So I have made it to almost 2 weeks I believe. Here I am....again.....on a friday night, at panera. It closes at 9 though, and I can't even get here until after 8, so that's kind of sad.Time here is kind of a trippy thing, like every day runs together. There is no weekend feel, sunday really is the only different day. All days are awesome though. So I have been amazed lately at God's Grace. I know I'm only at week 2, and it can only get harder, but the things I thought I would struggle with, I don't. I have new struggles to replace the old ones though. A constant battle I suppose. And I know the old ones can pop up to punch me at any time. I was sitting in my living room, mmob (minding my own business, text lingo ya know), and I see a large dark thing sprint across in to the bathroom. All my roach killing gear was in the bathroom consequently, ie my  broom, swiffer mop, can of raid, and stool (to stand on so I can kill the roach w out being on its level. I'm neurotic sometimes). Anyway, so I put on some kitchen gloves-not really sure the point behind that-and snuck into the bathroom, only to find him rudely hanging out in the corner. This was by far larger than the other ones. Anyway, loong story short, I managed to jump on the stool, grab the raid, use the whole can on him while running around the bathroom chasing it. He also turned on me and started chasing me. I'm sure I looked ridiculos if anyone was watching (which would be creepy if they were). These roaches are getting smarter. I eventually killed him after a long time. Basic point of that story, I was sitting on my floor, reading my Bible reflecting on God's Grace, and thanking him for me going a few days roach free. Literally I saw this roach right after. Silly thing really, but I still have so much to learn. I know, I know, it's dumb how big of a deal these roaches are to me. So dumb I spend half my blogs writing about them, but God knows I have many little lessons to learn, as well as massive ones, so I'm thankful He's starting me off small.
So exciting news, I have been getting to drive this massive truck thingy, kind of like a bread truck looking thing. I can barely see over the steering wheel, but they let me drive it. I get laughed at while driving down the road because I look suuuuuper awkward driving it I'm sure, but it's so much fun. Coolest thing about getting to deliver the furniture is 1) I get to see people's face when I bring their furniture. They go from having an empty place, to a full one. I get to watch these people get blessed by God, which really is such a blessing for me. 2) I get to always take 2 guys along with me to help carry the heavy furniture up 50 flights of winding stairs in to these people's apts. They are all here because they have to, like they are working off community service hours, on probation for something, etc etc. I am in the position to get to know their life stories and just talk with them. I talked with one 19 year old gentlemen during our long ride. He couldn't fathom being here because I want to, not because I have to (they all always ask if I'm on working off my probation too). He told me he wanted to be at the point where his life wasn't his own, and he wanted a relationship with God, he just doesn't see it ever happening. He said he believes in a God, just doesn't "walk the walk", but he thinks it's cool because that makes him saved. He doesn't need the relationship, only the belief. clearly, this is missing the point. If just believing in God was enough to get you in to Heaven, then I believe every demon and satan would be joining us, because the Bible is clear that they too believe in Him. At the same time, works don't get you in either, but your works come out of your faith/relationship/love for God. I explained this to him, and he listened to me talk about it all. Pretty awesome day today basically. Oh and one of my other riders is a manager at mcdonalds, and told me he would hook me up with free fries. Seriously, I have been dreaming of the day I would meet a friend who worked at mcdonalds. Dream come true. Anyway, God has been placing interesting people in my path such as these, and I'm thankful for it. I never imagined I would be the girl delivery driver here, but it's an amazing place to be. I think I may have some awesomely gross guns soon from lifting furniture all day. Just another thing to add to my man arm physique-cool.
So apart from all the awesomeness and seeing God work in such cool ways, it isn't all always awesomeness. It's hard work, physically and emotionally. I have a new set of struggles down here in TX that I didn't have back home. I'm homesick, I miss my nephew and parents more than words can describe. My mom sends me pictures of Levi everynight that make me cry. I don't get to be there to help with his bathes and play baseball with him, or read his bedtime stories. It was nice living at home for a while before coming here. As much as I have been saying I don't want a traditional life, I'm terrified that I see it quickly slipping away. I'v worked 4.5 years to be a nurse, and that makes up 0% of what I do here now. Am I throwing away a talent God has blessed me with? Assuming I even have that talent. Am I even affective here? I feel different already, and I'm not sure yet how good or bad that is. I mean, I'm sitting here alone, sipping on a soy chai latte on a friday night. I know by every definition, that makes me lame; However I'm totally content. I'm social for 12 hours of the day, being alone 2 hours before bed isn't that silly is it? Ok I think that's it for now. Things for you guys to pray for 1) Please pray for the people I drive around 2) Pray for my 2 new Chinese friends, who don't technically know they are my friends yet-crazy story, but I know God has a purpose there. 3)Pray I don't grow weary. It's only week 2, so newness is still overflowing in my emotions. It's going to punch me in the face soon I fear. 3) Pray for my girls and kids who I teach on sundays and wednesday. I just met them all this week, and it may be a challenge. They are precious kids though, and I want them to know Jesus.
Verse I will end this with is Romans6:14 "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under GRACE." I've had to constantly repeat this verse over and over lately. A nice truth to know, but a hard one to truly grasp. Still learning to truly grasp/accept grace. What a beautiful thing that is, and oh how much I need it constantly. Ok that's all for now. Love you all