missionary training

This is the part of my life called working. And I’d be ok if it never came back, once I’ve paid off my loans. I also call this part: missionary training.


This past Tuesday was the first time since before Christmas that I was able to finish a shower without being accompanied in the tub by a foot of standing water. It finally drains! It took drain-O, a plunger, an old wire from the shed, duct tape and eventually sulfuric acid to get that water moving. You have to go to the economy strength section of Lowe’s to find sulfuric acid. They sell it sealed up inside two plastic bags. They had good reason for the precaution…it burns.

I spent the last two months bucketing the water out of my tub. I’ve chopped through the forest of my yard and burned a pile of brush that could have effectively camouflaged my dad’s duck blind for the next ten years. About fourteen tiles have fallen from the bathroom ceiling. I’ve survived what seemed to this Louisiana girl like the coldest winter ever, without central heating. (I’m not so much proud of this one as I am newly aware of what many people here deal with every day...not to mention, this has been the warmest winter in a while) I had two roommates for about a week. Those party animals ate my food and stay up all night making way too much noise…until two ten-dollar rat traps ended that problem. Switching the lights back on would be a more enjoyable task if I didn’t have to search for keys and boots to go outside to the breaker box…

But, I really do love living in this house! It has been such a blessing to me. I have learned so much about so many random things. I taught myself how to light a gas water heater pilot without even being able to see the flame. I (experientially) learned that God has not given me a spirit of fear and that when wind makes the dead magnolia leaves outside my window sound like people sneaking around, I can have complete peace. I learned how to cook for one person and still eat yummy things like duck breast stuffed with cream cheese and jalapeños and wrapped in bacon. Living alone has helped me learn to appreciate the time I spend with others. I have had more time to read and just like my first semester at ETBU in Merle, I have been able to spend beautiful time with God. I get to have people over on Mondays for food, catch phrase, nerf gun wars, deep convos and swing dancing. I get to crank the music without worrying about bothering “the studying people” (a group I was rarely a part of). I get to make small talk with neighbors in the morning.

I love this time in my life. I constantly see God make use of the things I have been through, so I know that he is using this time to prepare me for what he has for me next. I love seeing his sovereign plan working out. Maybe this isn't missionary training, but he is using it.

You are Worthy

As I join with these here, I feel a part of the whole. All of creation glorifies you: our maker. We offer praise to the one who sustains.

When I sing, you are in the action. You make it possible. You bring me into your presence. Teach me words so I can speak out the truth of you.

Joining many hands. Reaching towards you. You are alive in me. The mystery of your grace inspires me. The beauty of your love compels me.

You richly bless me. You teach me every day. An undeserved investment. I feel you working. I see what you have done for me. Your joy fills me.

I proclaim your worth. But I have only seen in part the extensive impact of your hand in my life. Your love for your children is unrivalled.

I declare your story. Through this torn veil I sing my life song. Test the offering I bring. Judge the obedience of my heart.