Bruises

I have been here for a month now and I still love it. 

I’m not sure how long this “honeymoon” period will last, but fingers crossed it never goes away.

Not to say that everything has been easy.

For example: I have an inordinate amount of bruising. I am not 100% sure how it’s happening. I think a lot of it is from biking (for example two weeks ago I jammed the left pedal against my left ankle, and of course after that I continually jammed the pedal against the same ankle throughout the day. I STILL HAVE A MASSIVE BRUISE- it lives there now). I worked in the hostel café on Sunday night and every time I passed the soda fridge I smacked my right shoulder on the fridge door handle. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I now have a bruise on my right shoulder.

…Bruising from just trying to adjust to my new space – leaving bruises on others and myself as I continue to learn the routines of the hostel and community house. I am thankful for the kindness, understanding, and grace of the people I meet in this international community.

In all seriousness though, living in this community has been both challenging and delightful. The most wonderful part of living in community is that there is always someone to talk with, laugh with, do life with… however that of course is challenging too: there is little quiet space.

Thank you everyone for your prayers. I was sick two weeks ago for almost an entire week. And it was the worst. I hated missing time working at the hostel and being involved in activities around the community house. I am better now, and so thankful for the care I was shown from fellow staff.

I have seen God’s hand of protection on me as I bike, walk, and function in this space and in this city. Thank you so much for praying for me, it means so much.

Prayer requests:

1.     I haven’t been sleeping well. Prayers for good rest would be great.

2.     I am beginning to feel pressure and worry about paying for school; communication with Fuller (the school I will attend in the fall) takes longer than normal because of the time difference and limited means of communication. Please pray I will continue to trust in God- He has always shown himself faithful and I have no reason to doubt.

3.     Health! I feel like my body is continually fighting sickness. I bike in the cold a lot, and go to bed late a lot (due to work or building community). Please pray that I, and other staff at the hostel, stay healthy and well.