April 10, 2011

One year ago today my world was absolutely shattered by the death of a close friend. It was a battle fought for only a short time, and after three months, the cancer won. My friend Natalie died at the age of 26.

It is hard to reflect on days like this one, last year. I remember I had spent the Saturday at a Ranger's game with a close friend and afterwards, while driving to a Loen concert in Grandview, I got the call. She gave up the fight. I didn't know what to do. So, I went to the concert, even though my heart was broken. I remember that night as if it were yesterday, and unfortunately I have many experiences similar to this one.

Often I wonder why things like this happen and I wonder why God would allow me to walk through so many tragic experiences in my short life thus far. I don't know if I will ever, on this earth, have an answer to that. One thing I do know, God has used me in spite of it all. I could have been an emotional wreck, but through Him I was able to pick myself up and keep going.

One year ago today, even while I was going through all my pain, God had His hand on me. If you would have told me that day that 365 days in the future I would have moved to Elbasan, Albania to live out my dreams, I would NOT have believed it.

I have been through many trials in life, some that I have shared here in my blogs and some that may never be shared. Through it all, when I stand removed and look at my life, I must say that I am very blessed. Problems are real and they will come, but thankfully we have a loving God to hold on to, Who never changes through our roller coaster ups and downs.

I may have a lot going on, but I can look back at my experience one year ago today and know that Natalie is in a better place, where she is not in constant pain from cancer trying to eat her from the inside out. I can know that through all I have been through and all I will go through He will always be there. My Solid Rock.

Thanks for reading,

Julie

April 4, 2011

We think too small, like the frog at the bottom of the well. He thinks the sky is only as big as the top of the well. If he surfaced, he would have an entirely different view.


SERIOUSLY, I had to eat a frog today. Tragic. It was disgusting, I mean, barf in my own mouth disgusting.

Other than that, I have had a fairly fantastic trip thus far. God has moved in ways that have taken me by surprise. I know that he has me here for a reason, and that has been confirmed many times over in many different ways.

I am beginning to know some of the youth of the church better, and am organizing how to pursue what I came here to do, in regards to them. They are great kids and I can;t wait to hear from their hearts and pour Jesus into their lives.

One of my main goals while here is to make myself walk through uncomfortable situations. I have basically decided that if something makes me uncomfortable or is something that I may try to normally avoid (eating frogs for example), then I will do it and I will give it 100%.

So, today I played the drums in church. This is no big thing really, but since they have been asking me to play since I started coming here 9 years ago, and I have always refused, it was a big step for me. I do not know all the songs they sing here and I was so nervous I thought I might start shaking. However, once the music got started and people were praising, the presence of God fell on me and it all went smoothly. I have seen Him in so many ways this week.

Well, I know this is short and random, but it is past midnight here and I am SO tired. Hopefully I will be able to blog more often, but for now...

Thanks for reading!

Julie