So, we've been trying to keep busy here. It's tough sometimes since our car still isn't fixed, but with Jon's car we manage. This past weekend we had our college retreat. It was really good. I got to spend time with people that I've really been wanting to get to know better... so that's always good.

I've been praying for God to give me opportunities here, and He's really been answering them. I went this morning with a friend to spend time with some ladies she works with. None of them are Christians, but they're pretty open to the idea. They usually get some food and then take a walk on the trails by Empire Mines. I had some good conversations with some of them, and I plan on tagging along the next time they get together.

I'm also going with Jon to a Bible study he goes to every week in Citrus Heights. It will be nice to spend time with people other than the team... and the church here. Not that I don't love spending time with all of them, but I've really been feeling the need to branch out more, so it will be nice.

Hopefully this week we will stay pretty busy... God will open doors for us, as long as we ask.

A little update.

So things here have been all right.

California rocks my socks.

It's been challenging lately. I feel like I haven't been able to connect with certain people and there are some problems within the team. Silly things that we need to get over. Other than that things are well. I was having a tough few days, but as I was driving today I decided to shut off my music and talk to God instead. It was pretty amazing. Sometimes I forget that God just wants me to talk to Him, even if I don't have something specific to say. I just have to remember why I'm here, and focus on that. I'm not here for my team (although they are my support system) and I am definitely not here for myself (although I am growing and changing throughout this process)... but I am here for God, and for others. Although I've been feeling somewhat ineffective lately... I've been able to see lives we've affected, even in small ways. I just need to keep my eyes on what's important, and remember that I'm not here for myself.

Beautifully Flawed.

So I decided I hadn't spent real time with God in a while... so I lit some candles and turned off the lights and lay on the floor.

I have been so humbled lately. God does so much for me and sometimes all I can do is complain and ask for more. I have more than what I need. Much more. I have been blessed with an amazing team, and recently a car to drive and a house to live in. I've been blessed with a beautiful church family and an amazing opportunity to serve Him. Why would I want anything else? I can't believe how much my life has changed since I've been here. I already feel as though God has done so much for me, yet I know He's going to do so much more.

I have really been asking God to show me how to understand His love, and He's opened my eyes in such a way I never imagined. I am, for the first time in my life, really feeling loved by God. I have been able to truly love those around me, knowing that if I can't love the people around me, then how can I claim to love God? People are God... he lives in us. By hating others I hate God. It's such a beautiful thing. Love is not a feeling. Love is a choice. An action. Love is creation. Love is the Cross. Love is everything in between.

Love just is.

We are a flawed people, and God knew when He created man that most of humanity at one point or another would turn against Him. He created us anyway because He desired to be loved in return. He took the biggest risk, knowing what people would do to him. I can't say I would have done the same. The least I can do is try my hardest, every single day, to love the way He loves me.

That's all He asks, really.