Blessings of Rest

I have been able to enjoy real, quality rest lately. After returning home from college, I found it difficult to give up the busy, busy pace of school life. I began working at a job that I really didn't like (waitressing) and support raising like crazy, making phone calls and mailings constantly. It was an okay period of life. Who am I kidding? I was miserable. I enjoyed getting to talk with my supporters but other than that, I was pretty unhappy and missing my friends from school.

In the beginning of this month, God began to rain down blessings on me. First, I received a job at my home church working as a fill-in secretary. I had been praying since about January of this year that I wouldn't have to waitress yet again. When nothing came through, I figured that God wanted me to waitress and that it would be a sanctifying experience. Which it was. But, God, in his goodness, decided to bless me with this job. I now have a job I enjoy in a pleasant environment and I'm getting to know my home church better in the months before I leave for Uganda.

A few days after hearing that I had gotten the job, I was able to spend a week in Ocean City, NJ with my family and some friends from school. This was an incredible time of decompressing and rest for me. A whole week of sitting on the beach reading good books was truly fantastic. I spent time with my family and was unbelievably touched when my 2 year-old niece asked for Aunt Chrissy to come kiss her good-night. Later in the week, a few of my closest friends from school came from NY, CT, and PA. We had lots of laughs and even got in the freezing ocean.

Time on the boardwalk with my college friends.

Sweet N hanging out in the stroller.

E doing in the same.

A showing off her goofy personality.

M showing off his beach hat.

That week also gave me some time alone to think and process. My support has been coming in fast (over 75% of my monthly support is pledged!) and the reality of leaving America and moving to Uganda has started to hit. The vast majority of the time, I only feel excitement and eagerness to go when I think of Uganda. But when I'm really enjoying time with my family or an American comfort, it can be easy to think of what I'm leaving behind. Thankfully I can trust God and know that His calling is true and that my support flowing in is concrete proof that He wants me in Uganda. Being in the center of His will isn't always the easiest thing but I know that it is the best!

After returning from the beach, I began my new job and my support raising has slowed down from its previously frenzied pace. I have been enjoying afternoons basking in the sun while floating on a raft in our pool. I have taken the time to enjoy the cornfields that spread far on both sides of the back roads I drive every day. I have been blessed with real rest and relaxation. I am a person that likes to be busy and is often uncomfortable with an empty day planner. But God has been showing me that it is okay to enjoy a season of rest. I know that my life will speed up again in a few months as I attend orientation, begin packing, and start my new chapter in Uganda. But for now, I think I will just enjoy basking in the glow of God's rich blessings. And in the sun while I swim in our pool :)