YES.
This week, I received yes after yes for numerous incredible opportunities. I'm so used to hearing "no" that I was feeling quite overwhelmed by Tuesday lunchtime. Let's jump to the beginning.
Monday I visited the orphanage to meet the staff and learn about volunteering opportunities. It was a little overwhelming to hear everyone speaking in Lithuanian and not understand any of it. But I learned that they have a dance instructor and she speaks English! So the language barrier is not as big of an issue. We planned out times for me to come and I have my first assignment! I get to choreograph and teach a dance for Valentine's Day! Uhh...that's two weeks away.
Tuesday I went to the orphanage again and actually taught a dance class. I was unaware that I would be doing that, so I was unprepared. Luckily, the girls were more interested in what I could do, so I showed them the talent show piece I did at camp this summer. They were impressed. I also learned that they like hip-hop. I've never done hip-hop. But I'm open to learning! They were chattering away in Lithuanian with their instructor, half the time about me, and I couldn't understand anything! That was slightly overwhelming, intimidating, and exhausting. But I think the girls liked it overall, even if they did make fun of my "ballet".
Tuesday I also met with the Spiritual Life director here at LCC about possibly getting involved with that ministry. She was pretty passionate about inviting me to join the student leader team. I was surprised since I'll be here for only one semester, but she thinks my personality will match well. And all the opportunities that come from the team are incredible! Weekly team meetings. One-on-one meetings with the director every two weeks. Event planning. Friendship. Growth. Learning a little bit more about my calling to ministry. So much good stuff!
But with all these opportunities, I didn't want to over commit myself. I was feeling overwhelmed with goodness and was concerned about the extent to which this was God's prompting or my fantasy. I spent some time in prayer during chapel on Wednesday, and I heard, "With you I am well pleased"--the same words God spoke at Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:17). I was in shock and was quite an emotional mess. I've had numerous people say to me things like, "God is proud of you." It was hard to believe those statements. But to hear this from God directly...wow. What have I done to make God pleased with me? Nothing. Maybe that's it.
I don't think I'll ever know. I am currently understanding it as His pleasure with my heart, in my growth as the woman He beautifully designed me to be. Recently my dad said to me, "I am forever proud of your courage and your character." I don't need to strive to prove myself.
I felt like God was saying that the doors are open and He'll bless whatever I choose to make of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
So? I said yes. To it all :)
Monday I visited the orphanage to meet the staff and learn about volunteering opportunities. It was a little overwhelming to hear everyone speaking in Lithuanian and not understand any of it. But I learned that they have a dance instructor and she speaks English! So the language barrier is not as big of an issue. We planned out times for me to come and I have my first assignment! I get to choreograph and teach a dance for Valentine's Day! Uhh...that's two weeks away.
Tuesday I went to the orphanage again and actually taught a dance class. I was unaware that I would be doing that, so I was unprepared. Luckily, the girls were more interested in what I could do, so I showed them the talent show piece I did at camp this summer. They were impressed. I also learned that they like hip-hop. I've never done hip-hop. But I'm open to learning! They were chattering away in Lithuanian with their instructor, half the time about me, and I couldn't understand anything! That was slightly overwhelming, intimidating, and exhausting. But I think the girls liked it overall, even if they did make fun of my "ballet".
Tuesday I also met with the Spiritual Life director here at LCC about possibly getting involved with that ministry. She was pretty passionate about inviting me to join the student leader team. I was surprised since I'll be here for only one semester, but she thinks my personality will match well. And all the opportunities that come from the team are incredible! Weekly team meetings. One-on-one meetings with the director every two weeks. Event planning. Friendship. Growth. Learning a little bit more about my calling to ministry. So much good stuff!
But with all these opportunities, I didn't want to over commit myself. I was feeling overwhelmed with goodness and was concerned about the extent to which this was God's prompting or my fantasy. I spent some time in prayer during chapel on Wednesday, and I heard, "With you I am well pleased"--the same words God spoke at Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:17). I was in shock and was quite an emotional mess. I've had numerous people say to me things like, "God is proud of you." It was hard to believe those statements. But to hear this from God directly...wow. What have I done to make God pleased with me? Nothing. Maybe that's it.
I don't think I'll ever know. I am currently understanding it as His pleasure with my heart, in my growth as the woman He beautifully designed me to be. Recently my dad said to me, "I am forever proud of your courage and your character." I don't need to strive to prove myself.
I felt like God was saying that the doors are open and He'll bless whatever I choose to make of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
So? I said yes. To it all :)