Current Tunes: The Immersed album from IHOP
Current Plans: read the Word, watch some House, Awakening later.
Current Excitement: Starting classes in the new building on Monday!
Well, here I am, all settled in at my new dwelling place.
Move in was swift and virtually painless. I pretty much had everything settled and done by that evening, so that was a blessing! The Larsons left for vacation the night I moved in, so for almost a week now I've been living completely on my own. Normally, that would really super freak me out. A lot. I tend to be able to freak myself out really easily. Living alone in the attic of an unfamiliar house in a new city and state in an area with the reputation of not being the safest is like a perfect recipe for a panic attack. But by God's grace and provision alone, I have felt not one moment of fear in being here alone. Even last night, with a classic thunderstorm, lightening flashing every other second, coming home to a dark, presumably empty house didn't freak me out. If anything I was excited to just sit in my room and stare out my window at God's gloriousness. He's so good!
Although I didn't feel any fear for my physical safety, I must admit the transition to BEING AN ADULT and living on my own and figuring stuff out for myself was a little rocky. Okay, it wasn't so bad. It just felt a little overwhelming. I am blessed with a great, supportive family, and to suddenly be far outside the physical reach of that support system was a little disorienting. It took some getting used to-- realizing that I had to kill my own spiders, buy my own light bulbs, wash my own dishes, do my own laundry, plan out my own days. Granted, some of that I was prepared for, but it was still just... bewildering? To be ALONE. I kept reminding how it's something I've always wanted-- to be live on my own and make my own decisions. And now that I've settled in a bit, I really am enjoying it. It was just a process of transitioning, is all.
So orientation has actually been really fun. If you know me at all, you know I'm not an orientation type of girl. I hate that awkward small talk, awkward introductions, cheesy games and 'get to know ya' crap. But I don't know... Something about IHOPU students is different. I guess because we're all filled with a love of Jesus, we're all like, extra friendly, smilely, and excited. You can just sit randomly next to anyone, and they'll smile, introduce themselves, and comment on how great the Lord is. My thoughts are like, Man, I belong here!. No matter what time of day, or where on IHOP property you are, you can overhear a conversation of students or staff talking about Jesus like He was a part of the group. It's pretty freakin' awesome. People here aren't messing around; they're here to serve the Lord with faith and submission.
I've met a lot of new, beautiful people. I can't wait to form bonds with them during the next few years, or however long the Lord allows. When we're all worshipping communally, you just get this sense that we're a family. That anyone here would do anything for their neighbor, and vice versa. I don't know what that is, other than the bold love imparted by the Holy Spirit. Meow. I love it.
Orientation has consisted mostly of a few games, several instructional-type meetings, and plenty of worship/prophetic soaking/prayer room times. The Holy Spirit has been thick around here, and aggressive on His pursuit of my heart. He's been calling me out as His Beloved. He's also called me His star and His radical princess. I accept these names and long to live my life out beneath them.
Other cool things/observations so far: This house is beeyoootiful. Seeing musicians like Misty Edwards, Cory Asbury, and Laura Hackett worship everyday is something I don't think I'll ever get used to. I feel SO blessed to have this opportunity. I miss my MN peeps and think about them lots. Mostimes I wish they were here with me to drink deep from this Holy Spirit river. I think I'm going to be picking the prayer room track that says I have to be in the prayer room from 6-9:30 AM Mon-Wed, so that's... horrifying. I just think I should do it then so that the rest of my days'll be more relaxed and open. I can always determine a nap schedule. I get to test it out this week, so if it's really awful, I can always do the afternoon schedule. I'm interested in finding a job, so pray that the Lord opens up a good'un for me. If that's His will! It's really stinkin' hot here. Oppressive heat. The kind where breathing makes you sweat. Umm... there was something else... The new campus is a beautiful, awesome, fantastic facility. Complete with a cafeteria, library, coffee shop, lounges, classrooms, and a recording studio! We got to wander around it for a bit yesterday. COOOL.
That's all I can think of right now. So cheerio, mates!
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