There was this game I used to play as a kid called Telephone. It usually entails people sitting in a circle, and then one person whispering a word or phrase to the person on one side of them, and then that person whispers what they heard to the person next to them, and so on. The phrase is never like the original one, and the bigger the circle is, the more ridiculously far from the truth it gets.
This game was always used to show us how repeating things can cause all kinds of misunderstandings and trouble, which I know today just means gossip. Gossip is such a prevalent problem for me. It's a daily struggle for me, to not gossip. Sometimes, I fail and say something that I shouldn't. And it's wrong, and it's something that I don't want to do anymore. But, like any habit, it is taking me time and lots of effort to break...but that's not the main thing I wanted to say about this, really.
I feel like, right now, I'm stuck inside a real life game of Telephone. Except we're not sitting around in a circle whispering to each other. The reason it feels like I've been dropped inside this game is simple: they started asking us questions. Questions about our opinions on different fields, different team combinations, etc. And people started talking. Immediately there were rumors flying about who was going where and who their team was and all this stuff. And the crazy part is, there's usually some truth to it. Or, there was originally. But by the time it makes it through the whole class...sometimes there isn't (apparently, not that I have inside information or anything) truth to it at all. Kris keeps telling us not to listen to rumors, and not to think about all the things people are saying to each other. And I'm trying not to. But, I'll be honest, when you hear people talking it's hard not to think that way. Especially because they usually have a line of people they heard it from and at one point there's someone who's in a position to know that they "heard this from"...
But I have to keep continually reminding myself that life is a game of Telephone, and that I should believe everything, at least in respects to team stuff, is a lie unless it comes from Kris, Pat, or an assistant. It's hard, but I think I can do it. :)
Friday, December 13, 2013
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
The Waiting Game
So, here we are. Over a month later, and it's still the same. We don't have any answers. We still don't know where we're going, or who we're going with. And, due to the fact that I told everyone I'd know by Christmas time, people are starting to ask questions more.
These questions frustrate me. Because they're just more constant reminders that I'm feeling out of control, or that I'm freaked out because I have no idea where I'll be spending the next 2 years of my life, or who I'll be spending it with. I wish so much that I could give everyone who's wondering the answers that they deserve. They're giving me money, prayers, and time, and I can't even tell them what they'll be paying for? I know it's silly to feel this way. The waiting was part of what I signed up for when I came to AIM. I knew this was going to happen, but I still somehow wasn't prepared for it.
I can't pinpoint an exact time when I stopped feeling solely excited and started to get...antsy. Peyton keeps telling me that it'll be here before I know it...and I want to believe her. I mean, she just went through all of this last year, so she remembers what it's like...but I just can't help but wonder, in my more desperate moments of impatience, if I'm ever going to find out. If all of the questions inside my head are ever going to be settled. I know that this is completely illogical, and that of course I'll know the answers to all these questions at some point, probably in the very near future.
I guess I'm just ready. I'm ready to not be waiting around for the inevitable. I'm ready for all the changes that are going to happen to just start happening already. I'm ready to finally be able to answer people's questions. I'm just ready to get this show on the road.
Like I said from the very beginning, this part of AIM has really been testing my patience, and my attitude. I've been having to work really hard to keep both of those in check.
We're in the home stretch, though, I know. Therefore, it's easier(ish) to keep my mind clear and focused on school rather than all this other stuff that's going on.
Anyway, this post has been all over the place, but I wanted to tell everyone how things were going and how ready I am to have the answers I've been waiting and praying for so hard.
So, if you'll keep praying with me, and waiting just a little bit longer, I'll finally have answers and I'll be able to tell everyone what they want to know! YAY!
Here we gooooo....
These questions frustrate me. Because they're just more constant reminders that I'm feeling out of control, or that I'm freaked out because I have no idea where I'll be spending the next 2 years of my life, or who I'll be spending it with. I wish so much that I could give everyone who's wondering the answers that they deserve. They're giving me money, prayers, and time, and I can't even tell them what they'll be paying for? I know it's silly to feel this way. The waiting was part of what I signed up for when I came to AIM. I knew this was going to happen, but I still somehow wasn't prepared for it.
I can't pinpoint an exact time when I stopped feeling solely excited and started to get...antsy. Peyton keeps telling me that it'll be here before I know it...and I want to believe her. I mean, she just went through all of this last year, so she remembers what it's like...but I just can't help but wonder, in my more desperate moments of impatience, if I'm ever going to find out. If all of the questions inside my head are ever going to be settled. I know that this is completely illogical, and that of course I'll know the answers to all these questions at some point, probably in the very near future.
I guess I'm just ready. I'm ready to not be waiting around for the inevitable. I'm ready for all the changes that are going to happen to just start happening already. I'm ready to finally be able to answer people's questions. I'm just ready to get this show on the road.
Like I said from the very beginning, this part of AIM has really been testing my patience, and my attitude. I've been having to work really hard to keep both of those in check.
We're in the home stretch, though, I know. Therefore, it's easier(ish) to keep my mind clear and focused on school rather than all this other stuff that's going on.
Anyway, this post has been all over the place, but I wanted to tell everyone how things were going and how ready I am to have the answers I've been waiting and praying for so hard.
So, if you'll keep praying with me, and waiting just a little bit longer, I'll finally have answers and I'll be able to tell everyone what they want to know! YAY!
Here we gooooo....
Thursday, December 5, 2013
I LOVE WINTER...sometimes.
Oh my. Is it December already?! That's insane! Seriously. I can't believe it. It really feels like it was yesterday when I graduated high school. But it was, like, 6 months ago. WHAT?! I feel like time is seriously flying by and getting away from me. I just want it to slow down a little bit.
But, that's not what I wanted to blog about. I wanted to talk about the fact that it snowed today! Ahhh. I LOVE the snow. It just holds so many happy memories for me, as a kid.
Being pulled behind a big church van on a sled in an icy parking lot one night...sledding the one Christmas I can remember having snow on with my dad and brother, sledding with my brother and friend on a tube that you use for tubing in the lake. Playing in the snow every day for a week when I lived across the street from one of my best friends in middle school.
There are just so many things that I associate with snow, that don't even necessarily have to do with snow. Christmas, my mom's hot chocolate, and so many other things. For me, snow is the proof that it's the holiday season. It's the proof that Christmas is coming soon. Snow makes everything look fresh and new. It makes the world look brighter, even if there's no sunshine. I just really love the snow.
And, today it didn't really "snow" all that much, it was more ice. But it was white, and the ground is white so I'm making an executive decision...it counts. Today was a snow day.
Ok, I realize that I just rambled on about how awesome the snow is. But, today has just put me in a really good mood. Not only because of the snow but also because we got to come home early, and that meant that I got to take care of some things that I wanted to take care of without it being rushed or stressful. (Including but not limited to cleaning my room.)
Ok, that's all.
But, that's not what I wanted to blog about. I wanted to talk about the fact that it snowed today! Ahhh. I LOVE the snow. It just holds so many happy memories for me, as a kid.
Being pulled behind a big church van on a sled in an icy parking lot one night...sledding the one Christmas I can remember having snow on with my dad and brother, sledding with my brother and friend on a tube that you use for tubing in the lake. Playing in the snow every day for a week when I lived across the street from one of my best friends in middle school.
There are just so many things that I associate with snow, that don't even necessarily have to do with snow. Christmas, my mom's hot chocolate, and so many other things. For me, snow is the proof that it's the holiday season. It's the proof that Christmas is coming soon. Snow makes everything look fresh and new. It makes the world look brighter, even if there's no sunshine. I just really love the snow.
And, today it didn't really "snow" all that much, it was more ice. But it was white, and the ground is white so I'm making an executive decision...it counts. Today was a snow day.
Ok, I realize that I just rambled on about how awesome the snow is. But, today has just put me in a really good mood. Not only because of the snow but also because we got to come home early, and that meant that I got to take care of some things that I wanted to take care of without it being rushed or stressful. (Including but not limited to cleaning my room.)
Ok, that's all.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Thankful.
This morning, in ladies' chapel, we spent time singing and reading scripture that was focused on thankfulness, and showing/giving thanks to our Father. This was, of course, done because we're about to leave for Thanksgiving break, and November is generally a month full of thankfulness. But, I'll be honest...this month I haven't been feeling too cheery, and I've kind of let my thankfulness to God go. I know, that's a terrible attitude. But, I've been feeling so down lately that it's been hard for me. But, because of this morning and reflecting back on this month, I'm reminded again that God says when we go through hard times, we should still be thankful, because it gives us an opportunity to grow. I know this is true. Had I not gone through the hard things that I've gone through, I wouldn't even resemble the person I am today, much less be an AIMer. And the person I am, though I have my faults, I'm pretty proud of. I have the perseverance that gets talked about in the Bible as a result of difficult situations. Although I didn't enjoy any of these trials while they were happening, I can't imagine what a wimp I'd be without them. I wouldn't be able to handle conflict, use the word "no", control myself when I'm angry, I would let people walk all over me...but, the most important, and long lasting, result of the difficult things I've gone through is my relationship with God. Maybe that's why God let me endure all these things. I'm probably one of his most stubborn creatures, and I think it's taken all the things I've gone through in life to teach me one lesson: I need God. I can't do anything at all without Him.
If I had the chance to go back and choose whether or not to be tried, to have hard stuff thrown at me, to have the past I've had, I would still choose to go through them. Do I have regrets? Of course. But good, bad, and ugly, the experiences I've gone through have shaped and molded me into the person that I am today. When God made me, He knew who I'd become. He knew that I'd have the experiences that I've had, and the ones I haven't had yet. He knew that I'd eventually wind up leading a life trying to turn everything I've gone through into something I can use to glorify Him. I've tried so hard to let God fill the holes in my life, so that I can in turn help people see that God can fill the holes in theirs, too. Because I try so hard to let God fill my heart, I know it belongs to Him and only Him.
So, even though I'm going through times right now that are hard for me, I am blessed. Even though I feel like Satan is attacking me from all sides, and going right for the chinks in my armor, I am thankful for all the blessings God has given me. The life I live, the people I love, the people who love me, and for my God who is big enough to make all my problems go away with just one word.
This past weekend, the DC AIMers were counselors at a youth retreat at Mountain View. It was a cool experience to be a counselor, and teach a class and fun stuff like that. But the coolest part of it all was how perfectly tailored [insert name pun here] the lessons were for me, and my life right now. The theme of the weekend was "Only A Mountain". It was based around Matthew 17:20, which is the verse that talks about faith the size of a mustard seed that can move mountains. They talked about how our trials are mountains, and how God takes care of them, and will move them out of our way if we'll just keep our faith. And I think that is more reason to be thankful in hard times than any other reason.
So, this season of difficulty that I'm feeling right now? God's got that. He's taking care of it, as long as I'm letting Him. And the times of trial, of Satan tempting me and trying to tear me down? They're making me pure. They're giving me the endurance I need to fight back, and to keep moving forward in my relationship with God. They're making me a better person.
I will keep being thankful. I will keep praising God. He's blessing me through this, even though it's hard to see it, or it doesn't feel like it sometimes. There's never going to be a time when Satan takes it easy on me. But, I love God, and I want to do what he tells me to do. So, I'll keep on striving to be thankful and consider it a blessing when things aren't easy for me.
"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials. For we know that they help us develop endurance." Romans 5:3
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on Earth you will have many trials and sorrows, but take heart, for I have overcome the world." John 16:33
"Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to test us when we are being tested." Hebrews 2:18
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way , consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested your endurance has a chance to grow...God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:2-3,12
I'm gonna put the music video for the theme song of the Mt View retreat weekend right here, because I think it's a really neat song...
If I had the chance to go back and choose whether or not to be tried, to have hard stuff thrown at me, to have the past I've had, I would still choose to go through them. Do I have regrets? Of course. But good, bad, and ugly, the experiences I've gone through have shaped and molded me into the person that I am today. When God made me, He knew who I'd become. He knew that I'd have the experiences that I've had, and the ones I haven't had yet. He knew that I'd eventually wind up leading a life trying to turn everything I've gone through into something I can use to glorify Him. I've tried so hard to let God fill the holes in my life, so that I can in turn help people see that God can fill the holes in theirs, too. Because I try so hard to let God fill my heart, I know it belongs to Him and only Him.
So, even though I'm going through times right now that are hard for me, I am blessed. Even though I feel like Satan is attacking me from all sides, and going right for the chinks in my armor, I am thankful for all the blessings God has given me. The life I live, the people I love, the people who love me, and for my God who is big enough to make all my problems go away with just one word.
This past weekend, the DC AIMers were counselors at a youth retreat at Mountain View. It was a cool experience to be a counselor, and teach a class and fun stuff like that. But the coolest part of it all was how perfectly tailored [insert name pun here] the lessons were for me, and my life right now. The theme of the weekend was "Only A Mountain". It was based around Matthew 17:20, which is the verse that talks about faith the size of a mustard seed that can move mountains. They talked about how our trials are mountains, and how God takes care of them, and will move them out of our way if we'll just keep our faith. And I think that is more reason to be thankful in hard times than any other reason.
So, this season of difficulty that I'm feeling right now? God's got that. He's taking care of it, as long as I'm letting Him. And the times of trial, of Satan tempting me and trying to tear me down? They're making me pure. They're giving me the endurance I need to fight back, and to keep moving forward in my relationship with God. They're making me a better person.
I will keep being thankful. I will keep praising God. He's blessing me through this, even though it's hard to see it, or it doesn't feel like it sometimes. There's never going to be a time when Satan takes it easy on me. But, I love God, and I want to do what he tells me to do. So, I'll keep on striving to be thankful and consider it a blessing when things aren't easy for me.
"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials. For we know that they help us develop endurance." Romans 5:3
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on Earth you will have many trials and sorrows, but take heart, for I have overcome the world." John 16:33
"Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to test us when we are being tested." Hebrews 2:18
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way , consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested your endurance has a chance to grow...God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:2-3,12
I'm gonna put the music video for the theme song of the Mt View retreat weekend right here, because I think it's a really neat song...
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
so, it's done...
But honestly, deep down, I've been freaking out. I know, on a logical level that God already has this figured out and it doesn't matter what I want, but it's ok. Tonight was a relief for me, because I feel like I have officially relinquished any kind of control I had, and it's all in God's hands. It's a cool, but also scary feeling.
I know the time that lies between now and when we find out is going to really be a challenge for me, and it's going to stretch me and cause me to really "practice what I preach" and truly walk by faith.
Soooo, yeah. Short blog post, but I just wanted to write about this because it was such a big deal.
Also, I just wanted to add in this picture of me from Wal Mart the other night. I have a hurt foot, so walking has been really rough for me. So, I got a wheelchair from Wal Mart. Yes, I acted like I was a thug. Yes, I'm 18 years old and should be more mature. I know, OK? ;)
Monday, October 28, 2013
Ask Me Why I Love My Church...
I recently bought a
t shirt that says "Ask Me Why I Love My Church" on it, with the words
Alvaton Church of Christ printed underneath it. I'm so excited to get this
shirt in the mail and to wear it, and hopefully someone will ask me, so that I can
tell them all about the church family God has blessed me with, and the reasons
that I love them all so dearly. So, since I've been all about making lists and
talking about things I love on my blog, I think I'd like to try and do it
differently this time…but hey, it may still turn out the same…we'll see.
Let me start off by
saying that I'm so proud to call myself a part of the Alvaton family.
Especially being far away form them, and seeing what they do from the outside,
and looking at other churches. I'm so proud of the way they're constantly
reaching out to the Alvaton community. I'm proud of the way they accept
visitors, and the way they just love people.
I haven't had a life
that's been super easy for me. I don't want to give a whole sob story, but I do
struggle with depression and other things, and also circumstantial things that
have happened that have been really hard on me. And I've struggled with feeling
like neither of my parents loved me or were really there for me…and it caused
me to end up replacing that position in my life. (Now, my relationships with
both of them are much better, and I don't feel that way anymore…I'm not trying
to embarrass them by saying all that, just trying to be honest.) There are so
many people at Alvaton who I feel like have had an equal part in raising me
that my parents did, even though some of them didn't even come into my life
until I was older.
When my life was in
shambles, or I felt like the world was falling down around me, it was scary.
Nothing felt consistent, it didn't feel like I could really count on
anything…but I look back and realize how tightly I was clinging to my family at
Alvaton. Even when it didn't seem like it, because I was always angry, or
didn't really want to talk to people, I was holding on with all my might.
Alvaton is the place, and the people, who have always been consistenly there
for me.
I'm grateful to have
been blessed with a youth group full of people who became my best friends, and
ultimately, the only friends I knew I could count on all throughout high
school. I was blessed to be part of a group that never shied away from topics
that would generally make you a little (or a lot) uncomfortable. I'm someone
who doesn't find much of anything an awkward topic. Things just don't make me
feel weird, or uncomfortable. And I never felt like, when we were at youth
group stuff, people judged me for that, as I feel they do now sometimes. I
guess going through Dateable with your youth minister makes everything seem
less awkward by comparison. I love it, though! (Funny story about Dateable--
it's a book about dating, and so of course it's going to cover sexual sin…so
from the beginning Ryan warned us that we were going to have a "sex
talk" at some point. So, I had some friends in marching band with me that
I'd been trying to work on, and get to come to church with me. And then finally,
one Thursday night, I convinced them to come to TNT with me. Well, we get
there, and Ryan announces that it's the night we're going to have our talk. I
was really afraid that they were gonna think it was super uncomfortable and
never come back again. But they didn't. They ended up loving it, and coming
back to TNT with me every Thursday night. My youth minister is cool enough to
not make people feel awkward about sex…)
I'm so thankful for
the supporters I have at Alvaton. When I started trying to raise support, I was
shocked by how generous people were. It was like, anything someone could do,
they wanted to do it. People gave me money, they gave me TONS of stuff to sell
in a yard sale, I was surprised by how much people just gave to me. And even
when people can't support me through money, they still gave whatever they could
to me. I received so much love from people, and people were praying for me all
the time, because they keep telling me that they are and giving me
encouragement. I appreciated it so much, the things that they did for me. It's
humbling. Because, as hard as I try, it's hard not for me to think of myself as
a "missionary" with a little tinge of pride. But to have so many
people supporting me, praying for me, loving me…it makes me feel so humble, and
gives me even more of a drive to succeed.
Over all, I’m so
proud to be a member of the body of God loving Christians at Alvaton, and I
don't think I'll ever stop being proud of them, or claiming them as my own. No
matte where else I go in life.
I think that's what I'm most grateful for…knowing that I'll always have a place to go back to where I'll be welcome, no matter how far away I move, or whatever I end up deciding to go with my life after AIM…they'll always accept me and love me just as much as they do now, and I'll always feel the same about them.
I think that's what I'm most grateful for…knowing that I'll always have a place to go back to where I'll be welcome, no matter how far away I move, or whatever I end up deciding to go with my life after AIM…they'll always accept me and love me just as much as they do now, and I'll always feel the same about them.
If you're from
Alvaton, and you're reading this…I love you!
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
The Paducah Trip and Other Exciting Adventures
Guys...the AIMers just got back from our trip to Paducah! It was a crazy, hectic, stressful, exhausting trip. I had a blast! So, this trip had several different parts, so I think the most fun way to do it would be to break it up by days...at least, the most fun way for me.
Sooo...
Day One (Thursday #1)
The first day of our trip was a really long day, driving wise. We left home at 4am, and drove for what seemed like forever. (The plus side of this day was that I hadn't slept much the night before so I basically slept straight through it.) For dinner that night (I know, crazy long jump...but like I said, I was asleep most of the time.) We went to a place called Lambert's. And it was freaking awesome. That's the only way I know how to describe it. They gave us sooooo much food. I got the catfish, and it was probably the best catfish I've ever eaten. For real. Lambert's is famous for the fact that they deliver your rolls to your table by throwing them to you. Basically what happens is that a guy walks out with a cart full of rolls, and you hold your hands up and he throws them to you. Since I don't eat bread, I didn't actually catch a roll, but it was a lot of fun to watch everyone else try and catch their rolls.
After dinner, we headed to this church, where we were going to spend the night. We get there, and we're all getting ready to take showers and such. There was only one shower for the girls and one shower for the boys. Which was cool, because we don't like to complain... ;) But anyway, I was one of the first few to call dibs on a shower, simply because I really wanted to wash the day of travel off of me. So, I go to get in the shower, I walk in the room where the shower is, turn the shower on, walk out to throw something away, and when I try to get back in, I discover that the door is locked. So I go and get one of the AIM assistants, and he literally tries to take the door off its hinges. But the door won't budge. So we end up having to call the guy who let us into the church originally to bring the key to the bathroom door. Needless to say, by the time he drove all the way back across town to bring us the key, my shower was freezing cold and so was everyone who went after me...oops.
Day Two (Friday #1)
The second day of the trip was a lot of fun. We traveled in the morning, until about lunch. Around lunch time, we got to St Louis. We pulled up and they let us out at the arch, and told us what time to be back. A group of us decided that we didn't want fast food, so we went on an adventure to find the spaghetti factory! It was so fun to eat there, I hadn't been in a long time, and it's definitely one of my favorite restaurants. A little bit of a splurge, but it was so so worth it. When we got to the restaurant and sat down, we noticed that Kris, Pat, and the other assistants who were on the trip were at a table across the restaurant. Lacy and I immediately texted Kris and Pat and said "We see you!" to which Pat replied "We couldn't escape!!!" haha. We thought about several different things we could do that would be silly, but we ended up deciding to have one piece of mud pie with two forks delivered to Kris and Pat, from their secret admirers. Obviously they knew it was us, but it was still fun to do something like that.
After lunch we got back on the bus and finished the trip to Paducah. When we got to the Lone Oak Church of Christ, we ate dinner with them, and then found out who our host families were. Ashlie and I stayed with the nicest lady. Her name was Ruby, and she's a real sweetheart. I really enjoyed talking and laughing with her every night.
Day Three (Saturday)
So, day three...Saturday. Saturday morning, we got to the church, and Kris announced that we'd be spending the morning sightseeing in Paducah, and then also going to Metropolis, IL to look around there (hello, Superman...). We went down to the waterfront, and looked at all the murals that they have painted on their floodwalls. It was so neat to see the way that people have taken pieces of their town history and documented it in such a cool way. I really enjoyed that. Then, we went to Metropolis, which was really cool. There's this big statue of Superman, and all this other cool Superman stuff, and then a store with basically anything superhero you could imagine. Luckily, I left my wallet on the bus, so I couldn't really buy anything.
When we got back to the church from Metropolis, it was time to start setting up for the community fish fry that the church would be having that night. It was fun to do service work, and serve others. That's probably my favorite thing to do. When it came time for the fish fry to start, we just started serving people food. There were soooo many people, and so much fish. I don't think I've ever seen so much fish in my life, for real. It was fun to serve others, but it was soooo nice to sit down and eat as well. :)
Day Four (Sunday)
Sunday was a really fun day...we went to church in the morning, of course. We went to the high school class, which Pat taught. I really enjoyed his class, and talking about defining ourselves by the fact that we're children of God, and not letting our worldly views define us. In the actual church part of it, we went in and sat down. I sat with three of the friendliest ladies I've ever met. (Ok, I've gotta go off on a little bit of a tangent for a second. When I came to AIM and went to Denver City for the first time, it was super hard for me to find people to sit with, and it was difficult for me to feel comfortable. But I didn't feel that way at all when I sat down with these ladies...proof that I'm growing? I'd like to think so!) Kris was the one who gave the sermon this morning. He talked about AIM and missions in general. Then he called all of us to come up on stage, had us answer some questions, and then we sang Do Not Fear. People in the audience started crying, and Megan, a girl in our class who's from Lone Oak started crying, and it really reminded me of my last Sunday at Alvaton, when they called me up front and prayed for me and all this other stuff. So then I started crying, which made me feel silly, so I tried to hide it...yeah.
Lunch was a potluck...since I came to AIM potlucks are my best friends. For real, that's the only way I ever eat anything that's good for me...so lunch was obviously good.
Sunday afternoon we all broke off into groups and spent time with our host families. It was fun to just hang out with Ruby and Ashlie. We went and walked around downtown, and then went to Coldstone and got ice cream. Yum!
Sunday evening we went and worshipped in Murray, Kentucky at the Glendale Rd Church of Christ. It was their singing night, and the song leader is a man who used to lead singing at Lone Oak. He just recently found out that he has a very aggressive form of ALS, and he's not really expected to live much longer. So, for a lot of people, this was their last time to really worship with him (until Heaven!) so it was kind of emotional for them. I know I'm getting off topic, but if you could keep him in your prayers (I feel bad, I totally forgot his name!) that would be great! For dinner we had Culvers. It was the first time I had Culvers in over two months, so I was pretty happy! :)
Day Five (Monday)
Monday wasn't a good day for me. Being in Kentucky was making me really homesick, and I was missing my mom, and it was leading me to be in a really bad mood, and be really sensitive. I basically just tried (unsuccessfully) not to cry all day. I guess I was feeling isolated, and it wasn't anyone's fault, I was just sensitive and things were hurting my feelings and stuff like that...nbd.
But anyway, Monday morning we had class. We had two different classes. One was taught by a man named Richard, and he talked to us about life, and his experiences, some that were pretty heartbreaking, and he also told us about making brooms. It was cool to hear his story, because he told us about his daughter, and how she told him she was gonna do this "mission thing" in Lubbock, TX, but that she never told him what it was called or anything like that. Well, then his daughter was killed (I think in a car crash?) and he never thought of that conversation again until he heard we were coming. The AIM world is a small place...
Then, we heard a lesson from a man named Mike who's basically a genius (if you've heard him speak before, you know what I'm talking about). He talked to us about this Bible study method that we can use with people when we study with them on the field. I think that it's gonna be really helpful information to have.
In the afternoon on Monday we all split into different groups and did different service projects. Because I have a hurt foot and really am not supposed to move around a whole lot, I did some data entries for the church. I made a database of all the people who had come to the fish fry and filled out one of the cards they gave out. It was cool to see all the little town names around the Paducah area. Word really spread.
Monday night we worked with the church's benevolence program. They prepared a dinner, and we were split into groups and assigned different jobs. Some people got to serve dinner, some got to take prayer requests and pray with people, and some of us were told to basically just hang out in the Lobby of the church and talk to people. I'm gonna go off on a bit of a tangent here (surprise, right?) and talk about this congregation and how impressed I was by them. I don't think I've ever been to a church that was more dedicated to helping people, or helping each other. This church is really a body full of servants. It was so impressive to see how they just want to serve others, and glorify God with everything they have. The AIMers went to serve, and we did serve, but I felt as if I was being served by the people there more than I was serving them, even. They're all so open and friendly, and unified. It was really just way cool.
Day Six (Tuesday)
Tuesday morning we had class with Mike again. Yay! Then, after lunch (which was BBQ nachos, by the way) everyone got ready to travel to Western Kentucky Bible Camp, but I didn't go with them, because my mommy came and got me and took me home with her! It was so nice to spend 2.5 hours with my mom just doing nothing but talking and catching up. I really had missed her.
I had planned to go home, and then go to Stakz with the Heltons. I hadn't told anyone but my mom, dad, and them that I was coming into town a day before I had originally planned, because I figured it would be nice to just spend time with them, or surprise people if I got the chance. Well, I ended up getting into town early enough to get my mom to drop me by marching band. It was so much fun to surprise Mitch. He look so excited, and it made me happy.
Then, I got to Stakz about 20 minutes early, which was cool. I was planning on just sitting and waiting...you know, spending some alone time. But, as I'm walking in, I looked up and saw Bailey standing at the counter. She turned around and saw me and screamed soooo loud, then ran across the room and gave me a hug. It cracked me up how quiet everyone got. Then, I had fro yo with Ryan and Melinda, we just caught up and stuff. :)
So I had some free time and decided that it would be fun to go surprise Abby. (In case no one could tell I really love surprising people...) And it was. She was in the middle of writing a college essay, but she took some time out of it to talk to me. It was well timed, because it gave me a chance to tell her that she should consider AIM rather than college... ;)
Day Seven (Wednesday)
Wednesday morning my mom and I got up and went shopping. We bought some clothes and shoes for me for the winter. Then we went out for Chinese food, which was awesome. So so good. I'd missed it!
Wednesday night was so much fun, because it was when all the AIMers came to Alvaton. I got to church early, and hung out with Melinda and Elsie, and all the youth group kids as they got there. So that was nice. Then, when all the AIMers got there, it was fun to watch them start building relationships with church members. I looooooved getting to see all my friends and family. It really gave me a reminder of who I am, and where I've come from... (I'm gonna write a post all about Alvaton and how much the people there mean to me really soon!)
After church the three girls who stayed with me and I went to GADS and hung out with my dad for awhile, and that was fun. Then we went back to my mom's house and played a board game, which was also fun! I'd really missed playing games with my mom, since that was always kind of one of our things. Game nights are seriously deals at the Hockman household, y'all.
Day Eight (Thursday #2)
Thursday was just another long travel day. We traveled all the way from Bowling Green to East Texas. We stayed in a barn on this familie's farm. Some of the girls slept in an RV while the rest of us slept in their attic. It was fun to sleep there and get to know that family.
Day Nine (Friday #2)
Friday wasn't really that eventful at all. We got up in the morning, got on the bus and drove all the way home. Then, we were back and I was way more happy than I would have expected to be. I think I'm starting to love Lubbock...uh oh.
Other adventures...
We started new classes, and I think I'm gonna really like this term. Also, we've been having more field presentations lately, and I think it's really awesome and I'm enjoying it. So far, my favorite has been the presentation for Sucre, Bolivia...but I'm still not sure yet. It doesn't matter, though! God is gonna send me where He wants.
Also....I LED MY VERY FIRST SMALL GROUP LAST NIGHT. It was totally nerve wracking, and I thought I was gonna die for sure. But I didn't, so that's exciting. I think it'll be much easier next time. :)
Now, I have a trip to pack for, because tomorrow we leave for OCU, we're going to the World Mission Workshop. I'm pretty excited, but I'm also sort of dreading it, since I'm so exhausted.
Alright, I gotta jet. So much to do!
Sooo...
Day One (Thursday #1)
The first day of our trip was a really long day, driving wise. We left home at 4am, and drove for what seemed like forever. (The plus side of this day was that I hadn't slept much the night before so I basically slept straight through it.) For dinner that night (I know, crazy long jump...but like I said, I was asleep most of the time.) We went to a place called Lambert's. And it was freaking awesome. That's the only way I know how to describe it. They gave us sooooo much food. I got the catfish, and it was probably the best catfish I've ever eaten. For real. Lambert's is famous for the fact that they deliver your rolls to your table by throwing them to you. Basically what happens is that a guy walks out with a cart full of rolls, and you hold your hands up and he throws them to you. Since I don't eat bread, I didn't actually catch a roll, but it was a lot of fun to watch everyone else try and catch their rolls.
After dinner, we headed to this church, where we were going to spend the night. We get there, and we're all getting ready to take showers and such. There was only one shower for the girls and one shower for the boys. Which was cool, because we don't like to complain... ;) But anyway, I was one of the first few to call dibs on a shower, simply because I really wanted to wash the day of travel off of me. So, I go to get in the shower, I walk in the room where the shower is, turn the shower on, walk out to throw something away, and when I try to get back in, I discover that the door is locked. So I go and get one of the AIM assistants, and he literally tries to take the door off its hinges. But the door won't budge. So we end up having to call the guy who let us into the church originally to bring the key to the bathroom door. Needless to say, by the time he drove all the way back across town to bring us the key, my shower was freezing cold and so was everyone who went after me...oops.
Day Two (Friday #1)
The second day of the trip was a lot of fun. We traveled in the morning, until about lunch. Around lunch time, we got to St Louis. We pulled up and they let us out at the arch, and told us what time to be back. A group of us decided that we didn't want fast food, so we went on an adventure to find the spaghetti factory! It was so fun to eat there, I hadn't been in a long time, and it's definitely one of my favorite restaurants. A little bit of a splurge, but it was so so worth it. When we got to the restaurant and sat down, we noticed that Kris, Pat, and the other assistants who were on the trip were at a table across the restaurant. Lacy and I immediately texted Kris and Pat and said "We see you!" to which Pat replied "We couldn't escape!!!" haha. We thought about several different things we could do that would be silly, but we ended up deciding to have one piece of mud pie with two forks delivered to Kris and Pat, from their secret admirers. Obviously they knew it was us, but it was still fun to do something like that.
After lunch we got back on the bus and finished the trip to Paducah. When we got to the Lone Oak Church of Christ, we ate dinner with them, and then found out who our host families were. Ashlie and I stayed with the nicest lady. Her name was Ruby, and she's a real sweetheart. I really enjoyed talking and laughing with her every night.
Day Three (Saturday)
So, day three...Saturday. Saturday morning, we got to the church, and Kris announced that we'd be spending the morning sightseeing in Paducah, and then also going to Metropolis, IL to look around there (hello, Superman...). We went down to the waterfront, and looked at all the murals that they have painted on their floodwalls. It was so neat to see the way that people have taken pieces of their town history and documented it in such a cool way. I really enjoyed that. Then, we went to Metropolis, which was really cool. There's this big statue of Superman, and all this other cool Superman stuff, and then a store with basically anything superhero you could imagine. Luckily, I left my wallet on the bus, so I couldn't really buy anything.
When we got back to the church from Metropolis, it was time to start setting up for the community fish fry that the church would be having that night. It was fun to do service work, and serve others. That's probably my favorite thing to do. When it came time for the fish fry to start, we just started serving people food. There were soooo many people, and so much fish. I don't think I've ever seen so much fish in my life, for real. It was fun to serve others, but it was soooo nice to sit down and eat as well. :)
Day Four (Sunday)
Sunday was a really fun day...we went to church in the morning, of course. We went to the high school class, which Pat taught. I really enjoyed his class, and talking about defining ourselves by the fact that we're children of God, and not letting our worldly views define us. In the actual church part of it, we went in and sat down. I sat with three of the friendliest ladies I've ever met. (Ok, I've gotta go off on a little bit of a tangent for a second. When I came to AIM and went to Denver City for the first time, it was super hard for me to find people to sit with, and it was difficult for me to feel comfortable. But I didn't feel that way at all when I sat down with these ladies...proof that I'm growing? I'd like to think so!) Kris was the one who gave the sermon this morning. He talked about AIM and missions in general. Then he called all of us to come up on stage, had us answer some questions, and then we sang Do Not Fear. People in the audience started crying, and Megan, a girl in our class who's from Lone Oak started crying, and it really reminded me of my last Sunday at Alvaton, when they called me up front and prayed for me and all this other stuff. So then I started crying, which made me feel silly, so I tried to hide it...yeah.
Lunch was a potluck...since I came to AIM potlucks are my best friends. For real, that's the only way I ever eat anything that's good for me...so lunch was obviously good.
Sunday afternoon we all broke off into groups and spent time with our host families. It was fun to just hang out with Ruby and Ashlie. We went and walked around downtown, and then went to Coldstone and got ice cream. Yum!
Sunday evening we went and worshipped in Murray, Kentucky at the Glendale Rd Church of Christ. It was their singing night, and the song leader is a man who used to lead singing at Lone Oak. He just recently found out that he has a very aggressive form of ALS, and he's not really expected to live much longer. So, for a lot of people, this was their last time to really worship with him (until Heaven!) so it was kind of emotional for them. I know I'm getting off topic, but if you could keep him in your prayers (I feel bad, I totally forgot his name!) that would be great! For dinner we had Culvers. It was the first time I had Culvers in over two months, so I was pretty happy! :)
Day Five (Monday)
Monday wasn't a good day for me. Being in Kentucky was making me really homesick, and I was missing my mom, and it was leading me to be in a really bad mood, and be really sensitive. I basically just tried (unsuccessfully) not to cry all day. I guess I was feeling isolated, and it wasn't anyone's fault, I was just sensitive and things were hurting my feelings and stuff like that...nbd.
But anyway, Monday morning we had class. We had two different classes. One was taught by a man named Richard, and he talked to us about life, and his experiences, some that were pretty heartbreaking, and he also told us about making brooms. It was cool to hear his story, because he told us about his daughter, and how she told him she was gonna do this "mission thing" in Lubbock, TX, but that she never told him what it was called or anything like that. Well, then his daughter was killed (I think in a car crash?) and he never thought of that conversation again until he heard we were coming. The AIM world is a small place...
Then, we heard a lesson from a man named Mike who's basically a genius (if you've heard him speak before, you know what I'm talking about). He talked to us about this Bible study method that we can use with people when we study with them on the field. I think that it's gonna be really helpful information to have.
In the afternoon on Monday we all split into different groups and did different service projects. Because I have a hurt foot and really am not supposed to move around a whole lot, I did some data entries for the church. I made a database of all the people who had come to the fish fry and filled out one of the cards they gave out. It was cool to see all the little town names around the Paducah area. Word really spread.
Monday night we worked with the church's benevolence program. They prepared a dinner, and we were split into groups and assigned different jobs. Some people got to serve dinner, some got to take prayer requests and pray with people, and some of us were told to basically just hang out in the Lobby of the church and talk to people. I'm gonna go off on a bit of a tangent here (surprise, right?) and talk about this congregation and how impressed I was by them. I don't think I've ever been to a church that was more dedicated to helping people, or helping each other. This church is really a body full of servants. It was so impressive to see how they just want to serve others, and glorify God with everything they have. The AIMers went to serve, and we did serve, but I felt as if I was being served by the people there more than I was serving them, even. They're all so open and friendly, and unified. It was really just way cool.
Day Six (Tuesday)
Tuesday morning we had class with Mike again. Yay! Then, after lunch (which was BBQ nachos, by the way) everyone got ready to travel to Western Kentucky Bible Camp, but I didn't go with them, because my mommy came and got me and took me home with her! It was so nice to spend 2.5 hours with my mom just doing nothing but talking and catching up. I really had missed her.
I had planned to go home, and then go to Stakz with the Heltons. I hadn't told anyone but my mom, dad, and them that I was coming into town a day before I had originally planned, because I figured it would be nice to just spend time with them, or surprise people if I got the chance. Well, I ended up getting into town early enough to get my mom to drop me by marching band. It was so much fun to surprise Mitch. He look so excited, and it made me happy.
Then, I got to Stakz about 20 minutes early, which was cool. I was planning on just sitting and waiting...you know, spending some alone time. But, as I'm walking in, I looked up and saw Bailey standing at the counter. She turned around and saw me and screamed soooo loud, then ran across the room and gave me a hug. It cracked me up how quiet everyone got. Then, I had fro yo with Ryan and Melinda, we just caught up and stuff. :)
So I had some free time and decided that it would be fun to go surprise Abby. (In case no one could tell I really love surprising people...) And it was. She was in the middle of writing a college essay, but she took some time out of it to talk to me. It was well timed, because it gave me a chance to tell her that she should consider AIM rather than college... ;)
Day Seven (Wednesday)
Wednesday morning my mom and I got up and went shopping. We bought some clothes and shoes for me for the winter. Then we went out for Chinese food, which was awesome. So so good. I'd missed it!
Wednesday night was so much fun, because it was when all the AIMers came to Alvaton. I got to church early, and hung out with Melinda and Elsie, and all the youth group kids as they got there. So that was nice. Then, when all the AIMers got there, it was fun to watch them start building relationships with church members. I looooooved getting to see all my friends and family. It really gave me a reminder of who I am, and where I've come from... (I'm gonna write a post all about Alvaton and how much the people there mean to me really soon!)
After church the three girls who stayed with me and I went to GADS and hung out with my dad for awhile, and that was fun. Then we went back to my mom's house and played a board game, which was also fun! I'd really missed playing games with my mom, since that was always kind of one of our things. Game nights are seriously deals at the Hockman household, y'all.
Day Eight (Thursday #2)
Thursday was just another long travel day. We traveled all the way from Bowling Green to East Texas. We stayed in a barn on this familie's farm. Some of the girls slept in an RV while the rest of us slept in their attic. It was fun to sleep there and get to know that family.
Day Nine (Friday #2)
Friday wasn't really that eventful at all. We got up in the morning, got on the bus and drove all the way home. Then, we were back and I was way more happy than I would have expected to be. I think I'm starting to love Lubbock...uh oh.
Other adventures...
We started new classes, and I think I'm gonna really like this term. Also, we've been having more field presentations lately, and I think it's really awesome and I'm enjoying it. So far, my favorite has been the presentation for Sucre, Bolivia...but I'm still not sure yet. It doesn't matter, though! God is gonna send me where He wants.
Also....I LED MY VERY FIRST SMALL GROUP LAST NIGHT. It was totally nerve wracking, and I thought I was gonna die for sure. But I didn't, so that's exciting. I think it'll be much easier next time. :)
Now, I have a trip to pack for, because tomorrow we leave for OCU, we're going to the World Mission Workshop. I'm pretty excited, but I'm also sort of dreading it, since I'm so exhausted.
Alright, I gotta jet. So much to do!
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