Life Update

I went back and read some posts from this summer.  Oh man, what an emotionally tumultuous time.  I was so worried about life and my future, and what kind of job I should get, and whether I should just leave America once and for all, and all sorts of other things.

I haven't really addressed my life in this blog lately.  This will be my catch-up.

Jobs.  I guess the first thing that is cool to see is that God did drop a job in my lap.  I stopped the Samaritan's Purse and Journeyman applications because they were my choice, and I wanted God to make the choice for me.  All the other big decisions in my life have just sort of happened, in this way where it looks like happy circumstance but really (I believe) is God working behind the veil.  It's nice to know that happened again.  In an economy where so many people are looking for jobs, I can only glorify God for this:

Mom:  The Dunlap library needs a children's librarian.
Me:  *email*
Me:  *call*  Did you get my email?
Boss:  Nope.  Do you want to interview?
Me:  *interview*
Boss:  You're hired!

So easy.  I did nothing but just show up.  I don't know exactly why God put me in the library, but there are many possibilities.  1)  I am making money, which is useful for giving to missionaries and charities and also for funding my own missionary endeavors!  2)  I am learning to deal with kids.  3)  I am learning new skills and becoming a leader.  4)  I am given the opportunity to talk to coworkers about my faith, which is something I am not comfortable doing.  5)  I am learning to see and think about the line between boldness and political correctness.

I think the biggest thing I've learned over the past couple months is patience.  During the first couple weeks at Bible study, Rose Fitzgerald constantly interrupted me and said, "Wait!  Just wait!"  It was very annoying, but now I realize she was right.  The process of God getting my heart right and prepared for the next big step will take time.  I've been shown examples of many awesome people who waited years for their spiritual goal to be possible.

And I'm okay with that.  I like it here in Peoria.  I'm a little scared to leave, actually, now that I'm reintegrated into my awesome church family.  I will, though.  I trust God with that.  And I know that God is using me in Peoria.  I know that I am an example at Woodland, that it's scary how many people look at me and my life.  I know that there are many ways I can serve God outside of Woodland's walls, and I am excited to see where those take me.

I'm learning to like Americans.  I'm trying not to get fed up and angry all the time.  I'm trying to beat the culture out of my head while living within it.  God is helping me with that, all Romans 12:2 style.  I'm being sanctified.  I can tell, which is encouraging.  I can also see what parts of my personality and sinfulness will be fixed in the future.

And that's the best part, I guess.  I'm seeing my life as a story, as a journey that will take a lifetime to finish.  I see the progress God has made in my life, and I see the work He will do in the future.  It's all very hope-producing, and hope is pretty much one of the most awesome parts of being a Christian.