Phew! It has been quite a while, my friends. Since it might be a little much to rehash everything that's happened here in the last month, I'll write about whatever comes to mind (which are probably the most significant anyways).
I've had visitors! Lance braved the $49/night Summer Sea Inn (cockroaches and all) and we had a great time together. It was good to see him! He kicked my butt in cribbage and mini-golf... now I'm on a mission to even the score. Last weekend my parents came, and they really toughed it out at the Wyndham :) Ha!
Please pray for Steph and her family. Steph was one of the four student directors here on project. She left for home on Monday for the rest of the summer - her mom is in grave health right now. Please pray for comfort for Steph and her family and that the Lord would give them strength and peace during this time. We miss Steph a lot down here, too. Pray especially for them tomorrow (Saturday) as her mom will be going into surgery.
On Monday I was working the drive-thru, and one of my favorite customers made an appearance. Her name's Miss Geri. She's probably in her 60's, with bleached blonde hair teased within an inch of its life, bright lipstick, and an outspoken love for God. Steph's situation hit a lot of us pretty hard, and on Monday I was pretty emotional about the whole thing. When Miss Geri pulled up to the window we got to talking and I told her about it all. I think I asked her offhand if she would pray for Steph and her family, and before I knew it, Miss Geri leaned over, grabbed my hand, and prayed right then and there.
Jesus guarantees that life will be hard - "in this world, you will have trouble." Our hearts ache for Steph and what she's going through. I'm sure Steph's heart is breaking. Her mom knows and loves the Lord, but it doesn't mean that this whole thing doesn't hurt. What follows Jesus' declaration is a holy promise of God - "but take heart! I have overcome the world." He's our strength and our comfort. Life will not always make sense, there is pain, and there is sadness. But we have God on our side. His ways may be hard to understand sometimes, but he is God, and he is good.
Over the past few weeks there's been a lot of transition as the staff left for the summer. It's us 94 students, on our own! And I love it. We're learning a lot and spreading our wings. I'm co-leading the community team with Nate, and I'm having a blast doing it.
Please pray for my Russian friend, Olenka. Olenka is here for the summer, working a couple jobs and experiencing what America's all about. She's also seeking for truth in her life. I've gotten a chance to spend time with Olenka and share the gospel with her. I hung out with her again on Wednesday (we snuck into the Wyndham pool, haha) and we a deep conversation about God, prayer, faith, why bad things happen in life and why God doesn't step in and fix it all. Olenka said that she's been thinking more about God lately - please pray for her! It's obvious that God is drawing her near him more and more. Pray that she would find the Lord this summer and understand how incredible and strong his love is for her. I see Olenka again on Sunday - we're going out to lunch and shopping. Pray that she would come filled with questions about God, and pray that I'd be ready to answer anything she asks.
Last week, one of my managers had a severe asthma attack and an ambulance had to come. Needless to say, it was kind of scary. Perhaps it was the realization that there are no guarantees in life - that as much as we think we have tomorrow, we have no right to make that claim - but throughout the week I got to have some good talks about God with my co-workers, especially Toni and Katoria. Pray that I would have a chance to share God's love with my co-workers and to tell them specifically about what Christ has done in my life.
God is deepening my faith - I'm searching after Him and who he really is. I have this craving to know who he is, what he promises, what he's like: I've found that a right concept of God and having faith in him leads to genuine change in heart and attitude. I want to see God, and he's been showing me who he is through his word and what he promises there. He promises that if we seek after him with all our hearts, we will find him: "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." -Jeremiah 29:13.
Until next time, adeui!
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