I moved to Waco in February 2015 and this year really feels like it did last year! To be fair, there's been lots of parallels around the same time: Lifegroup searching, discerning which church to really land in, moving to a new apartment, taking a children's ministry training to start serving in May, and trying to get to know Waco.
When I decided to step away from the Discipleship School in January, I didn't expect the challenges that would come. I found out about a rumor as to why I left and was able to squash it, but not without it stinging a bit. My third Lifegroup disbanded, which made me suddenly alone on an island of 1. I checked out a couple churches and was really liking one, but craved times of really encountering God and Holy Spirit during worship. With the prompting of two friends, praying and receiving direction from God, and coming to realize that I am a person who loves being a part of a church that welcomes the power of the Holy Spirit and not deny it exists. I decided Antioch really is the place I most belong. My experience has been far from the "norm" I'm told regularly, but it doesn't make it any easier to be here a year and still feel so new, still feel like I am in culture shock. This part of the journey has been hardest.
The journey so far has had a lot of sudden surprises that continue to be guideposts along the way.
One guidepost was my therapist, Salley. I didn't expect to connect to easily and so deeply with her. I think her passion, support, and belief in me has marked me in a powerful way. The journey is continuing with her still being a big part of my wholeheartedness development.
Another guidepost I didn't expect is my seester, Meagan. (yes, I meant to spell it wrong.) we met around this time last year at my very first Lifegroup and instantly connected. In many ways we are opposite, but in many ways we are complimentary to one another. I didn't expect to have such a sweet friendship develop so deeply. We are now roommates, but I say first she's my seester.
Another guidepost has been my heart condition, NCS. Passing out at work this time last year was really fun! All my heart tests, blood tests, scans, and tilt-table test we're interesting! In the end, I have learned that I need to self-care, manage stress better, and always take my meds! I have learned to say no, learned to ask for help, and learned to pace myself.
The journey moves forward. I'm in a new Lifegroup, which so far has been good. I'm trying a different area to serve in for children's ministry. I'm working and hoping to pay off bills so I can return to college and finish my degree in 2017!
My biggest part of my life right now is staying connected to God, community, and develop friendships with other gals. Deep in my heart, I would love to be given a mentor as well, which I call someone older than me by 5-10 yeas whose been a Christian longer than me, and is a woman. I would also love to have a few girlfriends, connection and friendship is most what I need.
My journey is unique like me. I like it. I'm thankful God's working out all the details as they come!
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