I've had time to think about how much God blessed me on the Outer Banks. Seriously, if you ever want to hear what you mean to people tell them you are moving, receive praise and gifts, and then do not move (kidding). I am so thankful for everyone that God put in my life on that beach. I learned so much about how to love people unconditionally by putting them before my own needs. There were many nights when all I wanted to do was go to bed and be alone...but I was blessed by late night conversations. God did so much work on my heart and relationship with Him. I can say truly that a fall and winter on the beach broke me down. He took everything I was comfortable with away from me and forced me to have faith and rely only on Him. I am thankful for that. He has helped me relax, not be so hard on myself, and to learn that Jesus is worthy of all of my plans and dreams.
Even though things in my life were taken away...I was blessed with more than I ever deserved. I was blessed with a loving church, a fun job, little brothers, and a wonderful unique community. I think one of His coolest provisions were close girl friends. I have never been a girl who had many girls I felt comfortable opening up with. He blessed me with some awesome girls I can share anything with, and who speak encouragement and love into my life. Most importantly, girls I will love and keep in touch with forever. Many times I felt useless and like I did nothing on the Outer Banks...but I was reminded that simply loving people is God's work. Even though I wanted to work through an organization or official title, God showed me His work is done by just living life with others. This is a lesson that Liberty church taught me. It is a community that intensely loves because it is surrounded by so much brokenness. It taught me the true healer in this world is Jesus. That people can love with extreme passion because they have felt so much pain, but found joy and life in Jesus. I cannot count the number of times I cried in that church. But the memory fresh in my mind was being prayed for and sent out from the same steps that caught so many of my tears.
So here I am...writing in my new room. These few days haven't consisted of much, mostly job hunting and relaxing. It has been a cultural shock already though...why is everyone wearing shoes?? And everyone runs here. I mean EVERYONE. I think I saw a baby running today (half kidding). There are so many little things I have noticed about how people operate here. I hope to embrace this change and give some new things a shot...oh, I bought some organic peanut butter today. It's pretty good. haha On a serious note I am glad to be here. I am not quite sure what the Lord wants me to do here...but I know he has a great plan. I am praying that I would have an open heart to His calling. So for now I will continue to apply for jobs and pray (if you are reading this lift up a prayer for job provision). A new adventure with the Lord as my guide awaits.
