Day 4: A mini-update

I have decided that because SO much is happening during my first few days here (and I can only imagine that will continue for at least a week or two), I am going to update my blog more than just once a week because too much happens in a week to put all in one post!

So I left off with Yami coming over? That's where I'll pick up.  She came over and brought lunch, and she stayed for several hours.  During that time, she shared part of her testimony with me, and was able to comfort me even through the language barrier.  She prayed for me and really made sure that I knew that she cared and that she understands what I'm going through.  For a lot of the time I was in my room unpacking and she was in Laura's room studying English.  It was so great to have someone I've only just met reach out in such a loving way.

Sunday Laura took me to her church, and that was totally awesome.  We sat in the second row (a bit intimidating, if you ask me!) and, I'll admit the whole experience started of iffy.  I wasn't sure what the songs were saying, some were familiar but others new; sometimes I felt like crying because it was so cool that God understood everything, and sometimes I felt like crying because I didn't understand anything (nor did I know anyone, and that's never cool at church).

As the service went on, however, and the pastor started talking, I couldn't help but be moved by the sermon.  Some of the main points were that we have to listen when God calls us (and blessings come from that), we can't be tempted by the Devil to give up or procrastinate God's will and His plans for us, and if we ignore God's will, nothing good will come from that.  I had been feeling so defeated in the previous two days, and to hear someone say "Don't give up; God loves you; God will never leave you" was just what I needed.

What was also encouraging about the church was that, I was not the only one moved by this sermon and the worship time (which was both a full set before and after the sermon); there were women children and men (including young adult men who always seem "too cool for tears") crying and breaking down.  It was so encouraging to see people who cared more about their relationship with God than what others were thinking of them. I'm pretty sure I want to go back to that church. Also, Laura is SUPER involved in the church (it seems, based on the schedule she was telling me) and so today after work I believe we're going to head over for some activity or another.  She asked if I wanted to just go home after work, and maybe I will, but more than that I want to see what else this church has to offer.

Now, as I'm writing this, we have not left for work yet and I don't know how this day will play out.  I know I'm feeling more optimistic (and way more rested) than on Friday (not to mention, I'm expecting it this time), but I also know that can change fairly quickly (I mean, look at my turn-around from Friday to Sunday!)

So I'm asking you to pray with and for me today for these things:

• Today will run fairly smoothly at work
• I will start to understand how things work (at work and in general in CR)
• I will start to get to know the people I'm working with and a little more about them
• I will not forget that this is where God has called me and that He won't leave me
• I will meet people from church that will become good friends
• For Laura and my friendship and understanding of one another to grow

Thank you so much.

Peace and Blessings,
Kiki