The First Hit.

Things are moving right along. So much is happening.
Life is progressing as I believe the Lord has it: visa was approved in 4 days, work at Starbucks is hastily coming to an end and hanging out with Beckett on MWF is also commencing.  Much more upset about the latter.

This face...just too much, and yet, I can't get enough.

General Life Events

Things at work are going well, but I'm still excited to be done. Every time I have to take the trash out in the rain I remember, "this too shall pass." It's a comforting thought, but doesn't keep my socks from getting wet.

New a cappella music is keeping my ears occupied as of late.  The Hullabahoos had their 25th Big Spring Sing Thing this past weekend and boy was that tons of fun! Totally blew my expectations out of the water.  Having seen 2 Pentatonix shows in a row I had really high standards.  And honestly, the first Hullabahoos show I attended (BSST XXI) was...less than stellar. It was good, but nothing special.  But this one was great!! Definitely redeemed my idea of a Hullabahoo rendezvous (I like how that rhymes).  
I just can't get enough of their version of "We Don't Eat". So good!!
Go ahead, have a listen.

Sissy and I have really been connecting on a new level the past couple of months.  We've just been able to spend a good amount of time together and I can feel that it's brought us closer, which is something we both really needed.

Her funny faces crack me up.

Warning: things are about to get real.

Family can be tough and complicated. Step family can be even tougher and more complicated.  On one hand, you try to be a family, one cohesive unit.  You do things together, talk about life, share interests, argue over who used the last of the toilet paper, etc.  On the other hand, it can be painfully apparent that you expect and want entirely different things from one another.  

Tensions have been very real and strenuous.  Sometimes I think I'm the only one feeling it, but rarely...it would almost be easier that way.

It is a very awkward moment when you say good night to your dad and he says, "what about everyone else?" I know he wants us to be one happy family, but the truth is that we are two very different families. At least I feel very different from everyone: I don't like sitting at home, I like being active, I don't like ordering out close to every night, I don't like gossip or reality shows, and I think some of the best remedies for ilness are not medicinal.  
It's not a hard and fast mindset, but a definite preference.

I've been praying for the Lord to fill me with sympathy for those things I don't know, because I have not experienced.  I also pray He would keep me from that kind of illness.

My mother taught me more than I realized; by watching her live, and sometimes endure, the life of a single mother of two young daughters, I learned that one cannot afford to be lazy, sick, or without drive. 
**Let me be very clear: I am neither judging my step family, nor calling them "lazy, sick, or without drive."**

Lord Jesus, it is my prayer that you would continue to soften my heart towards the ill and those who have a different lifestyle than I.  Through Your Word, remind me that you did not turn away from weak and sick and expect them to help themselves before you would intervene.  I know You are good, and you so often make the first move.  You have the ability to heal with just a touch and I trust that as long as I see You and yearn for Your heart, you won't leave my outstretched arms empty. Heal my heart. Fasten it upon Your solid foundation.

Australia

With work coming to a close, I'm able to visit family and friends who I know I won't see in December for my brief trip home. My concern is that I need to keep "working" whilst I am here.  Financial worries are starting to get the best of me.  For the first time since the application process started, a pang of worry hit me. It brings with it fear of provision, or lack thereof.

I do NOT doubt my God.

I do not doubt Him or his plans for me.

These fears are from Satan with the intent of squashing my fervor and joy in this new forthcoming adventure.

And an adventure it will be!

I plan to make my blog public very soon so friends and family can participate in this journey with me :) I know some of it is going to be ugly and most likely emotional, but without a doubt, it's going to be a beautiful time with the Lord who loves, oh so much and oh, so well.

Father, You are good.  Your plans are good.

These next 90 days are going to be crazy with all that's going into them.  Give me Your peace; peace in knowing You will provide and that Sydney, Australia is exactly where you have me to be for however long.  Be preparing babysitting jobs and other things for me when I get over there.  Provide opportunities to make and save money.  I pray for many families at the church to take m under their wing and bless me with the many things I will be missing and needing in the way of family.

Lord Jesus, I pray for friendship.  For sisters and brother to be brought to me and vice versa.  God, I pray for lasting relationships to be built and nurtured.  And I pray for my future husband; keep leading him to me.  Turn our hearts first and most vehemently towards Your face and then towards each other.

I love you.

I trust you.

Your will be done.