Where to begin? I am living in this beautiful house with my lovely roommate in Woodburn, Oregon. The Lord has really provided me with the desires of my heart! Though my recent heartache has brought me a sense of desolation at times, I will never deny the fact that God is here and He’s creating a new heart in me. Growth ensues and the Lord prevails I’m trying to soak up Romans 8:28. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

I’m now a barista at Starbucks in Salem. It’s quite the challenging job, oddly enough. Even so, it’s been a rewarding experience. I’ve developed a few great relationships with coworkers and customers. I’m thankful for this season of my life to settle in and discover what it’s like to have a full-time job. It’s definitely a new adventure!

I’m loving my church/family here. Serving in a church is such a new thing to me. I’m thankful to have the secretary as a sister to make it an easier transition! It feels like home to me and it’s been a very long time since I’ve been somewhere I feel like I fit in. There’s a purpose for me here and I’m excited to see what it really is and discover these gifts. I’m learning to love people in such a different way than I did before! Thank you, Lord. It’s been a long time coming. All of this has!

I’ve been looking back on the progress made on all accounts. Work, attitude, relationships, time management, paying bills, serving, etc. Everything that comes with being an adult (and a human). I feel like I’m fully immersed. It’s terrifying! I can’t believe I finally left the nest (or rather fell out of the nest?) and am pursuing life instead of being still.

I know you all thought “Finally!” when you heard I was moving out on my own. Don’t deny it My point in writing this was to speedily catch you up and thank you for praying and loving me through everything!

On another note, I’d like to leave you with these lyrics:

And after the storm I run and run as the rains come
And I look up, I look up
On my knees and out of luck, I look up

Night has always pushed up day
You must know life to see decay
But I won’t rot, I won’t rot
Not this mind and not this heart,
I won’t rot

And I took you by the hand
And we stood tall
And remembered our own land, what we lived for

And there will come a time, you’ll see, with no more tears
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears
Get over your hill and see what you find there
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair

And now I cling to what I knew
I saw exactly what was true
But oh, no more
That’s why I hold
That’s why I hold with all I have
That’s why I hold

I won’t die alone and be left there
Well I guess I’ll just go home,
Oh God knows where
Because death is just so full and man so small
Well I’m scared of what’s behind and what’s before

And there will come a time, you’ll see, with no more tears
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears
Get over your hill and see what you find there
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair

“After the Storm” – Mumford and Sons

Once I have time to access photos and such, I’ll probably start off with a summary of my trip to California a few weeks ago. Don’t get your hopes up

K bye!