Grandma Time

Last Sunday morning was one of the most amazing church services I have ever been to. I have been going to a church called Peace Presbyterian and it has an African America partner church- Wesleyan First Church of Deliverance.  Well, Peace had went and did a service at their church a little while ago, so last Sunday they returned the favor. They came to Peace and did a service with us just as if they were doing it at their home church. It was a service full of praise! The worship was overwhelming- in a good way. There was no judgment. Everyone was clapping and raising their hands and just praising the Lord, each in their own way. I was absolutely filled with awe and joy for our Savior. We, different denominations, different races, just very different people in general, came together and we were united in something beautiful. We were all the same. There were no different denominations. There were no different races. We were all unified in one body simple praising the Lord. It was absolutely beautiful.

Last week was pretty great. I have been creating good work. I had my first interview as a journalist, sent out the TWR Americas newsletter, helped with some video editing and have just been keeping myself busy. Last Friday, the interns had a work day where we helped the maintenance men up on the roof. It was super hot and I was definitely exhausted by the end of the day. Even though it was a bit brutal, it was nice to get out in the sun and spend the day working with the interns and these awesome guys who do so much behind the scenes work.

I have also loved getting involved with the church. We have been able to meet so many awesome people. We have gotten involved with the college group and we have been able to hang out with some of the staff at TWR. Between the baseball game last Monday, college group on Wednesday, hanging out at Tyler (the videographer’s) house on Thursday and watching the Matrix for the first time, and having a great time at Benjamin’s (IT guy) house last Friday playing awesome games and then going to downtown Apex for a barbeque fest and seeing 42 at the $2 movie theater… Gosh. It’s been so great just learning to work hard, having fun and growing so much spiritually (Not to mention I've been able to hang out with my awesome grandparents).

There have been many things from the college group that I have really been able to chew on. Especially this past week, Trip, who we know from TWR, taught the lesson about being made in the image of God which is a topic I have heard about a lot but he just pointed out some things that I have never thought of before. I really love that about God. Even when you think you know it all, you’re not even close!

I can literally talk about anything with these people. I have had so many awesome conversations and God is opening my eyes to something new every day. After Bible study on Wednesday, Anna, Melissa and I just sat on the countertop in the kitchen and had a chat and it was awesome. These conversations just come so naturally. I love it.

I just need to give a little shout out to Anna, my roommate. She has such a sincere, genuine spirit. I could probably write a whole blog post just on the people here, so maybe I’ll save this for another day.

Over this past weekend I was able to go home with Rebekah which was super nice. She lives right on the beach. We got there Friday night just in time for some ice cream and bed. On Saturday morning we had the opportunity to go out on a boat. We hung out in the house and relaxed for a while as it was raining but soon after it cleared up and then we were able to go out on the beach. I was pretty happy about that because I didn’t think I was going to get any beach time here in Cary! Yesterday, I helped them move into a house with three flights of stairs. Let’s just say I’m sore today. Not even kidding. It’s pretty pathetic.

Today is a three day work week because of 4^th of July! I’m pretty excited. Don’t get me wrong, I love my work there, but hey, everybody gets excited about a four day weekend! I was able to finish another article that will be posted on the TWR website tomorrow, so I’ll be sure to post that for all who are interested to read sometime tomorrow. I’m also working on some video work, some other articles and other projects that I’ll probably talk about when I do a “wrap up” blog on all the work I’ve done.

All in all, I just can’t believe that a month has went by already. Thank you so much again to everyone who supported me. It’s because of you that I’m able to have these experiences, meet wonderful new people and really use the skills and talents God has given me for his glory. It’s been such a gift and a blessing to be here and I can’t wait to share this experience with you in person in just one short month!

Also, if you’re able to see the pictures posted by Melissa Norris, she’s a pretty awesome photographer.

Well, it's 10:30 now which is my new bedtime. I know, I'm totally on grandma time. I feel pretty old. But hey, if that's what gets me up in the morning, I'll save my late nights for the weekend. 

I will end with some excerpts from Isaiah 40. I’ve been going through this book for the first time while here and have learned so much. This passage has been going through my head the past few days.

… All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

... Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, ‘Behold your God!’ Behold, the Lord God comes with might and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.

... Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall walk and not faint.”