Coffee and the Word
It has been far to long to update this blog but I am very thankful for suffient power and access to the internet than I did in Uganda. I would first like to appoligize to my friends who have wanted to hear how I have been doing and what's going on right now since arriving home in early June. I am very sorry but would like everyone to know I am so grateful for the encouragement, prayers, emails, and questions since coming back to the chicago land area. The more Ive talked to people the more i realized how blessed and how i was covered in prayers while living in Tanzania and Uganda. So THANK YOU and THANK THE LORD!!!!!Since coming home it has honestly been an awkward adjustment to society, family, friends, and my relationshio with God. It's hard to explain but it has taken some time to get use to going into a grocery store, a clean bathroom, or even sleeping in a bed! All these things i had no idea would feel so foreign after being gone. I see now how many things use to clutter my life and time. Nonetheless I see God's awesome hand in my life-and not because of where I went or did-but because of God's changing power in my life. I truly believe god brought me to Tanzania and Uganda to peel away myself and my old character to show me the power of Jesus in me and to bring Himself glory. There were times that were very rough and yet they were used to peal off my oldself to become more like Christ.
This summer flew by faster than any summer I can remember. Although it has gone by quickly I am so grateful for the people i met up with...both from DTS and friends/family from home. Tim Dyk came out from Washington to visit with my family but also to start a realtionship after praying and being apart for 6 months. It was a very good time and I was able to show him all the chicago highlights but most of all catch up and be together. Later on John Vicory and Mrs. Vicory traveled from Denver to Chicago for his second benefit show at Fitzgerad's where many close friends and family came out to buy his photos, hear about the different ministries they could support, and hear Sharon and my friend Mo sing. It was a night to behold and I believe God connected many people where God moved in the conversation.
In August God opened up a door for me, Sharon, and David (my bro and sis) to work at a privately owned Christian Coffee shop called Elijah's. It was a prayer request I had in Uganda and it is such a cool place to work and talk to people about the Lord and serve coffee! The atmosphere is really chill and I love talking to the "regulars" that come in everyday for their lattes or dip coffee.
Two weeks ago I jumped in a van to go on my church's junior high leader's retreat! Every Tuesday I will be helping out with the junior highers to know God and make him known. I never thought I would go back to the juior high years of my life but the students are so cool to hang with and God is teaching me so much through their lives already!
Many people have asked me, "so what's new for this fall?" Its a question I have been asking myself and don't have a clear answer for. In October of last year I heard about a YWAM photography trip that would travel around the world and focus on the oppression and injstice of women and children around the world with Biblical training, world view studies, and photography training. After a really really long time of praying and seeking God out all I have heard and understood is that I am to be patient and wait. So for now im trying to be patient, stick to what's infront of me, be responsible, and allow God to lead.
Waiting is one of the hardest aspects of the Christian faith. It's hard to believe Jesus, Paul, Abraham, and the disciples had to wait on the Lord before starting any of their ministries. America is set on the fast track we don't like to wait for anything. I find this trait in myself and have to lay it down again and again so that in everything I am moving, breathing, and listening to God.This is where I am soooooo grateful for God's Word and how He humbles me when I feel so hopeless. Last Sunday at church the guest speaker taught out of Isaiah 50 and how God's servant was faithful to him even in the darkest hour. I really like this verse...
"Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph...trust in the Lord and rely on your God." Is 50:7-10
Thanks for taking the time to read this and also for your prayers! God is in control and when I cannot trace the hand of God I can trust his heart...even if I have to wait.
posted by Ruth @ 3:32 PM
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