Week 1 is Already Over! My How Time Flies!!

What a week!!! This has been one of the most chaotic, amazing, and challenging weeks I've went through in quite some time (and that includes the week I spent 3 nights in the after hours study lounge)!! In the near-future I hope to update more with less to write than less with more to write. But enough of that!

When God shows up, He shows up BIG! Working at the church this week has really been great!! I work with Emily, my prime mentor who has been very helpful in the transition process! She is awesome -- though I would expect nothing less since she graduated from Huntington!! I also work with Leanne who is so funny and reminds me of so many people from home bundled into one person. It's fascinating. These ladies have been fantastic!

So Good News!! I can navigate my way around Saline with little to no problem and I am getting much better at stumbling around Ann Arbor as well. I currently use my GPS more as an affirmation of being correct in the direction I am heading rather than a crutch to go from one location to another. It's a small step but I'm quite proud of it!!

I have made some good connections with the youth as well. Last week I led a name-game which proved to be lots of fun for me and for them. That was very helpful and I feel as though I remember most of their names which is a blessing! I also bribed them with a prize for anyone who adds me as a facebook friend by tomorrow. So far about six of them have which makes me happy! I also went to a morning meeting that the senior high does before school....at 6:45 am! I was glad to see them come out and really excited that they wanted to continue it throughout the summer....just at a later time, which is fine by me!

It was at this morning meeting that I felt convicted by God to spend more time with Him. He has been teaching me that working for Him does not mean that I will spend less one-on-one time with Him, but instead I will need to spend more! As a result I have just finished reading 1st Peter and am on to 2nd Peter. What a book! I strongly encourage you to read through it!

At the church I have had the chance to meet many people so far! All have been very welcoming and kind! I also have had the chance to use my Microsoft Publisher skills (thanks Ryan ha) to create calendars for June for both junior and senior high that details upcoming activities. I made my first phone call to book a location today and while I was a bit nervous I thought it went alright overall. I am learning that I do not like to make phone calls, however I'm going to just have to toughen up and do it. I also anticipate that it will become more natural and easy with time.

While things really are great, they're not always easy! I might as well share the hard times with the good! The most difficult challenge for me so far has been the idea of not having people around who are my own age! This has resulted in strange feelings of lonliness and feeling as though I'm all alone. One reason it is so hard for me is because I am used to living in Huntington and having friends down the hall or at least in close proximity. I've heard this town does not have many people of my age group nor does the church I attend. While it is difficult, it will all be alright! I'm sure I will find someone to hang out with eventually :)

As far as the family I am living with goes....things are great! I have watched several movies with them and have learned the wonderful game of "I take". While I had beginners luck the first time, I failed miserably the second and will have to brush up my skills before next time. They are lovely people who have welcomed me into thier home so kindly!! I am so incredibly blessed to live with them and have the chance to grow closer to them. Also thier dogs are so fun! The St. Bernard, Schroeder, is so funny and has recently chased his tail and become more comfortable with me. He now brings me his toys and wants me to play with him. Of course I say yes to this...he's a big dog, I'm not telling him no! The other dog, Marcy, is a Bernese and honestly the sweetest thing ever! If I were to buy a dog that is what I would buy!!!

There is about a million other things I could write about but I'll spare your time and just conclude with a few random things I've done during week 1 in Saline:
Whirleyball, Seen a giant tennis ball, rode in a convertible, drove through downtown Ann Arbor, watched Avatar, Galaxy Quest, and Benjamin Button, made my bed everyday!, learned the game "I take", saw the University of Michigan (the law library is beautiful!), found the best cup of coffee in the world, learned to love the patio in the sun, AND I have grown to love God more and to love His people more. What more could I ask for?!?

All in all week one was a success!