Coffee shop musings.

Coffee shops get in my bones. This probably does not make sense to some people, but it makes perfect sense to me. Here are my thoughts: 

Local coffee shops are best. I remember a fondness for European shops, but it's been six years since I've graced the cobbled steps of Old Madrid and Barcelona. As for the Stateside establishments, I'm all for Starbucks and their overpriced coffee simply because it tastes decent and it's convenient, but there's something about discovering a smaller business that only the locals know about. It's exciting to me, the idea that one can make friends with the people who come to a coffee shop on a daily basis for the same reasons. Community in this particular environment is essential; I love being enveloped by the low-din of strangers whispering their conversations, and I love the soft music that plays, followed by the jingle of the change being dropped in the drawer, or the blender whirring to process something cold and icy. These musings make me miss my college hot-spots, as well as the two a.m. excursions to taste churros y chocolate in the cafes in Spain, but I'm thrilled to explore Arequipa in a couple months and encounter all it has to offer in the way of my favorite beverage and hang-out locales. Until then, I will endeavor to enjoy the time I have in America as I scope out the locals' go-to places. 

Much love and coffee....

Random.

I am not very introspective this evening. Thus, this is just a quick update. 

Here's a praise: I didn't do my Visa stuff right, but God is good, and He is letting me get in country through a travel Visa. That means that I will start my missionary/resident Visa paperwork once I get there. 

The Lord is showing me so much during this time. He is moving in incredible ways, and today was such a privilege in that we got to hear from Him through a man named K., who specializes in the Persecuted Church. "Uncle K" brought the word, his testimony, and the testimonies of others who have suffered for the cause of Christ. This session was by far the most interesting and educational session I've been to at FPO. I don't know what awaits me in Peru, but I know that the Lord is using all kinds of things to get the attention of non-believers around the world, and my prayer is that I am joining Him in what is going to become a massive Church-planting movement in South America. 

That's really all I've got for now. Shot day is tomorrow. I hate shots, p.s. People keep telling me, "Oh they're really not that bad, they don't hurt too much." These are lies. They do hurt that much. I know I'm kind of wimpy, but don't tell me shots are pleasant. 

I will try to come up with some more things to write about for the next time, for all you poor souls who read my less-than-fantastic musings. Perhaps next time the topics will include the oh-so-interesting thing that is the dining hall here. Let's just say I don't get enough protein because the meat is sketchy. Tonight I had apple jacks and a banana for dinner. 

from my journal.

the stars glow in the night sky like christmas lights tonight. the goodness of the Lord, His beauty, His never-ending majesty, is reflected in these lights that speak of glory. it all overwhelms me. 

i'm listening to "a little more" by shawn mcdonald. so good. he says "it's time to confess that i need a little more Jesus inside of me." this is my prayer. 

some scripture i stumbled upon yesterday: isaiah 58:11 reads like this....

the lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. 

even when i feel so low, i can come to the Father and He will pick me up. when i am so tired of this world, i have only to 'fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that i will not grow weary and lose heart" (heb. 12: 2-3).

sometimes, i do fear failure. the Lord commands me not to fear. so i press on, supressing this earthly tendency to worry and fear things. faith sustains me. not just in a shallow, intellectual way. the head is good for logic and knowledge, but the heart--the heart is where i must go for the Way. when i am tired, i just go home to my heart. it is in the secret crevices of my own soul that i find rest, because i find Jesus. even now, as i breathe in and out, as i feel my heart beating in my chest, i understand how much better He is--after all, i exist because of Him. there is nothing good in me apart from Christ. the fountains of water that stream up and out of my body speak to His love and mercy. he loves so much better than i ever could on my own. so i simply go to Him for sustenance, for cleansing. every day i am washed by the waters (see john 7:38). 

Life here.

Hey friends. It's that time again: Profound thoughts from Sarah. Ha. 

Seriously, I am glad to be able to share this time with you. Please, please, please keep me posted on your lives. I absolutely need to know what is going on with y'all. My heart is torn between people I love at home and new friends here. It's strange trying to balance the past and the present, new friends, and old. I mean, I barely have time to talk to my parents, if that says anything. 

I thought I would give a bit more insight into what this time in my life is looking like. Two weeks have passed, and I am thoroughly overwhelmed. The Lord is good, though, and is teaching me so much about enjoying this time while also seeking after Him. Some friends and I went to Starbucks tonight and did one of my favorite things in the world: Sharing life over a good cup of overpriced coffee. We started discussing how the Lord is moving during this time. Perhaps the most profound statement that has been said that we reflected on is that God doesn't call us to safety, success, or anything like that; He calls us first and foremost to Himself. How wonderful that the Father says "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters...." 

Yesterday was a good time of rest. I was able to do some productive things as well as hang out with friends. The ESL class that I was supposed to take was cancelled, so I got to do some reading, praying, and fellowshipping. The same happened today. How amazing that I am part of such community that really stresses Body Life. Our house church this morning was great, as was the cultural worship we had tonight. I got to take off my shoes for an hour-and-a-half and listen to a bunch of languages I had never heard. Glory to God that he understood what I was singing to Him in an Asian language, even though I had no idea what I was saying.

I have met some pretty awesome folks here. The Lord has answered prayer in knitting hearts together, even for such a short time. I told Mitch and Jeshica how cool it is that we have this bond. I know that the next time I see these people, we can just pick up where we left off. We've had a blast playing volleyball, going for walks, "jammin,'" and going to The Cheesecake Factory (!). Man, I love that place. The Journeyman also got to go to Elbert's house the other night for a "mixer" of sorts. Here's a fun fact: There are 77 girls here, and about 20 guys. That's right. So, someone decides to cram us into a pretty small living room to get to "know" each other. I say that in quotations because their idea of "knowing" one another seems increasingly sneaky. Let's just say that the pressure is on to eventually reproduce some MK's who will learn their respective language in a far off country and continue impacting the Kingdom. Praise the Lord if that happens. All I know is that right now, as much as "2+ring" or "career+ring" sound great, there is one thing that I need, and one thing that I desire more than ever, and His name is Jesus. 

To end on a less serious note: I am so happy that I don't have to start school tomorrow. So to all of you UGA folks reading this, I'm so sorry, but I do not envy you right now. Much love, and good luck on your first day of class. I get to learn about Church Planting Movements tomorrow. Yay!

Okay. I've recently noticed that my postings on the blog have been quite serious and introspective, save for my witty comment about the poop-on-the-loop in the Athens post. Therefore, as I was sitting in session today and deeply taking in the teaching of Jerry Rankin, my mind started to wander to funnier aspects of my time thus far at "The Farm." Here we go. 

1. Waking up.

I am not a morning person. I found this out freshman year of college when I signed up for a bunch of 8 ams, not understanding that the late night outings to Walmart and Taco Bell were going to quickly hinder my productivity, as well as my ability to pull myself out of the bed every morning. Throughout college, as I realized that I would never go to class before 10, I grew to love sleep. My good friends know all about the difficulties entailed in trying to wake me up; they also have a fond love for my earplugs, my pumpkin shirt, and my oh-so-pleasant demeanor as I wake up from a nap. 

Here's the kicker: I am not going to sleep during these 2 months in Virginia. This realization came as I set my alarm for 6:30 this morning and didn't manage to get out of the bed until five til 7. Needless to say, I didn't get everything done today that I needed to do. I did take a nap, and then Susan yelled at me for being grumpy afterwards. I still have a ton to do, and now I'm blogging. Great. 

2. Allergies. 

I'm allergic to the state of Virginia. It's true. I have never really had huge problems with allergies, but ever since moving here, my eyes and nose hate me. I sneeze about three dozen times from when I wake up (the crack of dawn) to when I sit down for the first session. My eyes are watering so much that people must think I am crying all the time. Basically, I'm in a pickle because I don't want to admit that I have allergies, and I don't feel like going to buy medication for this "non-existent" ailment of mine. Alas, I'm going to have to face Virginia head on. I refuse to go down without a fight. 

3. Kids 

So, I love kids. Being here is such a blessing because there are so many great families with cute kids around. Tonight, however, was the first night I actually got to play with them. Why, you ask? Let me tell you: The powers that be have put the fear of God into us when it comes to hangin' wit the chillun. Because there are so many problems with sexual abuse, we have to be really careful about how we conduct ourselves around children. Listen folks, I understand, I really do. Let me just say this: I am not a sexual predator. I just want to love on the kids, I promise. If you need a background check before I give your child a hug, I will gladly consent. 

4. Love is in the air 

The myth is true, folks. Journeyman love starts at the ILC. I've heard the stories, but had never seen it in action until now. People fall fast. God is working quickly. As Danielle says, the Lord has only 8 weeks to prepare hearts before they leave one another for 2 years. I've been privy to some budding relationships, so we'll see what happens. Don't drink the water. 

It's time.

I've been meaning to blog for three or four days now. I get distracted easily now, however, what with people here hanging out and lots of reading to do. Thus, I have not had the time to just sit and be. I'm thankful for the newest thought that has been introduced to me: Redeeming the time. In other words, I must make the most of the time that the Lord has given me, in everything I do. This is applicable to life in the present moment, as well as to life on the field in Peru when I am surrounded by a waiting harvest. 

I've been at FPO (orientation) now for almost a week. The Lord has challenged me, blessed me, taught me, and loved on me during this week. It's strange to think that I only have seven more weeks to go. We are kicking things into high gear this week, with an emphasis on personal goals and spiritual warfare. 

It is so refreshing to be able to be with folks who have a like mind-set. Whether I meet everyone at training or not, I already feel so full of love that I am in the midst of His wonderful Saints here on earth. I am reminded of 1 John: I am able to love because He loves me first. Amen. The other day, we were given the opportunity to share with everyone what the Lord had taught us as individuals, and I was floored by the words said, encouragement and truth read, and honesty and transparency flowing through everyone. I think my eyes have seen and my heart is beginning to realize that as "called out missionaries," we are not perfect people. We all still struggle with things. The good news is that Jesus allows us to be more than conquerors. He is faithful, and He will do it. 

One more thing to share that has profoundly affected me: The reminder that the throne of God will (and already has) people from every tribe, tongue and nation worshipping around it. One morning in a session, a lady came and led us in a song in Mandarin; another lady read the Word in a Southeast Asian dialect, and a man prayed in an African heart language. It was so very powerful. As has been the case with me these past weeks, I just wept. It is so beautiful to think that my great God has and will continue to make His name known throughout all the earth. Once again, with or without us, our Lord is faithful, and He will do it.  

Athens: Home of the Dawgs, REM, Hodgson's.....and my best friends in the whole world.

So I might be making a big assumption in thinking that people will read this, but to all my Athens-folk: This is for you. This is my tribute to the Classic City, Athens, GA.

As I left Athens officially today, I rode out of town with a plethora of memories, adventures, and faces in my rearview mirror. It is a very interesting thing, leaving the place that has had such an impact in shaping who I have become. I said "see you soon" to some friends, which is hard enough in itself. Perhaps harder is thinking that I won't be around town come football season, when the streets become seas of red and black, and everyone is linked by the perceived divine knowledge that we all hail from Bulldog Nation. I won't be around for the first crimson leaves to fall, nor will I shiver on cold mornings, only to later peel off layers in the heat of the Indian summer afternoon. I won't be around when Downtown is covered in lights at Christmas, and I'll miss sitting outside Starbucks on cool Spring mornings, in anticipation of the arrival of blooms (and the not-so-fun pollen). Clocked will miss my business, and the trees on North Campus will miss me climbing them. :)

There are so many good things about Athens. The people, the places, the streets, the sounds, and the smells (even "poop-on-the-loop") have so defined the last four years of my life. It has truly become my home here on earth. Here's the thing. As difficult as it is to say goodbye to this earthly home, I have a place that is being prepared for my arrival, and I am so excited. God is preparing hearts and minds in Peru, and He is going to create a new place there for me, filled with opportunities to make new memories. 

So to all my friends in Athens, I just want to say I love you. I love the city, but I love you even more. Thanks for your prayers, your love, your encouragement, your tears, your laughter, your adventurous spirits, your craziness, your joy, and so many other things. We have some good stories; I can't wait to hear about new stories while I'm away. 

One day, sometime in the future, I'll walk the sidewalks of Downtown Athens and venture under the Arch again. And I'll be once more in my old stomping grounds, in MY town, where God blessed me with fun times and beautiful friendships. 

One more thing: Go Dawgs! Sic em'!