So, I haven't been updating this as often as my CIMBA blog, obviously. It has been a little rough here lately. My friend's parents came to visit and just made me realize how much I miss friends and family back home. It's nearing two months since I left home, which is pretty crazy to me. There is a lot going on in my mind right now--just a lot to think about...Home, school, friends, family, traveling, money, summer, and on and on.
I've been spending more time with God lately and I know that has to do with my troubles. I've had some good time in the word, listening to messages, praying, reading a devotional...so much of what I need. Ashley and I started a friendship study just last week. I got it for the both of us to do together, since we don't live in the same place (it's always been a long distance friendship). We waited a long time to start, but I'm so glad we started doing it. I'm going to start on the second study sometime this week. I know God will use this to bring us closer together and especially to Him. God continues to be faithful and teach me things here.
This morning while I keep going back and forth between studying and time with God, I came across these verses in my book that I think is very defining of my life right now...
"Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3
God is calling me to trust Him with this time I have abroad. It is very scary for me to spend all this money traveling, but this is me not trusting Him. God brought me here for a reason and allowed me to fulfill this desire. I'm trying to seek Him here and listen to what He is trying to teach me.
I've been putting a lot of focus on my studies instead of God. I haven't been doing as well on my tests as I would have liked. I study a lot and for those who know me, they know what that means. I usually spend the evening working on getting homework done; just reading for classes. I have two papers and a group project due this week---before I was overwhelmed. Now, I feel a little bit more at ease and I'm sure that's only because God has been working in me.
We went to Rome this last weekend and it was great to see all the history. It was difficult because traveling there was so expensive and I think that is partially what upset me this weekend. I've never spent so much money in such a small amount of time. However, the fact that I get to see all these places of beauty and interest are only because of God. I hope I keep remembering that and don't lose focus. In a couple of weeks, I will be leaving for more travels which I am pretty excited about. God continues to bless me here with caring friends and enjoyable times. I can't say that anything horrible has happened to me yet. I may be struggling with other things, but at the same time, I seek God through it all. I pray I continue to give my time and worries to him.
Ciao, friends.
