Prepared

Up until this point in this blog you've been reading a great story (at least I find it great) about a string of miraculous events leading up to the beginning of something new. If we've not noticed it before in our lives, surely it's now evident that the journey is indeed as wonderful and important as the destination itself. Part of our journey is always relationship. 

For those who know me and are awaiting the day when I announce that I've finally found an amazing lady friend, this is not that moment. I know I can look at this process, this journey, and see that at each step significant and wonderful things have formulated with the help of those who care about me. 

For example: after having returned from Georgia I was invited to a going away/birthday dinner with my aunt and uncle and their boys. I showed up for an intimate gathering with 5 to instead attend a celebration with over 80 in attendance. My aunt and some close friends of my mom and dad's had "thrown" together a massive party. I was so blessed to enjoy the love of those who I know care for me. I had face-cramps for the majority of the night on account of the unending smile I wore! I spent most of the time that night hugging people. It was awesome. I loved seeing many of my favorite people in the world in the same place at the same time. 

I had been through a season of life over the previous year that was a time of learning to make difficult, but right, decisions, in many areas; decisions that pleased God but displeased some people. I had also so clearly seen my own faults and shortcomings. It was so good to be affirmed, over and over again, by this throng of partiers after having gone through a sort of "ringer" for the last year.

As I mentioned in my previous blog I was now within a week of departing for Hawaii. At the end of this party I was given a basketful of letters, cards and the flat kind of gifts (haha, the kind that spend). I was sooo enthused to read through these letters of encouragement and felt so appreciated. I was absolutely FLOORED and HUMBLED by the amazing generosity of those who gave to me. I can honestly say that my tank was full after that day: my heart was full and so was my need-o-meter. 


The friends in my life- hopefully some of you are reading this now- were such a blessing to me and gave so sacrificially (time, love and finances) and joyfully that I couldn't have asked for anything else. What I had needed had been given, exactly. Exactly.

I've come to see that this is how God rolls. He is the God that knows us, our needs- in every sense of the word "need"- and even our deepest wants. Jesus talked about His character by using the comparison of a Father. “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him" (Matthew 7:9-11).

After a lot of packing- again with the generous help of friends- I was off to the airport and to a new beginning. 

It's been 4 months and a week, to the day, since then. The kindness and love of friends, both new and old, and my amazing  family, has not ceased to amaze me. 

So here I am, in Hawaii. I've finally gotten you up to me leaving the mainland. I hope to do justice, very, very soon, to all of the ways that the Lord has been so powerful, present and kind in my time here in Hawaii. 

Until then, thank you.