It has been an enjoyable last few days.
Sunday was lovely. Everyone at the church is so friendly. So many people offering to take me to see surrounding areas- so grateful! I was so excited to go a church service. It felt like forever since I was with a group of fellow believers worshipping in song. Pastor Greg called me up and introduced me to the church. I was able to participate in the first service, but to the second I went up and helped with grades 3-6 "Sunday's Cool". There were about 20 youngsters. We studied the story of Stephen, who stayed true to the Lord under persecution and asked for forgivness for his killers even when they were stoning him. It was cool to hear the students respond if they ever have had persecution for being a Christian. One student responded how he was made fun of for having a Bible app on his phone, but he stood up against explaining he was a Christian and that he wants it on there. Pray for these students! Some of the girls came up to me asking if I had been to America and if I knew Hannah Montana and New Direction! haha. After church they had a "sausage sizzle" for me! A kind way of welcoming me to the church. A wonderful morning. I grabbed a coffee at "Hungry Jack's" ( another name for Burger King) with two girls and headed home. I went out again with Emily and Emmah to Bendigo ( a country town about an hour and a half away). Emily is moving there next week for her promotion as Apparel Manager at K-Mart. It was a beautiful drive to the town.We went to the evening service at Bendigo Baptist (where Emily is going to go). It was quite nice! They played "Mighty to Save" which has always meant so much to me. I still can't get used to people thinking that I talk cool! I'm like "No...you are the one who talks cool!".
Monday- my day off. I awoke and was brave enough to go on my first run in Australia. I was careful to memorize each turn I took so I could make my way back to the house. It was chilly- but so nice to run again! I then went to Bendigo with Emily again. We went to the K-mart and looked around a bit. Then Emily took me to one of her favorite restaurants- "Nando's". It was portugeuse inspired food and was quite good. We went and checked out two housing options that she was looking into. She made an offer on the one she really wanted- and we just found out she got it! I will be sad when she moves this weekend. We grabbed a cup of coffee and then headed on home! It was a very windy and rainy ride jammin' to music.
Tuesday I went up with Pastor Greg to church. I caught up with a few e-mails and then joined in on "Friendship Group". This is a weekly date with the senior citizens from the church. We played "carpet bowl" and I have to say they are a whole lot better than me. It was great to get to meet them and I am eager to get to know them better. Then, I went to with Paulina to meet with a lady who is involved with the schools. We talked about ways that the church can get involved and support them. Then, I headed home where Pastor Greg and I had a sandwich for lunch. Through conversation he shared with me his call to ministry and challenged me with some goals for my time here. It was inspiring. Then, he went back up to church. I did a few things and then went on another run. This time, I made it to the nearest Coles ( supermarket). I spent a good while just wandering the aisles, everything is just so different it was interesting. I found a park and took a little while just swinging and praying. I then helped Kathy with the cooking and dishes. I watched the Aussie shows "Packed to the Rafters" and "The Block" with the fam.
Wednesday (today)- I was suppossed to do a couple events with the highschools this morning, but it didn't work out. I prayed that today would be for his glory. I don't personally like not having anything to do- I like to be busy. I pulled out what we studied in Orientation- Phillipians 2. " Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others" (verse 3-4). Through reading through this chapter God was kinda like, "Taylor, you are not here for yourself. You are here for me to help those I love. Stop complaining- even if its just in your head". It ended up being a lovely day. I worked on planning sunday school. Emily had the day off, so I went along with her to help her run some errands. Then, I came home did some laundry and put up some dishes. Then, I decided to go on a walk to a nearby coffee shop. I brought my bible and did some reading while drinking my latte. There were crayons to draw on the paper table clothes. I illustrated and drew some verses that were on my heart. I'm thinking that this will be a hang-out for me when I have free-time. I pray that God will bring about relationships with the workers and prepare conversations to be made. I then headed back home. Emily, Emmah, and I went out for "tea" (dinner) and then to a movie- What to Expect When You are Expecting! Emmah actually works at the theatre, so we got in free. Otherwise a movie here cost you about $18! It was a lovely evening. I was just so happy after this mornings reading. I think just spending more time in the Word and prayer was what I needed, more time with Him. "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."- Jeremiah 29:13.
Prayer Requests- If you don't mind..pray here is needed!
- for the youth to grow in their faith and a passion for the Lord
-for the nearby schools and students
-for me to develop relationships with the workers/customers at the coffee shop- (art de cafe)
-for the seniors to get outside their comfort zone
-for me to find complete satisfaction and comfort in His ways
I love you all.
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