Soaked, Drenched, Flooded

Last night, I went to Pink House. ( It's a rad ministry that brings American and International students together to hang out, eat, and play games.)  I met a guy from Mexico and got my Spanish fill. I talked to some friends from Germany and Saudi Arabia about their role in tonight's Diwali festivities. Then, I met a girl from Kenya who has lived in the US for 10 years but has only been in Fargo a few weeks. A sister can relate. Also, her name was Grace. I also talked to a man from India. He said I was the first American to ever pronounce his name correctly the first time. Yessssssss. We talked about Diwali and Holi and how American holidays are hard for people who don't have family near. This all happened in one night! Pink House is so so good.

But, before Pink House, I met with Threshing Floor to pray before we headed over. In my mind, I envisioned your typical "popcorn prayer". Nope, nope, nope. We put a chair in the middle of the room and one by one each person sat in the chair. Then everyone put their hands on the person sitting and prayed for them. My hand was shaking and my heart was racing and I maybe cried. Okay, I definitely cried. We had praised God for new jobs, prayed for healing, prayed for continual growth in friendships and that we would chase after the face of the Father. When it was my turn, I was secretly dreading the silence that was to come. These people have only known me a few weeks. Sometimes I forget that God doesn't need time to work. So they started to pray for me.

Thank you for her relationship with Nick.

We pray for energy while she works with the kids.

Give her clarity on the questions she has.

God, we are glad she is here.

Wait, wut.

I'm not sure how to write what I felt after hearing that. After Guatemala, I had community withdrawals. I felt like I was in a drought. Last night was one of the first times since Guatemala that I felt flooded. And in a very very very good way. Also, Nick wasn't there. The Lord chose a night where the man I moved to Fargo to be with,was out of town. As much as I wanted him here, it was a sweet moment where I got to experience this family the way he has the past two years. I do not deserve this encouragement and acceptance from this group. I am constantly learning what grace looks like. Threshing Floor has already been used to remind me that grace is one of the most precious gifts.

I am soaked, drenched, and flooded in the graciousness, goodness, and faithfulness of the one who has placed me into a very special family.


My cup overflows.

Fargo, NoDak.

I've been in Fargo for two weeks now and I am still on could nine. Granted, two weeks isn't that long, but still. Cloud nine, baby. I see Nick most days and we don't do much, but we don't have to do much to be totally smitten. Most nights involve him sitting at the table doing homework, and me sitting in the corner on this weird couch/chair/bed thing and reading. We're super in love. 

I'm living in a studio apartment all by myself. No cable and no internet. But, lots of books, a big puzzle, cookies, and a perfect little oven. So, come visit. 

I work at a daycare with the best kids. They call me Greyson, dance to no music, and will devour any food that has been overly processed. 

I've been going to the church Nick has been attending for a couple years now, and I love it. This past week, instead of a sermon, we had a concert of prayer. Everyone was given a list of the ministries in the church and we took time to pray for each of them. All together. Out loud. It was so so so cool. It's a church that worships in different forms, makes prayer a priority, is multi-generational, and is unified. 

Through the same church, there is a college group that meets each week, Threshing Floor. This last week was my first week there and it was equally good. Our time was spent eating, talking, singing, and praying for each other, together. 

Also super important, Bollywood night. Nick has a friend who is from India and he's invited us to two bollywood movie nights since I've been here. The first movie was nearly 4 hours long. There was a wedding, a baby, a secret love affair, and tragedy. Like, real tragedy. Right before the movie ended, the Wife/Mom fell down a huge flight of stairs and hit her head. Spoiler Alert : She dies in the hospital. But, the movie still ended with dancing. 

So basically, its's good to be here. Time with Nick is rich. The church is feeding me. Threshing floor is the community I need. And Bollywood night keeps it fresh. 

My little home.

Best looking usher at church.

This is how one of the Bollywood movies ended.