Next steps

There was a time when I blogged at least twice a week.  Now I'm just a less wordy person or not as many noteworthy things are happening.  However, after not writing for a month, this post is long overdue!

The latest news is that I'm packing up my life (once again) and moving to the West Coast!  I've lived in the Midwest, East Coast, and Asia, so why not try the strange, foreign land of northern California?  My job ended on July 19th, and I've been searching for a new job since May.  In this crazy economy, I've been blessed with a great job with a nonprofit in the Bay Area.

I start in about a week, which means I need to drive out there ASAP.  I've spent the past ten days traveling to see East Coast family-- Andrea in Daytona Beach and grandparents in Rochester.  I love them all so dearly, and enjoyed laughing, crying, and just being with them.  Now I have one day at home before Mom and I start the four day/1,800 mile drive to California.  I honestly don't know what's ahead or what will happen, but I'm looking forward to the opportunity to live in a big city again, to experience diversity once again, to be challenged once again, and to make new friends once again.  Thank you for your prayers and encouragement in this next season of life!    

And a couple of weeks ago I was cleaning out some boxes and found a sealed envelope written by Laura to Laura.  It was dated April 24, 2010 and I was to open it a year later back in the States.  Well, I was a couple of years late in opening it, but the words were still timely...  I will spare you the whole long letter, but here are a few excerpts:

"Letter to myself-

It is a beautiful, sunny spring day in Nanchang, China.  Our sisters, "R" and "C," are here with Jodi and me having our weekly Saturday morning study.  They are some the dearest people to me in the world.  I know as you're reading this a year later [or three!], that life is much different.  Maybe you're in your second semester at Indiana?  Even if you aren't, I know that you're in the palm of His hand wherever you are and whatever you're doing.

I have been in China for nearly 2 years now.  I have never experienced such an amazing and frustrating place.  I have witnessed so much joy, happiness, and freedom in my heart and in the hearts of others.  It has been one of the biggest privileges and joys of my life to see God calling people to Him and to see people follow Him faithfully.  I have seen Him transform so many lives and hearts--including mine!  He has been peeling away the bitterness, impatience, selfishness, hurt, and evil that has a home in my heart.  It is painful, but I trust that it is for my good and for His glory...

Laura, whatever is going on in your life right now, just continue to trust in Him and love Him!  Be steadfast in spirit.  I can anticipate that living in America again will probably be an enormous challenge.  If times are good, remember to thank Him and praise Him always!  Be generous and kind because of Christ.  Love others even when you don't want to.  Meet new people, get to know some international students, be involved with a fellowship, and be a light!  Don't take life too seriously.  Try for excellence, but not perfection.  Remember the great friends you had in China, but it's also okay to make new memories where you're at in life right now.  Count your days and remember that tomorrow is not promised.  And if things are discouraging and difficult, throw your cares at His feet!  He loves you and cares for you and knows you.  Nobody else or nothing else can ever satisfy like He can.

I have a feeling that your faith will be challenged--maybe even more than in communist China-- and I want you to remember that God is the only answer and Jesus is the only way.  Don't let the enemy feed lies to you.  Remember God's promises and goodness and renounce the enemy in Jesus' name.  Take heart.  Be accountable to others and read the Word daily.  Be refreshed and restored in His presence.  Persevere and stand firm in your faith.  You are free in Christ and nobody can ever take away your security and identity in Christ."

And so, folks, I hope those words from 23 year old Laura can also encourage you, as you seek to keep your sights fixed on Him!

Lastly, here are a small handful of pictures from the past wonderful couple of weeks in Florida and New York:

Andrea and I spent many happy hours swimming...

...and playing tennis.  I'll miss her so much!  She is a delight.

Also hung out with my most delightful 90 year old grandpa and 84 year old grandma!

A gorgeous day kayaking with my cousin on the Erie Canal in Fairport.