What is normal exactly???

So it's been three weeks since I got back to American soil...and I'm finally feeling like myself again. I usually have a hard time coming back regardless, but this took an extra week or two. I was just in a funk, being super analyitical, and increasingly sensitive...all things that I am normally not. Granted, I used to be Queen of thinking about absolutely every little detail and analyizing it over and over again. However, a few years ago...with the mental breakdown of July 3, 2006 (which is actually a VERY FUNNY STORY)...God sent conviction about trying to figure everything out. It doesn't matter...He knows! In the past three and a half years, He has proved over and over that He is faithful and He is the provider. It applies to all the aspects that seem so important. Where are you going to place me on the map? Where am I going to live once I get there? Which hospital can I serve you best? What church should I go to? Which friendships do I pursue? Am I ever going to meet someone? Will I ever get to be a mom? How long am I going to be in this city? How attached do I get? Which ministries do you want me to be a part of? It's often at this point that the Spirit brings to my mind common scriptures that mean the world to me. "Be STILL and KNOW I AM GOD!" "For I know the plans I have for you..." "Are you not worth more than sparrows?"

A week after getting back to ATL, I went home. Ah, Dayton, Ohio...how I love you. It may be a dying city and I am glad to be out on a great adventure, but it is home and where my heart feels so comfy and safe. The time was packed with people, just the way I like it! I got to spend a full day with the Carters. Scott was my youth pastor, Laura became a mentor and very close friend. I watched their kids all the time and it felt like they were my own. They have been called to Colombia and were back on furlough. It had been three years since I had seen them face to face and hadn't seen Scott since I visited them in Costa Rica in March 2004. It was a fantastic day of catching up, deep conversations and genuine encouragement. Pray for them as they head back to Colombia in January.


Of course, time with my parents...my rocks. I just love them and am so thankful for everything they have done in my life. Being raised being taught to pray, to put others ahead of yourself, to seek God in all things no matter how big or small. It's priceless and as I deal with children everyday who have less than engaged parents, I grow more and more grateful. I had the priveledge of sharing Thanksgiving a week early with them and their house church. What a great group of people...and it only deepened my longing for close community in ATL (something that is happening!)



Also, The medical group got together for a couple hours before the big OSU game. GO BUCKS! It was fun to see everyone a couple weeks out and how perspectives are still affected.


Passion City Church is slowly becoming a permanent presence in ATL. I cannot explain how much I love this church! I am on the volunteer Host Team and it's been fun to see us grow closer, share parts of our lives and begin to encourage each other in everyday life. The worship is so God honoring, the preaching is straight from the Bible, and the actions of the Bride are all about helping others and showing them Christ. We have begun a relationship with World Relief, helping refugees and now sharing meals with them. We were able to furnish almost 40 apartments and bring food for Thanksgiving to families thrown into a whole new world and culture. I was working and unable to participate, but from what I gather, these people are amazing. Their stories are humbling. I cannot wait to get to meet and share Christ with literally all the nations!

Thanksgiving was a blast! Since I was on call, I couldn't leave the city to join my brother and his family. The Reeves welcomed me in. Janet has been such an encouragement ever since I moved here. This woman loves the Lord, is as honest as honest gets, and has no problem making you feel like family. It's been such a blessing getting to know her, Jesse and their brood of four over the past year. The whole day was laid back, including all of us racked out on couches and chairs in the living room. Amazing family, GREAT food, and I didn't get called in...=)

That's a little of life right now...