Getting Used to Things

I've just returned from my second trip home since moving to New York.

For years, landing at JFK has brought a sense of home to my heart, long before moving, but this time, it felt extra strong. I needed that boost.

Trips home always remind me of the things I miss, and how much simpler life was when I was working, living for free, and had a solid group of friends to fall back on. I enjoyed the culture of my ultra-cool hometown/state, and spent time with people I love. It's hard to leave that, and when you're broke and not exactly sure where rent money is coming from, it's even more difficult.

Then, I landed, and I remembered, immediately, like a rush of water, just how at-home I am in New York, and how the Lord has been showing me that for years. When I am here, I see him in a whole different light, and he uses the people around me to reveal himself in that way.

Do I think he will keep me here forever? No.

Do I know where he will send me next? I have my ideas, but No.

This transitional point in life is rough, but his guidance has led me to believe that everything will work out. Somehow, the bills get paid. Somehow, I'm not gonna end up old and bitter and alone. His perfect plan never ceases to amaze me, and the way he's used this city to reveal that to me is something I could not be more thankful for.

On a side note: Laura's wedding was beautiful, and it was fantastic to see so many people I don't get to see very often. Getting to drive (and for MANY hours) was amazing too. I forgot just how much I look forward to road trips by myself as reflection time, and time for prayer. I was the only single woman at this wedding, literally, so the Lord and I, as always, had some long heated discussions on that area of my life while driving through the interstates of Louisiana and Mississippi (he of course, always has to remind me to be patient and to stop looking, which I, of course, am still learning to do). Overall though, I enjoyed the trip, and the people, but I am glad to be back in NY working with the youth. I missed them a whole bunch.

Houseguests and Such

So, life has been super busy this past week or so.  It reminds me of why I love living in New York.

Last Tuesday, I worked a total of 14 hours between Barnes and Noble and working for Tricia, got home at midnight, went to work from 9 am to 5:30 pm the next day, then to Wednesday night stuff at church.  That night, I relaxed with a cup of cocoa, a warm blanket, and a John Krasenzki movie.  

I went on to work Thursday and Friday, and welcomed houseguests Friday night.  They've been here ever since, so I've spent a lot of time getting to enjoy New York, including a broadway show, and a room full of LSU fans watching the amazing Georgia.  We also went to the Brooklyn Bus Festival, and free admission to the transit museum (ummm, yes please!).  It's been great.  

Today was after-school, and of course, it made me smile :)  Those kids just warm my heart so much.  I wish I could just be with them every day.  Tuesday is the only day I dread my Barnes and Noble job, because it means I am missing the after-school program.  We talked about making sacrifices and turning away from ourselves today, which was really cool. Chris and I are trying to come up with ideas for our Sunday afternoon outings for the semester, and it is a lot harder than it seems, but I've been praying that we find some fun places to go and things to do where we can really spend time with the youth and pour love into them.  

The joy I have from knowing I am following my calling to be here at this phase of my life is overwhelming. I cannot express it in a way anyone can understand.  Taylor called me into his office today just to talk, and we talked about what it's been like and the emotions I've dealt with and just how hard it really is to step out on faith, but the rewards are so great and I am so thankful.  I really have the best and most supportive church family a girl could ask for.  I love them so much.