This past weekend

I’m not sure if I’ve been fighting a bug or what but, I’ve been exhausted. Friday night I fell asleep at 9:30 p.m.. I literally could not keep my eyes open. I was supposed to go to the Preacher’s house for a girls wine night. She invited Firsty to join us because he is “cool and acceptable” to invade a girl’s night. He was willing to drop me off and pick me up so I wouldn’t have to drive back to his place, even though I said I’d just stay at Preacher’s house. He is the sweetest guy ever. I didn’t know that was his plan…but when I told Preacher that I was going to head to his place first, she invited him. Then he told me of his original plan. But after we went to visit his mom (who is soo sweet!) and had dinner, I was exhausted. My eyes hurt. So I cancelled on Preacher and headed back to Firsty’s. He put a movie on but before the credits were finished I was sound asleep. I slept til 11 a.m. the next day. Who needs 14 hours sleep?!?! Then, on Saturday afternoon, I took a nap! Yes I did.

Saturday night was a party in Sailing Town. It was the first time that Firsty met most of my friends. He really liked them. And, all the ladies had glowing reports about him. Of course, he is oober sweet, so I knew they’d like him. I wasn’t really all that worried about introducing him to everyone – because I know they’d like him and he them. But I was worried about him mingling and me needing to keep him by my side. But everyone seemed to get along well and he is looking forward to seeing them again.

Sunday morning I woke up feeling sick. I think it was because I had agreed to undertake project “cheer up homesick freshman”. My cousin had called to tell me her daughter who went to college in the District of Corruption was homesick. I asked what I could do and she said to drive into town and take her shopping. Yes – two of the things I hate most. Shopping and driving in the district! I’m pretty sure that is why I was feeling so ill. Firsty sat with me and helped me map out my route. He volunteered to come along but I knew he had commitments of his own and it wouldn’t be right to make him come along. He actually made me tea and was trying to get me to eat toast or something to help my stomach. He is the most caring person I’ve ever been with. He genuinely means it. I can tell. So, he helped me figure out the easiest way in and out and off I went. As it turned out, I felt fine driving there. We went to Target – thank goodness it was “need based” shopping and not the wander around the mall type! We had lunch, which she was so grateful for because her campus food is lousy. Then the whamie! She informed me of part of the plan that I didn’t’ know about. She had met me at a location that wasn’t on her campus. They have two campuses and had picked a spot on the other campus to meet me. So I had to drive her back to her dorm – which meant my evacuation plan was kyboshed! I had never been so thankful for my Garman. And, I decided, for once, to blindly obey it. And, not only did it get me out of the city, but it even avoided the ghettos and took me to a road I knew! I felt so cosmopolitan! Hahaha!

It is interesting. Every time I undertake something outside my comfort zone, in particular to help others, I always end up in a much better place. I didn’t just feel good about helping my “niece” but I felt better about driving in the District of Corruption…one of the scariest places in the world for me. I know, I have no problem traveling all over the world by myself, but put me 20 miles from home and I’m terrified. But, as my past has shown me, when I undertake something with Christian intentions, I am blessed. God is amazing.

There are people out there that spew the bible and proclaim to be Christians, but don’t follow Christ. I try not to judge (cuz that is against the rules as spelled out a couple different places in the New Testament!) but feel like they just don’t get it. They recite bible passages but lie. They go to church but cheat. They tell others what they are doing wrong, but they themselves don’t help those in need. And because of it, I think they miss the whole point. They miss the blessings. Every time I’ve ever given someone a place to live – C2 and the Other Daughter, I’ve been blessed 100x over by their presence. And, when I’ve gone to love and accept those less fortunate (DR- 3x), I’ve learned love and acceptance in ways I’ve never thought possible. When I did a small mission of mercy, to take care of a frustrated freshman, I gained confidence. Every time the same result – I get back so much more than I gave. My Lord is good!