Hello Family and Friends,
It has been about 6 months since I’ve moved to Salt Lake.
There have been relationships built here that are growing.
Some have seemed detrimental and have ended, but have been a learning experience for me. There is a culture here that I am learning to know more with time, that could be easy for me to not like at all, in human regards.
There have been circumstantial trials in my life that have taken place here that have seemed unjust (fired from job, car impounded, ect). Might I remind you also, that the first week out here I paid two visits to the emergency room!! Things of the like are hitting my two roommates as well, so please keep them in your prayers in this way also. I have to say though, that despite these things have happened the Lord has still taken care of me. Within 2 hours of losing my job, I was offered another by a woman I know! A week after this, my car was impounded, but I had the means to pay for this, which has been all in the Lord's provision for sure. It has been cool to see him working things out during the unexpected "hard times."
But Jesus is fighting for me. He has blessed me in very exciting ways. His provision of Christian friends out here has been abundant. He has sustained my health. He has opened a few clear opportunities of LDS friendships taking place. The most recent blessing that has surprised me by far has been the fact that Emily is planning on moving out here in June. I would be so encouraged to have her out here by my side! I am just blown away by the Lord's goodness to me. Also, every Sunday night I attend a class led by former Mormons who are now Christians. It's a powerful 10-week class, and I'm enjoying learning a lot from this older, married couple. They are missionaries here in Utah being used my the Lord to share the truth.
There is one LDS relationship in particular that has developed quickly and naturally; it has been very apparent to me that I am supposed to be in this friendship by the way it has been brought into my life. She is actually one of Emily’s best friends from high school (College Park). She lives out here in Utah, and ironically I ran into her at the 24 hour fitness when I first moved. Ever since, she and I have become great friends, as she invited me over to dinner with her husband (she just got married this summer). It was funny when I went over to her house because Emily was in her wedding, so I had already seen a lot of their wedding pictures. We talked non-stop and ever since have been going to yoga once a week, and random get-togethers. She is starting up a book club and recipe night that I am going to be a part of. This relationship is growing. Please keep this in your prayers! She is such a sweetheart and so fun. It will be fun when Emily gets here too, because then the three of us will get to hang out. God is so cool! =)
My dad was out here yesterday for business and we had lunch. It was good to see him. I gave him a miniature tour of Temple Square, so I've included some pictures from our little adventure. =)
As far as status, I am still single, for those at home who are wondering. I am seeking the Lord in that area of my life right now, and so far it seems that this is how it is supposed to be for the time, but it is still confusing in different ways. Pray for my heart!
As far as future plans, I am looking into going back to school and finishing, starting classes either this summer or fall. The University of Utah is in the prospects, majoring in mass communications with an emphasis in news/editorial. So basically I would like to be a journalist. I am excited to have some direction in this area.
I will share this quote with you, because the Lord has a lot of work to do in me concerning this area!
"When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I must die to myself daily for Christ to shine in this dark area as much as possible. This is a struggle for me, so know this when you think of me so you can pray for this.
Thank you for keeping me in your prayers. I have no words to express how much I need them, because I know that I am so weak without the Lord. Please know that I still believe very strongly that this is where I am supposed to be. I am hoping to come home for Stacey's baby shower in March! I can't wait to meet my nephew, and hang out with my niece again. I miss Audrey SO much!
Please feel free to email me to keep in touch! That would be the easiest way. I never turn down mail =)
Also, here is my new address:
654 Ely Place
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
And, my new phone number:
801-512-3240
