This has been a great week for me, setbacks and roadblocks notwithstanding. Some highlights:
Yesterday while I was outside in the parking lot of the Senior Apartment Complex a car drove up and parked. I didn't recognize the woman driving, but the passenger was someone who lives here. She's a Bosnian refugee who has been here for 11 years. I wouldn't say she's elderly, but she is about 15 years older than me.
The driver introduced herself as Amy - a friend of the passenger. Amy had a thick Bosnian accent but spoke English well.
She pointed to the Awesomemobile I was leaning against (a 1980's stationwagon sans the awesome paneling) and asked if it was my car. I told her it was my dads. Then, the passenger began talking and Amy translated. They wanted to know if I could drive her to Lowe's to get a sheet of particle board and have it cut. Amy's car was obviously too small to put the lumber in. I told her I'd be happy to help.
So, today, I picked up my Bosnian friend at 3:00 sharp and we drove the mile or so to the hardware store. We both chatted back and forth, not understanding a single word the other was saying, but it was fun!
At the hardware store, my friend produced a slip of paper with the exact dimensions of what she needed and the workers took over. We were in and out in no time and then I helped her install the board under her couch cushions. Apparently a board under the cushions keeps them from slipping off the sofa. Who knew?
After that, my friend asked me to meet her outside again in about 15 minutes and I had the opportunity to drive her to the bank.
I have to say, this was a highlight of my day - my week, even. At one point, my friend offered to pay me but I thought, "why?" I had the chance to help out someone who has been very friendly and welcoming to me, and I got to learn a few extra words in Bosnian.
***
Another Highlight -
On Monday and Tuesday, I got to see my nephew Jason, his wife, Corie and their kids Kyle and Kylie - along with my niece, Dena and her girlfriend Marisa. I hadn't seen Jason in a decade, and had never met Corie or their kids. It was really great to see them and catch up with them. I'm really proud of Jason. He's a volunteer firefighter in his town of Fairview, Missouri. The photo above is of him fighting a fire. Not to be left out, I'm also proud of Dena and love her and all my brother Mark's kids. They're good people. They've been through a lot - more than I could take, for sure.
***
Not such a fun Highlight -
Also on Tuesday, my dad told me that Gary, the manager of the Senior Apartments told him it was time for me to go. When dad came in the apartment, he began that conversation with, "Do you want the bad news or the bad news?" Kinda sucks when your dad uses your words and phrases against you =)
But you know, as soon as dad told me that I needed to leave, I felt a peace and calm I can't explain in human terms. It just felt right. I decided then that it must be what the Lord wants for me. I have no idea where I'll land or where I'll go next week, but I know that as long as I trust in the Lord (or try my best to, anyway), the result will be what He wants. What He wants is what I want.
A couple of hurdles cropped up immediately. I had made a payment arrangement with a bill collector to withdraw payments for a bill every other week, but the agent made a mistake and withdrew this week, too. That left me with a whopping $28 in my account.
Then, I called the Home Inn where I plan to go for a few weeks at least, and they said they had a room immediately. Since I want to pay by the week, I confirmed the weekly rate - $80/week. The manager said yes, that's the rate, but they have a policy that they require at least 2 weeks payment up front. This threw me off, so I sent a quick text to my former bishop who owns the Home Inns and he said yes, that's their policy and no, he won't intervene for me for an exception.
So, I'm not quite sure what to do. But, it's not up to me. When the Lord counseled (commanded?) to trust not in the arm of flesh, I believe He was including my own flesh. I need to trust in Him and Him alone. When I try to take over, well, let's just say things don't go well most of the time. What's the scripture? Oh, yeah.
That sounds pretty clear to me. It's simple. Not easy. But simple.
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Today, I had the opportunity to go to lunch with my brother, Tim. So good to spend an hour or so with one of the great heroes of my life.
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The final Highlight so far this week -
I met with my bishop this week. We had a good talk. Even though I'm moving, he said we can keep my records in the ward here. I also committed to attending church and paying my tithing. He had so many good things to say about my dad - things I already know. The bishop also said he would give me a calling as soon as he could, and highly encouraged me to get involved in serving others. I like the idea. And, though this was the first time I met him, I liked him immediately. He's pretty young (I would be surprised to find out he's had his 30th birthday yet), but I know he's connected with the Lord.
So, those are the highlights. It's been a week of ups and downs, but I'm choosing to trust in the Lord (as His ways are not mine) and focus on the ups.
Hope you're having a good week.
Brother H.
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