Lessons Learned in Texas

Howdy, folks! (for those of you who don't know, "howdy" means hello in Texas :p)

I've almost been in Texas three full weeks now; it's crazy, I know. Before this, I had never visited this grand state so it's all new to me! It's been a pretty fun experience so far, although I feel like I'm still getting used to it.

My first few days here were rough for me, I admit. I think I cried more those first few days than I have the whole rest of the year so far combined...seriously. BUT through that, I learned some valuable things. And I will attempt to share those here.

Maybe you're asking, 'Why were those days so rough?' Well, although I've been many places in the world and have had many experiences of being in completely new places with completely new people, it was here in Texas that I found the hardest to deal with. I came to Texas knowing no one. I had no one to hang out with, no one around to talk to, and no idea where to find these things. For the first time, I learned how much I needed other people in my life. I've been privileged enough wherever else I've been to have people around me to encourage me, but I never realized just how vital they were.

The Word says in Hebrews 3 to 'encourage one another daily' and in other passages it shows how messengers were sent to encourage other believers. But, coming to my second point, I was too proud most of the time to admit that I needed people. I'm naturally an introvert, but that doesn't mean that I can survive without people. It just means that I need people in a different way. And because of my pride, I was too stubborn to call and friend for some encouragement. But, finally, I got desperate enough and realized how dumb it was for me to go on like that. So, I called some family members and some friends and asked them to pray for me. That's when things started to look up (I'll get more to why in a few paragraphs). But the simple concept here is this: only when I gave up my pride could I be free to have the joy the Lord meant for me to have, whatever the circumstances.

And my third point is going to sound contradictory to the first, but here it is: I learned how much I don't need people. What I mean by that, of course, is that God is the source of my inner joy, not other people. During those few days of utter loneliness, God never left me. In fact, even those few days taught me how to rely on God more and truly cry out to him. I'm even glad for those days because they brought me closer with Him and definitely set me on the right path of seeking Him above anything or anyone else this summer. I'm definitely guilty of getting so "involved" in other things that I miss out on sweet times with Jesus, but I don't want distractions anymore! I want to focus on the Living God, who trumps anything this world has to offer!!!

And now on to the days after my brief 'depression'. But first a short trip back there: in one of my quiet times with the Lord, he laid on my heart Psalm 68. And several verses spoke to me, but there is one in particular that I clung to as a promise. In verse 6 it says, 'God sets the lonely in families...' I knew that God was speaking to my heart and showing me that everything was going to be okay. This summer was ordained by Him, and He wasn't going to fail me after He brought me here. So I prayed that back to the Lord and just thanked Him for all that He is and especially being there for me always, even when I fail to realize it.

And then, things started falling into place. I found a Chi Alpha group at the nearby University of Houston. And after my first Bible study with them, I knew that was God's answer to me. Everyone was so genuine and loving. I'm so thankful for all of the people that I've met there so far and even more thankful for good Christian fellowship and discussions about the Word. The campus directors are so awesome and have the cutest newborn baby boy; yet, they are still so hospitable, even inviting me over for dinner. I've also gotten to go out to eat with a few others from the group on a couple of occasions, and I've really enjoyed getting to know each of them! I'm so excited for the summer, and now I'm sure it's actually going to be difficult to leave my new friends, even after the short time spent with them. But praise the Lord; He is faithful!

On the work side, things have been going well. Of course, it's a little boring at times without a normal job description and tasks, but I enjoy what I've been working on. And another praise report is that both my manager and his manager are believers! I was praying before I came for the man I'd be working under, trying to prepare for someone who I wanted to set a good example for and hopefully get to share the Gospel with at some point if that were the situation I found when I came. But come to find out, my manager is saved and even mentioned taking 'introduce intern to Jesus' off his task list for the summer. And though I still want to be a diligent worker for the glory of God, it's relieving to know that I'm working under people who, too, work for the Most High.

I've also gotten involved with a great church in the area and have met some awesome fellow interns as well. I'm still not sure I see the exact purpose of why God brought me here, and maybe I'll never know, but I pray that I continue to stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit while I'm here. Please pray for me that I be the witness that God has called me to be, especially at work. There are so many that I get the privilege of spending time with here that don't normally have time to hang out at Purdue; also, there are others that I may never see again, and I want to make sure to make every moment count.

To God be the glory, forever and ever!