At the end of the year I look back and see where I've come and what I've learned. This year, 2010, the year I was 21 . . .
Where I've come:
Last January I stopped working at the salon, and began working as a tax assistant for the season. I continued working part-time for Love180 as a secretary, and teaching horseback riding lessons. In June I left for Indiana for the summer where I was a cabin counselor for middle school girls in the horse program. I returned home for a few weeks in order to pack my things and move to Lancaster where I made my home in a family's upstairs spare room. I had a job, I lost the job, I went jobless, and finally found a part-time nanny job as well as a part-time salon job, both of which I adore. Three months after that move, I moved again, a few minutes away, to live with two other girls. I've been here a month. It's just temporary, but I feel settled (as much as I can as most of my things are still packed in boxes in four different locations.) I've moved three times, lived in three different states, and had seven different jobs.
What I've learned:
I've learned to be thankful. I've learned that without spending time with God, I can't really give a whole lot. I've learned that my weaknesses don't define me; Christ does. I've learned what it's like to be in need. I've learned that God really is all I need, and that I'm nothing without Him. I've learned a little more about surrender, a little more about following, and a little more about love. I've learned that God's timing is so much better than mine. I've learned about who I am, and I'm okay with who that is. I've learned about communication, and about friendships. I've learned God's faithfulness, and that His power is made perfect in my weakness. I've learned to let the tears come. I've learned about grace.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Employed Again
First for an update on my nanny job. I love it! I don't really have words for it. I feel at home in their house, and I've been welcomed into their family. We couldn't have been fit together better. I love their dogs who greet me at the door, and their cat who talks non-stop and curls up in my lap for a nap if there's not too much commotion. I love coloring with Emi, and making dinner with Kaylyn. I love that I can call Matt when my car is dead, and that Hope knows what I'm feeling before I tell her.
Now for an introduction to my second job. I am employed at a salon in Shrewsbury. It takes me an hour one way to get to work, but I'm hoping to transfer to Lancaster in a few months. For now, it's work, and about work I'm not complaining. Yesterday was my first day. I jumped right into the routine of things, remembered the computer system, and acted as if I'd been there forever. The salon was busy and the atmosphere was pleasant. I don't want to get too attached since I plan to transfer, but so far it has been good. I did haircut after haircut, and shampoo after shampoo, sweeping hair between every client. After not working in a salon in nearly a year, I thought it might feel weird, or that I'd forget how to blend a clipper cut, or not be able to carry on conversation with each client, or my feet would hurt. But as each person sat in my chair, it came naturally, as if it was just a part of who I am. I don't really plan to work in the beauty industry for the rest of my life, but for now it's a paycheck, and I know I'll always point out people by their hair style.
I'm one step closer to living in the ghetto. And I'm so blessed.
Now for an introduction to my second job. I am employed at a salon in Shrewsbury. It takes me an hour one way to get to work, but I'm hoping to transfer to Lancaster in a few months. For now, it's work, and about work I'm not complaining. Yesterday was my first day. I jumped right into the routine of things, remembered the computer system, and acted as if I'd been there forever. The salon was busy and the atmosphere was pleasant. I don't want to get too attached since I plan to transfer, but so far it has been good. I did haircut after haircut, and shampoo after shampoo, sweeping hair between every client. After not working in a salon in nearly a year, I thought it might feel weird, or that I'd forget how to blend a clipper cut, or not be able to carry on conversation with each client, or my feet would hurt. But as each person sat in my chair, it came naturally, as if it was just a part of who I am. I don't really plan to work in the beauty industry for the rest of my life, but for now it's a paycheck, and I know I'll always point out people by their hair style.
I'm one step closer to living in the ghetto. And I'm so blessed.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Moving Day #2
Yesterday was moving day number two in about three months. I packed up most of my things to go down to the basement, and prepared the rest to move the five minutes into the city where my new home will be for the next few months. It all happened when Hannah, a girl I met at a church I've been attending, asked me to come join her and her roomie, Melody, when their third roomie got married. After some thought, I decided to take the offer and move in with them temporarily. The duplex is located in a more classy area of town so I don't plan to be here too long as I still hope to live in the ghetto area of the city soon. For now, it is cheaper for me to live here than to be on my own, and it gives the other two girls some time to find someone more permanent. George and Ashley will be able to be a family again, and I will have the chance to make new friends. It will also be good for Ashley and I to wrestle through our friendship without the stress of living together. There were some times when we were best friends in the past three months, but there were some times we were worst enemies too. (Right, Ash?!)
In the morning, George helped me move the big stuff downstairs - whether to the basement or to the living room for easy access to my car. I loaded up for trip number one, and turned the key. Nothing. My car was dead. (It had died the day before as well, but I was hoping that after it got re-charged it would be back to working order!) I laughed. Resting my head against the steering wheel, I whispered, "Thanks, God. Increase my faith." My dear friend, Sara, was on her way from Baltimore to help me move. I waited for her, and then we went to Wal-mart for jumper cables. Flurries came down as we ran the errand. I love snow. I love the freezing cold. Perfect day. We jumped my car, and after dropping off the car load at the new place, we went to get a new battery for my car. Eventually, we made it back to the house to pick up the last of my things, drove the five minutes into the city to my new home, and began the unpacking and organizing process.
My room is the smallest in the house. I think the bathroom is even bigger than my bedroom! It doesn't have a closet so there's not a lot of storage space. Putting my organizational skills to use, I eventually found a little bit of clear floor space. Sara hung up my Christmas lights, and the room is cute and homey, even if it is a little crowded.
I ran out in the evening to get a little shelf thing to help with organizing things up off the floor. As I put it together, I realized I was in need of screwdriver. Back to Wal-mart I went - it was my fourth Wal-mart visit of the day! Purchasing a screwdriver and jumper cables in one day made me feel all grown up! I put the shelf together sometime near midnight, and although I didn't do it quite right, it stands up just fine and seems plenty sturdy.
My new roomies have been great, and I'm excited to call this home for the next month or two. Until Moving Day #3 arrives. Here are pictures from all four corners of the room, and one picture of one of the frames I have on the wall. Photography by Caught By A Flash.
In the morning, George helped me move the big stuff downstairs - whether to the basement or to the living room for easy access to my car. I loaded up for trip number one, and turned the key. Nothing. My car was dead. (It had died the day before as well, but I was hoping that after it got re-charged it would be back to working order!) I laughed. Resting my head against the steering wheel, I whispered, "Thanks, God. Increase my faith." My dear friend, Sara, was on her way from Baltimore to help me move. I waited for her, and then we went to Wal-mart for jumper cables. Flurries came down as we ran the errand. I love snow. I love the freezing cold. Perfect day. We jumped my car, and after dropping off the car load at the new place, we went to get a new battery for my car. Eventually, we made it back to the house to pick up the last of my things, drove the five minutes into the city to my new home, and began the unpacking and organizing process.
My room is the smallest in the house. I think the bathroom is even bigger than my bedroom! It doesn't have a closet so there's not a lot of storage space. Putting my organizational skills to use, I eventually found a little bit of clear floor space. Sara hung up my Christmas lights, and the room is cute and homey, even if it is a little crowded.
I ran out in the evening to get a little shelf thing to help with organizing things up off the floor. As I put it together, I realized I was in need of screwdriver. Back to Wal-mart I went - it was my fourth Wal-mart visit of the day! Purchasing a screwdriver and jumper cables in one day made me feel all grown up! I put the shelf together sometime near midnight, and although I didn't do it quite right, it stands up just fine and seems plenty sturdy.
My new roomies have been great, and I'm excited to call this home for the next month or two. Until Moving Day #3 arrives. Here are pictures from all four corners of the room, and one picture of one of the frames I have on the wall. Photography by Caught By A Flash.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Lost My Life
Sometimes I feel like I've lost my life. In my move up here to Lancaster City, I lost a lot. I lost friends. There are a few people I'm still in touch with, but not for the most part, and I'm learning that brand new friendship making is a slow process. I lost my hobby. I haven't ridden a horse in weeks. That was the one thing I did for exercise (now I run up 38 stairs to get to my bedroom), and the one time I really enjoyed the moment and stopped thinking and processing life. I lost my job. I have a really great part-time thing here as a nanny. I love every day I'm with those girls. But I need something else because I'm not sure I can pay all my bills this month. I lost my church and my ministry and my community.
If it sounds like I'm complaining, I'm not. I'm thoughtful. I'm a little sad. But it's good. Jesus says, "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it." (Luke 9:24)
Side note: I have been thinking about this 'losing my life' concept for the past couple weeks, but now that I'm actually sitting down (well, lieing on the floor) ready to write this blog, I can't focus. Why? Well, remember all those steps I said I have to go up and down to my room? I slid down a flight of them earlier tonight and have a burn on my wrist and it hurts really, really badly. Just saying.
I've been blessed. Blessed by George and Ashley who gave me this bedroom and invited me to be a part of their family for the past three months. Blessed by Hannah, a girl I met at a church here, who I'll be living with shortly and has welcomed me as her friend. Blessed by an incredible job, watching two amazing girls who make me laugh, and working for their gracious parents, Matt and Hope. Blessed by NewSong Fellowship, the church I've been attending for the past few months. I'm still not completely sure if I'll end up calling it home, but they have welcomed me and shown me the love of Jesus. I've been blessed by bunches of road blocks and illness and strife that is teaching me to stand firm in my faith and to trust God like I never have before, and to say, "Thank You."
I am so blessed. There will always be days like today: when the rain pours down, and I don't get the job, and I melt the spoon in the mac 'n' cheese, and the dog pees on the rug, and crayon gets marked on the door, and I fall down the stairs, and I get sick because I ate the frozen pizza I was craving even though I knew it wasn't a good idea. There will be days when I forget why I moved, when I don't see the point, and when I'm tired of waiting. But I'm blessed. I've lost my life; I've found an amazing journey with Jesus that will last for eternity.
If it sounds like I'm complaining, I'm not. I'm thoughtful. I'm a little sad. But it's good. Jesus says, "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it." (Luke 9:24)
Side note: I have been thinking about this 'losing my life' concept for the past couple weeks, but now that I'm actually sitting down (well, lieing on the floor) ready to write this blog, I can't focus. Why? Well, remember all those steps I said I have to go up and down to my room? I slid down a flight of them earlier tonight and have a burn on my wrist and it hurts really, really badly. Just saying.
I've been blessed. Blessed by George and Ashley who gave me this bedroom and invited me to be a part of their family for the past three months. Blessed by Hannah, a girl I met at a church here, who I'll be living with shortly and has welcomed me as her friend. Blessed by an incredible job, watching two amazing girls who make me laugh, and working for their gracious parents, Matt and Hope. Blessed by NewSong Fellowship, the church I've been attending for the past few months. I'm still not completely sure if I'll end up calling it home, but they have welcomed me and shown me the love of Jesus. I've been blessed by bunches of road blocks and illness and strife that is teaching me to stand firm in my faith and to trust God like I never have before, and to say, "Thank You."
I am so blessed. There will always be days like today: when the rain pours down, and I don't get the job, and I melt the spoon in the mac 'n' cheese, and the dog pees on the rug, and crayon gets marked on the door, and I fall down the stairs, and I get sick because I ate the frozen pizza I was craving even though I knew it wasn't a good idea. There will be days when I forget why I moved, when I don't see the point, and when I'm tired of waiting. But I'm blessed. I've lost my life; I've found an amazing journey with Jesus that will last for eternity.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
