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So, I made it home alive. Now what?

Well....I'm living with my parents for the first time in 6 years. If you haven't heard, the Bird's Nest sold ( the house I lived in for four of my years in college). Moving home after such a lengthy time away is pretty interesting. My parents reaction to me, and my reaction to them. It's all classic. Does anyone know of a good movie dealing with this? I'm sure there is a plethora. It really is funny though, how do they think I survived without them? Does my father really believe that I went six years without getting up on time? He never fails to offer to wake me up in the morning. "What time do you want me to get you up?" Or my mother and my laundry. Seriously it's better than staying at a hotel. (someone please remind me that I said that when I'm complaining about needing my own space)

I'm only at my parents for the summer however, because I'm moving to Lubbock in the fall. God willing all my support to come in by August. I will be spending June and July writing letters and making phone calls asking for that support. I haven't learned it quite yet, ask me in late July while I'm crying to Cliff, but at some point I am going to get a really really really realistic picture of what it is like to trust in nothing but God's grace to provide for my livelihood. I think I know, but I have a feeling that I have NO IDEA.

So that aside. I have enjoyed being back in Norman for the past couple days. I'm looking forward to spending time with my family, church and RUF friends for the next 5-6 weeks. If you are around please give me a call. I'm going to need some help moving out of my house, and I'm sure I will be giving lots of house type things away. First come first served.

Until then, I'm watching really cheesy movies (Love is friendship on fire. -The Perfect Man), watching documentaries of Billy Jean King ( I like tennis by the way, maybe not BJK but tennis for sure), and I have unfortunately started to watch Oprah again. BUT, I have also started riding again, which is soooooo great. I'm back on the bike, and it feels so great. I'm hoping to drop some pounds before these weddings. My sister and I are reading Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges together. I'm teaching a mid-high Sunday school, you can pray for that. And last but not least, I'm forcing myself to take showers. I really hate taking showers in the summer. But I realize it's necessary for human contact, so I will entertain the idea.

On the road again...

Still on the road, living out of a sand filled suitcase, meeting all kinds of people from the south. I actually met a guy whose in-laws are members of my brother's church in Katy.

I'm in Baton Rouge currently, after being in Atlanta via Athens via Panama City Beach. RUF and the community that it controls has taken over my life and continues to take every left over free time that I have, or don't have. When I'm not hanging out with RUFers from UGA, Baylor, Vanderbilt, LSU and OU, I'm signing my name to donor letter after donor letter. That being said, be expecting something in the mail from me very soon, hopefully followed by a very awkward conversation in which I will humbly ask for your money.

Here are a few pictures from my trip.

Providence!

Who would have thought?

Auditions

Prayer Answered by Crosses

I ask'd the Lord, that I might grow
In faith, and love, and ev'ry grace,
Might more of his salvation know,
And seek more earnestly his face.

'Twas he who taught me thus to pray,
And he, I trust has answer'd pray'r;
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drove me to despair.

I hop'd that in some favour'd hour,
At once he'd answer my request:
And by his love's constraining pow'r,
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this. he made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart;
And let the angry pow'rs of hell
Assault my soul in ev'ry part.

Yea more, with his own hand he seem'd
Intent to aggravate my woe;
Cross'd all the fair designs I schem'd,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

Lord, why is this, I trembling cry'd,
Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?
"'Tis in this way," the Lord reply'd,
"I answer pray'r for grace and faith.

"These inward trials I employ,
"From self and pride to set thee free;
"And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
"That thou mayst seek thy all in me."

John Newton

Big News

If you haven't heard it from the horse's mouth, the verdict is in and I will be moving to Lubbock, Texas this fall to work for RUF at Texas Tech. I am extremely excited and I have plenty to say about it. Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming events that go along with raising support, moving and meeting students. Please feel free to offer words of advice or excitement. And if you don't think I have your address, please send it my way. Thanks for all of your prayers, I covet them now more than ever.

Memphis

Sheffields
Markhams
Simonsons and Norah
Brent and Doug
Edwards

So far we have had a fantastic time here in Memphis. These people really know how to do it up. Swanky parties, lots of food, buses to take the wedding party around, and sweet digs to stay in. However, it has been the time with friends that has meant the most to me. Meeting and being around all the women in my best guy friends lives is such a fun thing to experience. "Good job boys!" I'm so proud of them and the brides that they have chosen. I'm pleased to be a part of this community and have the privilege to get to call them my friends.

It is strange being the only single girl here. Not because I feel left out or that I don't fit in, but to see how each of these people are now "one" with another person. I was talking with Russ's Katherine about this scenario and how much she really has become more dependent on him for support. I can totally see how this would be true, even for the most independent of women. Two really are becoming one, you look to each other for comfort and support in all instances. While for twenty some odd years it was you and you only, but in the matter of moments you are not your own. Now, I obviously don't completely understand this phenomenon, (I'm not married) but I can imagine it totally rocks your world. Can't wait.

So... we are having a great time. Hewey, the Moyn and myself ate on Beale Street last night, which was fantastic. We had drinks in the nicest estate I have ever been to ever. I met another guy that is going to be an intern next year. We saw Graceland, see further posts for more detail. And now we are waiting for the big event. Wish you all were here!