is also assistant librarian, she managed to type up study sheets with both English transliteration and Arabic and to have a lesson plan for each time we met. We started with the very basics. How are you? I'm fine, thanks. We repeated, we practiced, and eventually we progressed to vocabulary and short sentences of greeting. Now, when I look at my vocabulary, I'm amazed at how much we've learned!
It's small victories, that I am learning. On Wednesday at the Independence Day luncheon, I overhead someone use the word akel and I was so pleased that I knew they were talking about the food. Previously, I had no idea what that word meant but now that I did, I could build and expand my contextual understanding.
When I stepped to the counter to order my sandwich this afternoon, the young lady said kil chee? and I nodded. Yes, I wanted all the fixings on my sandwich. I thought it was somewhat pricey to pay $3 for a french fries and coleslaw sandwich but I was really hungry. I watched them rolling up the sandwiches behind the counter but didn't pay close attention to the fact that each one had chunks of meat stuffed in. I was too busy concentrating on listening for my number to be called.
Finally I heard something something ashrah and I knew it was my number. I claimed my sandwich and peeled back the paper, eager to quiet my grumbling stomach. Then I saw the huge chunk of something sitting on top that most definitely was not a mushy french fry. Disappointed, I told the manager I wanted it without meat. He very kindly fixed me a new sandwich which I happily took and enjoyed. All that time, I was convinced that they had made a mistake. After all, the order board said that a taouk sandwich had french fries, pickles, coleslaw, and garlic. Nothing else.
Then I came home and googled taouk. I have a feeling this isn't going to be my last embarrassing moment when I attempt to speak the language or imagine that I understand everything completely. But it makes for a good laugh and I'm excited that as I continue to learn simple words, slowly I will learn to put them together and hopefully one day I will feel that I've unlocked the key to not only understanding a language but to hearts.
I'm very excited that, though slowly, I'm learning words here and there in Arabic. When a friend got up to leave the table at lunch yesterday, he waved at us and said Bel ezen and I nearly jumped out of my chair with excitement. I understood what he said! Bel ezen means excuse me, or pardon me, and can be used when you accidentally bump into someone with your shopping cart in the store, or in any number of situations.
Learning a language opens up a whole new horizon, I'm learning. Though at first I'll admit it was somewhat discouraging, as I'd imagined that every time I said Marhaba, angels would sing and all the Lebanese would cheer, now the excitement is beginning to grow. Sure, some of my friends are not impressed with my baby steps in language learning, but I've found that there are many more who are supportive and encouraging. Of course it helps that I have a really great Arabic teacher.
Ebtissam, the women's dean, decided two months ago to offer an hour of language learning once a week to those who were interested. In the middle of her very busy schedule, as she is also assistant librarian, she managed to type up study sheets with both English transliteration and Arabic and to have a lesson plan for each time we met. We started with the very basics. How are you? I'm fine, thanks. We repeated, we practiced, and eventually we progressed to vocabulary and short sentences of greeting. Now, when I look at my vocabulary, I'm amazed at how much we've learned!
It's small victories, that I am learning. On Wednesday at the Independence Day luncheon, I overhead someone use the word akel and I was so pleased that I knew they were talking about the food. Previously, I had no idea what that word meant but now that I did, I could build and expand my contextual understanding.
When I stepped to the counter to order my sandwich this afternoon, the young lady said kil chee? and I nodded. Yes, I wanted all the fixings on my sandwich. I thought it was somewhat pricey to pay $3 for a french fries and coleslaw sandwich but I was really hungry. I watched them rolling up the sandwiches behind the counter but didn't pay close attention to the fact that each one had chunks of meat stuffed in. I was too busy concentrating on listening for my number to be called.
Finally I heard something something ashrah and I knew it was my number. I claimed my sandwich and peeled back the paper, eager to quiet my grumbling stomach. Then I saw the huge chunk of something sitting on top that most definitely was not a mushy french fry. Disappointed, I told the manager I wanted it without meat. He very kindly fixed me a new sandwich which I happily took and enjoyed. All that time, I was convinced that they had made a mistake. After all, the order board said that a taouk sandwich had french fries, pickles, coleslaw, and garlic. Nothing else.
Then I came home and googled taouk. I have a feeling this isn't going to be my last embarrassing moment when I attempt to speak the language or imagine that I understand everything completely. But it makes for a good laugh and I'm excited that as I continue to learn simple words, slowly I will learn to put them together and hopefully one day I will feel that I've unlocked the key to not only understanding a language but to hearts.
Friday, October 21, 2016
Life Changes
There are exciting developments underfoot! First, if all goes well, I will be extending my stay beyond the one year that would have ended in February 2017. Being here has been such a wonderful experience for me and I somewhat selfishly am not ready for it to be over yet.
This week, I finally felt like I was settling properly into my new role as secretary to the president. When I made my bucket list I wanted to be an executive assistant at a mainstream SDA college. I am still amazed when I realize that God answered that desire of my heart by bringing me here to MEU! While I originally came to help with administrative tasks, I had no idea that the executive assistant's position would open up or that I would naturally transition into it.
As I look back on how God has personally guided me to various work and service opportunities, there is a common thread throughout those experiences. Each time, God had prepared me for the work so it was not a completely new thing to learn, and each time He had placed me in the right place at the right time. There was never any question about each of the jobs that I undertook. Whether it was registrar, medical secretary, program coordinator, or now executive assistant, each position was one where I felt confident in His calling.
Now, as I prepare to stay long-term, I once again have peace that this is where God is calling me. I can't see the future, so I do have to exercise trust, but I know without a doubt that this is the right thing to do. I'm thankful for God's confirmations and how He choreographs my life's dance.
In choir we are excitedly gearing up for our Christmas program in the beginning of December. We're also singing for Week of Spiritual Emphasis and that song is a difficult arrangement of We Have This Hope. We spent 40 minutes last week just learning 6 measures! Though we have about 25 women and 8 men, it is sounding quite lovely and I'm looking forward to the actual performances. Every Sabbath we now sit on the lawn and have a delightful potluck together and with the fall weather here to stay, it's so peaceful to sit under the trees and breathe deep the fresh air.
My social life has calmed down somewhat. When I first came, I hurried everywhere and did everything so it felt as if I'd seen about half of the safe zone we travel in! Now I've transitioned from trying to connect with everyone to building quality friendships with a closer circle of friends. The highlight of my week is always when I get to spend time with the twins as they are now in their 6th month and just getting more adorable by the day.
One thing that weighs heavy on me is how to connect to the community outside our little bubble. I know it's important to support each other as Christians, but I also think it's equally or even more important to be able to relate to those who are not of our faith. I want to have challenging conversations where we learn and grow in our personal faith rather than try to proselytize everyone to make sure they are converted. I'm thankful that here I have a good friend who has friends in the community so I'm slowly getting to know them.
I can't see the future, even though I'm happy to be settling in to one that will be more certain. Yet I'm thankful because I trust my Father's hand to keep me close to His will and His heart.
This week, I finally felt like I was settling properly into my new role as secretary to the president. When I made my bucket list I wanted to be an executive assistant at a mainstream SDA college. I am still amazed when I realize that God answered that desire of my heart by bringing me here to MEU! While I originally came to help with administrative tasks, I had no idea that the executive assistant's position would open up or that I would naturally transition into it.
As I look back on how God has personally guided me to various work and service opportunities, there is a common thread throughout those experiences. Each time, God had prepared me for the work so it was not a completely new thing to learn, and each time He had placed me in the right place at the right time. There was never any question about each of the jobs that I undertook. Whether it was registrar, medical secretary, program coordinator, or now executive assistant, each position was one where I felt confident in His calling.
Now, as I prepare to stay long-term, I once again have peace that this is where God is calling me. I can't see the future, so I do have to exercise trust, but I know without a doubt that this is the right thing to do. I'm thankful for God's confirmations and how He choreographs my life's dance.
In choir we are excitedly gearing up for our Christmas program in the beginning of December. We're also singing for Week of Spiritual Emphasis and that song is a difficult arrangement of We Have This Hope. We spent 40 minutes last week just learning 6 measures! Though we have about 25 women and 8 men, it is sounding quite lovely and I'm looking forward to the actual performances. Every Sabbath we now sit on the lawn and have a delightful potluck together and with the fall weather here to stay, it's so peaceful to sit under the trees and breathe deep the fresh air.
My social life has calmed down somewhat. When I first came, I hurried everywhere and did everything so it felt as if I'd seen about half of the safe zone we travel in! Now I've transitioned from trying to connect with everyone to building quality friendships with a closer circle of friends. The highlight of my week is always when I get to spend time with the twins as they are now in their 6th month and just getting more adorable by the day.
One thing that weighs heavy on me is how to connect to the community outside our little bubble. I know it's important to support each other as Christians, but I also think it's equally or even more important to be able to relate to those who are not of our faith. I want to have challenging conversations where we learn and grow in our personal faith rather than try to proselytize everyone to make sure they are converted. I'm thankful that here I have a good friend who has friends in the community so I'm slowly getting to know them.
I can't see the future, even though I'm happy to be settling in to one that will be more certain. Yet I'm thankful because I trust my Father's hand to keep me close to His will and His heart.
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