My Week

In my discernment process for what the Lord is calling me to next year, I have been considering many options. I feel that the Lord wants me to be teaching in a branch while living in household. One of the forerunners among those living situations is Dinkytown. So I have been checking out life there this past week. (Well, I'm still here.) :) It has been a great week! The head of the women's house that I am staying at has made me a schedule for each day... it's awesome.

Each member of the household spends an hour of their time each week doing missionary work (affectionately called "mishing") This involves walking up to people (strangers or not) and talking to them about the Lord, getting together with previous contacts, and other activities of this nature. So, I went with Jen and Cara to experience this first-hand for the first time on Thursday. Jen led the first charge and Cara the second. Unfortunately, neither one produced much of a connection. Then Jen turns to me and says, "Do you want to lead the next one?" (pause) "Umm... sure!" Our opening line which I really like was "Hi, (introductions). We are looking for women who are interested in building Christian community..." We ended up talking to two friends, Kristen and Veronica, who are both strong Christians. A few minutes into our conversation they said "Well, we're both graduating this spring." "Really? So am I! And you know the best thing about living our life in Christian community? We form friendships that last a lifetime. We've come from all over the country and committed to live our lives this way, together." Their comment could have been a conversation ender, but the Lord opened a door there. Jen was really direct and asked if they wanted to come over for dinner that night. They were busy, but then we invited them to Lord's Day... this is the best part. (Kristen:) "I think I could probably do that." (Veronica:) "Well, I think we should at least try it out." Praise God!!! We kept praying for them the rest of the week, and they both came to Lord's Day. Glory!!! We had some great conversations and I know they enjoyed themselves. The Lord really blessed all of us in that and it was a great first "mishing" experience. Hopefully they can come to a dinner here next week or something.

Our King's blessings are never ending. He gives us desires in our heart that we may not even be aware of! He showed me that twice this week... but those are stories for another time. You'll just have to ask me about it. :) After our Lord's Day meal tonight, we had a cd release party for J-T Kelly. It was great! The house was full of Division members, guests, and Action team members. I bet that there were at least 70 people there. What a joyous occasion! I've been thinking about Allendale a LOT this week and really miss it. The Lord has united my heart with that place and those people. Rejoicing in J-T's efforts was a great way to end the week... especially since he was my boss in Allendale. Ah, good times!

Other random highlights of the week: playing soccer on the mall, free Ben & Jerry's ice cream, running into a number of friends from UMM and Trinity, roof of the Physics building, having lots of time in prayer and reflection, doing chores, hearing talks from the PTI, reconnecting with friends from grade school, Morning Prayer at 6:30 am, beautiful weather, many long walks, job hunting, getting asked to schedule my first interview, the "happy meter log"... But by far the best part of this week was being able to spend real, quality time with these sisters and brothers. There were so many great talks about life. I was inclined to distinguish between "life in general" and "life in the People of Praise" but then I realized that for me, they are one and the same. That has become clear. Come, Father, move in power!

Update on My Father's Job

So, my Dad finally hear about the Dean's position at MCTC today. Read on (to hear it from him) and then see a note from me at the bottom...

Dear family and friends,
Today I got a call from the Sr. VP of MCTC, I was informed that they selected one of the other finalists for the Dean of Workforce Development and she accepted the position. I sincerely appreciate everyone's prayers, support, and encouragement. I can truly say that I gave it my very best effort. The other finalists had current direct experience in continuing education and customized training. They said they would keep me in mind for other opportunities. I am glad that I was able to stay under the radar here in Nevada and still have my job ... we are making great progress (on most days) providing employment services to people with disabilities. Again thanks for your prayers and support ... God has a plan ... it is a long and winding road. I'm reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6 a favorite verse of mine at times like these:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight."
God bless you all!
Mick

So, I would like to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for your support during this process. No, it's not easy to hear this news, but after not hearing anything last week, I was preparing myself for this. Keep him and my family in your prayers and may His Will be done! I don't have anything to add to what my Dad said. God bless!

A Great Gift

Tonight I was incredibly blessed by the opportunity to get together with a former classmate. We have literally known each other our entire lives, but have not seen each other in nearly two and a half years. I hate it when I lose contact with people, but I'm having to accept that it's just a part of life sometimes. I have kind of realized that there seem to be two main natures that friendships can take in this context. One, is that once contact is lessened or lost, it is extremely difficult to regain. The other path is where you can pick up again, right where you are in life without missing a beat. This friendship renewed tonight is certainly the latter.

I was able to go over to her new apartment and we spent nearly five hours together, just talking (plus exploring a favorite old bookstore and some delicious ice cream). We covered a gamut of topics and opened doors to many more conversations to come. I am hoping that with my upcoming proximity to her, that this renewal is able to be strengthened even further. We have both gone through a lot in our lives and have many exciting experiences and learned life lessons to share with one another.

But the biggest blessing? It was very clearly when I came to the realization that God has her in the palm of His Hand, whether or not she knows it. In the past, this dear friend of mine battled with a depression worse than many cases I have ever seen and she also struggled with eating disorders. Now she is healthy and stated to me enthusiastically, "Karen, I have never been so happy in my entire life! I am just bursting with joy and loving life." Her joy is my joy... I was elated. Lord, I would ask that You continue to draw her close and protect her as she continues on the path that You have set for her. Show her that You are still her God and her best friend. Whether or not she realizes it, I know the deep-seated love that she has for You. Show me the way to go and the words to speak. Let me radiate Your Love. Amen.

"We live, we love. We forgive and never give up 'cause the days we are given are gifts from above, and today we remember to live and to love." (Superchic[k])

A Bribe

So, today was my second to last day in my classroom. Many of my student have been quite vocal about not wanting me to leave. One of my boys who is a bit of a trouble-maker came up to me this morning and said "Miss Coleman, why can't you stay? I want you to. If you stay, I promise I won't be bad any more. I'll be good!" Something like that just breaks my heart, how can it not?! (His behavior has actually improved drastically within my time here through meetings with his grandma (his legal guardian) to get all of us on the same page.) Tomorrow will be an interesting and emotionally-draining day, I am sure.

By the way, here's a story from Nightline that I just saw... interesting indeed. http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=2935819&page=1