Freedom

I was told yesterday that it is a blessing to have me in the kitchen. I told this person what about last year? They said well no, you are part of the family. Meaning I have been through this place as a student last year and now the returning staff are here and I know all of them. It really made me think and then I got that happy feeling inside saying YES! I belong here! I love that feeling of joy when this is a home and a safe environment to share things. Sure we are not a perfect family but that is fine.

I felt challenged by the speaker this week Mark Parker. He said can you think of one day where everything ran smoothly? Can you think of more than one day? How about a week? He said life is not about being perfect or having things run smoothly, it's about working through the challenges and the difficulty. I was like oh, ya that's right. As brothers and sisters walking beside each other we want to challenge and help one another grow deeper in our relationship with God. Dude that is awesome! It's like when I have students and staff come in the kitchen and "unload" I realized that since I have the influence of freedom and boldness they feel they have that safe environment to share or pray or sit and stare at the wall. He also asked us what God is refining right now in us and what influence we bring. It was such a good time of realizing things that we need to be reminded of. I always enjoy this week, the students are always so vulnerable and open to what God has for them. In worship last night we had all the boys in a circle doing what boys do, making noise and praising. Then we had the girls on the other side of the room, it was interesting it started out with us all making noise then we got quiet, then we all split and started yelling out FREEDOM real braveheart style. It felt so good! It was a good time for the girls to let loose and be real with God. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!!!

On another note, it's THANKSGIVING!!!! I love this holiday, I feel it really starts the fall for me. Although right now it's spring-summer. I was up at 4:30 this morning making musli, stuffing and pumpkin pie. I couldn't really sleep so why not go bake a pie. It's my 2nd thanksgiving I'm missing, I do miss family and all americans that understand the holiday instead of these people that don't understand what canned pumpkin is! I mean really?! It will be a great family feast tonight! We have to have chicken because they don't have turkey here, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, fresh bread. For dessert: Pumpkin Pie!!! yum yum! So to all that are celebrating this glorious holiday tomorrow, I hope you have a fun filled day enjoying one another, food, football (wussy sport compared to rugby), and a day full of giving thanks! 

For now, have a good day! I'll be in the kitchen if anyone needs me......