I do feel naked without it.

There's a lot going on right now... and I lost my phone today so if you're the praying type, would you believe with me that it'll come back please?? Thanks.

Jesus and Gelato

My friend Beka, whom I know from Thailand, went back to Cali this morning. She's on break from school at the Air Force base in Monterey and amazingly came here to spend a few days with me! I've been really stressed out from training to be a server since last Monday and I felt horrible for needing to study while she was here. She was really gracious though! Finally last night she and I were able to go out into downtown and just hang out. We walked around for a while and then walked into Powell's to ask about a gelato shop I'd seen before (but couldn't remember where). Then we went and ate the worlds BEST gelato, ever! I got a cone with a scoop of mango and one of hazelnut. YUM! If you're ever in Portland, go to Mio Gelato on 11th and Burnside, it's the best.
Jesus is really awesome...
He got me a good job which will pay for school.
He's brought me to a place where people love God with more than just Sunday, and brought me some really good relationships at PBC.
He has given me a good friend at work.
He is so patient with me as I remember again that He is great and will not allow my foot to stumble.

I want to live somewhere (after school) where I am challenged to meet people's physical needs (the inner city). I don't think it matters where though...

New

This update goes out to my new friend Joe who bugged me to update.
Okay, so I really should be studying the food or drink menu of Olive Garden for my tests tomorrow, but I got distracted and decided to update instead. My days are getting fuller but it's still serene sometimes to realize that I actually live in Portland, Oregon now. I had 19 days to explore the City before Tom was great and hooked me up with a job at the OG (he was great before). I've seen a lot, including Mount Tabor, the scene from Rocky Butte, LaurelHurst Park, and beautiful downtown. I've eaten at HotLips Pizza, Original Taco House, the Pita Pit, Jim and Patty's, and I know that Cooper's is my all time favorite place to get coffee, read and journal (my second fav is Sip and Kranz, sitting outside and watching the kids play in the water).
I guess I have to be done now... the Mixed Drink menu is calling. I'll update more in a few days.

Sorrow

Some thoughts...
The words "weep with those who weep" have become real to me again this past week. A friend's father died and when I talked with her and her family I saw what a heartache they have and it broke my heart... I hate to see people in pain.
~
Maybe I've been sheltered, but it seems like I've had a lot of these kind of things happening around me in just the past few months. Is it the age (mine) when people begin to have issues around them?
~
I also realize the deep need for community in sorrow. One cannot grieve alone. I think if the body isn't who they need to be then God cannot fully bring healing because after all, we are His hands and feet.

Reservation Number 073E48

I just bought my way on the train from Chicago to St. Paul, Minnesota on June 4th. It's better this way I think, to be in the car with family for a leg of the trip, rather than to be on the train for 12 hours (mourning them).
More thoughts coming. :)

FAITHFUL

Sunday morning I was chatting it up with a couple in Church that I've known forever... I used to watch their children years ago. We were talking about the transition I'm going through, the needing a job, the wanting to get involved but unsure how and where, the living with family. I asked them to let me know if they heard of any jobs available, and the husband told me that I could work for him! The job description is beautiful: great job (I get to work in jeans and a t-shirt and work with good people), great pay and great hours. Its also a seasonal position that lasts through May so I'm able to move out to Portland at the beginning of summer like I'd wanted.
Jesus never ceases to take care of me. He always comes through at the perfect time, though likely not when I would've planned. He is so faithful.

These are my two beautiful sisters and I, reunited!