Adjustments, Sirens, and God's Grace.

I’m officially done my first week at One Mission Society! 

It’s definitely been an adjustment tho. 

I know you’re dying to know what the adjustments are...so I’ll tell you.

1. Living alone. - Welp...I have to live alone. I LOVE cooking, so I don’t mind that, but it gets a little lonely at night. My family left last Tuesday morning, but I had a blast while they were here. We ate out every meal because there are so many restaurants around here. It was fun, but none of our body’s were used to eating out that much! Here are some of the fun things we did while they were here, and on the way to get to Indiana!
   
   

   

   We ate at McAllisters...of course.

   
   

   

   Who do you think is enjoying this more?

   
   

   

   I introduced my parents to Steak'n Shake. My dad seemed to love it. 

   
   

   

   My little brother added on to a picture that was in my apartment. 

   He wanted to have a house warming party for me (That's why the house is on fire and the little man running out of it is yelling "FIRE!").

   
   

   

   Sasha bought me that rooster...she wasn't serious in case you were wondering. But I did leave it on the door. 

   
   

   

   I forget what the name of this place was, but those are bacon corn fritters! 

   
   

   

   I don't know what's happening here...

   
   

   

   We went to Incredible Pizza, which was a blast!

   
   

   

   That's at Krogers...in public...

   

   Okay, I think Sasha had more fun.

   

   Maybe...

   
   

   

   Mom is whooping Justin's butt!

   

   Super Ninjas. 

   

   Miss that face!
   

   We got kind of bored and put a good book to great use. 
2. The internet. - I only have internet in the corner of my kitchen, and sometimes when I’m lucky, at the window in my living room. 
3. Sitting at a desk for 8 hours. - This is NOT fun. It makes me very restless! So I have to switch from project to project. BUT they have coffee break here at 10am and 3pm everyday, plus chapel on Tuesday and Thursday mornings...with coffee. So...that’s awesome! 
   
   
   
   
   
4. The siren. - Apparently there is a tornado siren here, but it also goes off when there is a severe thunderstorm too. WHICH MAKES NO SENSE TO ME!!!! Thursday night I thought a tornado was about to hit because the weather said there was a moderate chance for a tornado...and the siren was blaring (I thought it was like the movie twister or something)! SO I was ready to hit the basement! But, turns out it was just damaging winds or something. And they test it every Friday at 11 even if there is a storm (when people might think there could be a tornado). It doesn’t make sense hahahaha. I guess I’m only going to go to the basement if I actually see a tornado. 
5. Wearing socks- This stinks. I’ve already made the decision to where my slip on shoes so I can take my shoes off without wearing socks. And one of my boss’s is pretty supportive of it! 
6. Weekends - They’re kind of boring. 
7. More sirens. - I went to school in Philadelphia and I thought fire trucks and police cars made a lot of noise there. But here...It’s way worse. I heard 3 fire trucks yesterday at three different times. There must be something wrong with electrical wiring in the houses in Indiana. Thats my only conclusion! haha
8. I think that’s it....

BUT, I am pretty much settled into my new apartment.

That's my crib.

That's my first sighting of grass! It made me so happy! The weather has been really nice since. But I hear it'll be cold this upcoming week. 

It is really nice, and the perfect size!

I now have two closets instead of none!

That is where I sometimes get internet (over in the pink chair).

I just can't get used to the floral tho.  

It's small, but it works!  

I didn't pick that out haha! I'm still working on putting up some pictures too.

I know. I know. It's starting to grow on me tho. 

One of my favorite places. 

Apparently this is a can opener. It is so confusing!

I found a church that I really like. A couple from OMS has invited me out and I really like it. It’s called Stones Crossing. All the churches around here seem to be HUGE, but this one is a bit smaller (relatively). It’s about 500 people each service, which still seems like a lot of people to me. Stones Crossing started a sermon series on Galatians last Sunday (perfect timing because it was my first week). The pastor is a great speaker and teacher. 

This is not Stones Crossing. It is just the Student Ministry building of a HUGE, random church. 

I’ve been trying to meet everyone I can here on campus at One Mission Society. And I have met SO many people. Names are really hard for me to remember, but most people have name tags which is great! I didn’t realize how many different components there are that go into a missions organization. They have someone who runs the mail room, someone who takes care of prayer letters when they are sent back (because of change of address or a death), someone who has to edit automatic withdraws of people who were giving to a missionary, but have passed away (if OMS is still taking money out of the deceased persons account they can be sued!), the communications department who takes care of basically all promotional materials, the kitchen staff, payroll staff, people in charge of all financial decisions, people on prayer teams, others who are assistants, staff who trains and mobilizes missionaries, counselors, and so, so, sooooooooooooooooooooooo much more. There are about 90 people who work on campus, and ALL the jobs are equally important and keep OMS running smoothly!

This past week at work was kind of an orientation, get-to-know everyone type of week. I was given an overview of some of the Hope61 projects that need to be done, in order to start looking through them. I also had to print out some flyers and cut them. This might not seem like a big deal to you, but it was to me...only because I was scared for my life. Well maybe not my life, but my hands. Take a look at this monster. 

I don't know if you can see the name, but it's called Challenge Champion. That's intimidating.

There’s a crank, foot pedal and everything. It cut thru about 75 pieces of thick card stock. It was intense! My mom is afraid of me doing missions in another country because she doesn't want me to get hurt, but honestly, I think using this is more dangerous. Hahahaha!  

I’ve been doing a lot of research this past week about which country I feel led to do a cultural analysis on. I’ve also been familiarizing myself with Hope61’s work. I start Hope61 training tomorrow and will then be able to start on some projects when I’m finished training. 

On Friday night, I went to craft night. No, I didn’t do anything except eat a baked potato with all sorts of toppings, which was amazing! I just hung out and tried to get to know some people. It was fun! There was a lady there who is SOOOOOOO funny. She was making everyone laugh so hard that night! It was a fun time, and I’m glad I went. 

One last thing about my week.

I was able to join a gym for four months for only a one time fee of $25, thanks to Andrea! Andrea has been great since I’ve gotten here. I am so thankful for her and her husband who have made me feel at home here! Anyway, this gym is at a church. The actual gymnasium has two basketball courts for kids rec teams, and an indoor soccer field, plus a track around the outside of these things. That’s crazy! They also have a locker rooms, cardio equipment (with legit stair climbers), free weights and weight machines, a racquetball court, and a ton of fitness classes. It’s a really cool outreach for people who are just using the gym as a gym and not because they’re a part of that church. A lot of sports teams come to play matches and stuff there too. It’s seems like an awesome way to reach the community.
But of course the first time I went I was on a stationary bike, which is next to a row of treadmills, and a really old guy gets right on the treadmill next to my bike and starts singing really awkwardly (not to mention all 7 of the other treadmills were empty)! So I cut my time on the bike short because it was really hard not to laugh. I felt so awkward! Hahahaha it still makes me laugh!

I had no idea there was such a thing! 

Before I quit writing for the day, I want to leave you with something...

In church this morning we went thru Galatians 1:10-24, which is the apostle Paul’s story. The pastor was explaining that as Paul is telling his story, he mentions that God’s grace was at play in his life even while he was persecuting Christians...and even before that.

“But when God, who set me apart at birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal His son to me that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man...” - Galatians 1:15-16

I think God shows His grace to everyone. Some of us just may not accept it or don't see it. 

Maybe you lose your job and you bring in the only income for your family of 5. What do you do? Do you trust and let God’s grace play into your life, or do you try and cope by trying to make yourself feel better with drinking, or buying things. Do you ruin your relationship with your wife and kids by trying to overcome your feelings of worthlessness or guilt (which are lies)? Which story do you choose? Do you accept God’s grace, because He WILL give it to you, or do you choose to handle things your own way...the wrong way?

(I know that was a dramatic example, but it’s the one the pastor used...so I kind of stole it!) 

I found this quote on the Hope61 blog the other day...

“May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your heart. May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace. May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy. And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.” – a Franciscan Benediction

LOVE IT!

Have you ever thought of bad experiences that you’ve had as God trying to bless you? 

Because He might be.

Let Him show you His grace.

Let Him redeem you.

Which story will you choose?

If you have the time, check out this song, or the lyrics here. Life makes a little more sense knowing what she's singing about.

I'm Outtie!

Welp, I guess I'm leaving today. 

Thankfully, I planned enough in advance to pack yesterday...well, for the most part.

and enough in advance to change my address!

Packed some of my favorite mugs.

But then the mug looked so good, so I took a coffee break.

 This past week has been really great. It started at the Sharptown Church Women's retreat. I lead worship with my friend Ashley. We got a lot of compliments on the music, which I was surprised about because it was only one guitar and two vocals. I'm glad God was able to use us that weekend! 

The women's retreat was last weekend, and I had been planning worship for it during the couple of weeks prior. So really, I wasn't even thinking about what was after that weekend (which is right now!). People were asking me if I was packing and ready to go. But honestly, I hadn't even thought about it. I couldn't see past the women's retreat. 

But after the last session was over, a friend prayed for me and many people were laying hands on me. People who I look up to, people who used to be my youth leaders when I was younger, people who are full of wisdom, people who have challenged me, people who love me, and all whom I would call friends. I had people come up to me and say something like "You don't know me, but I want you to have this, or I'll be praying for you." Which is such an answer to prayer. 

Some of the Sharptown North Ladies

For some reason, I wasn't expecting as much support as I've gotten throughout this whole process. The couple months leading up to today have been very confirming for me in many ways. From raising what I needed two months ahead of time, to meeting a lady who was a run-a-way and almost became a victim of sex trafficking, to randomly sitting next to a girl (who doesn't normally attend the church) in a packed out service who served in Thailand (where sex trafficking is outrageously common) on the day I was to speak about how I'd be working with human trafficking. Then on top of all that, I've exceeded the amount of funding I'd originally needed. Needless to say, I'm 1,000,000 % sure God wants me to do this. Whether it's to show me what I'll be working with for the rest of my life, or to guide me in another direction. 

Anyway, I've had to say many goodbyes this week. I had a VERY small goodbye party with just close family the day I got home from the women's retreat. 

Tuesday was my last day of work (YAY!). 

Wednesday was the hardest so far. 

I had to say goodbye to two friends during the day, but at night was hardest! We had youth group. And I LOVE my small group to death. I get a long so well with them and always look forward to my Wednesday night small youth group. But anyway, I thought the youth group as a whole would get me a card or something, but not only did they do that, they took the last half hour or so to tell funny and encouraging stories about how God has worked through me to impact their lives. It was SO fun! I love getting made fun of and telling stories that are enjoyable to tell and listen to (but I guess that's a matter of opinion)! I am so thankful for those who helped put that together. It was very encouraging.
Anyway, saying goodbye to the youth was kind of easy...like no one cried I mean. It went so well! I think they know they are being left in good hands, plus I'm only a phone call away...or a 12 hour car ride. But I will SERIOUSLY MISS THEM SOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!

I told them to make gangster faces, but some girls just look like they have to poop...

Okay good. This one looks better.

This was a small group party we had two weekends ago. So glad Tanya offered up her house for that!

 

Photo Bombed...

I got some cool gifts from them too...

Don't miss my new friend Philip in the upper right hand corner. He's my new friend...and a unicorn.

This poem is original and very...poetic? I feel so loved.

Then right after youth group, I went to my Great Grandma's 91st Birthday party. She is such a saint and a huge inspiration to me. I don't get to see her very much, because I'm always running around. So I am very glad I got to see her and the rest of my family too!

My mom, my great grandma, and myself.

Some of my family.

My mom, great grandma, myself, and my mom-mom.

Then tonight I met up with some friends from my old job, including my aunt, uncle and two little cousins. I'm so thankful they were ALL able to come out! I love them all very much and we had so much fun! We always do when we're all together. 

And today is my last day co-hosting on the show Friday's with Ken and Erika on Lift FM. So obviously the show won't be called that anymore... I think it will be called Friday's with Dez and Ken. lol I am so thankful Dez is coming onto the show. She is a singer/song writer who is very determined and loves Jesus! Dez, Ken, and I get along SOOOOOOOO well when we're in the studio together. I love being there with the both of them, and will miss them both. 

So from praying with people I love and respect, to best friends, to Kindergarteners, I feel pretty confident. I'm very confident that God wants me at OMS to experience new things, and experience Himself in different ways than I have in the past. He's provided me with the deepest needs of my heart thus far, especially within this past week, and I know He'll continue to do so as long as I am following His will. 

It's hard to say goodbye to some of my best friends, and family. But it's easier knowing I'm in great hands.

My uncle and little cousin.

My two favorite boys!

Lorraine, Kelly, and I.

Core bible study group.

Student leaders.

Myself, Ashley, Kaitlyn, Rachel.

Ashley, Paige, Kaitlyn.

Hannah

Inga

Sasha, Ange and I. (I have the worst aim ever)

Justin and Rico.

So here is a verse a friend showed me at breakfast the other morning...

"And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known. I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground.
These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them." - Isaiah 42:15

I don't really have much to say to you about that verse besides the fact that I needed to hear it. I needed to know for sure the things God is saying in those verses. And my friend showing me that verse reassured me of the truth. The truth I know but sometimes struggle to believe. That that could be true about me. Little old me. But it is, and it's true about you too. No matter where you've been, God can use your experiences to make light in the darkness. He can use whatever you let Him. He wants to give you a purpose for your pain.


-Erika