Semester Thus Far (Picture Update)

This semester has been far from typical for me and I have ended up spending more time getting muddy, cold and tired than actually studying for any classes.

In a way I prefer this work study program here at Ouachita Hills because I am learning so many different practical skills. I've never been so excited to learn, where normally it would require staring at a screen or a book, I now am trying things and messing up and learning from my mistakes, or if Im working with an experienced person I love to ask what everything is that seems unfamiliar to me.

I have been mostly enjoying working on the vehicles here, taking stuff apart and getting greasing and having my hands freeze off. But other stuff here is fun too, for instance I have probably chopped like a bajillion pieces of wood and learned different chopping techniques. I also learned how to set up different things for bricklaying on our new church here in Amity, and found out how strangely comfortable I am climbing around on high, skinny scaffolding. All in all I am learning to be patient and work hard, and its all been a blessing. 

I thought I would share a few pictures I took that I thought may be interesting.

Had to take off the front quarter panel of one of our vans to get our a dent, but to get that piece off it required the removal of practically the whole front of the vehicle.

Less schoolwork means more time exploring out doors and going on random hikes. Probably my favorite part of having free time outside of work.

I am cleaning lots of things this semester, but having friends to clean with always makes it more enjoyable.

Had a cool diamond saw to cut bricks. Totally melts the brick when it cuts it.

All the hiking :)

I don't know how many pictures I have taken of the sunset here at school, but its dozens for sure. Always beautiful, I love the purity of the scenery here.

Had to come up with a way to get a tire to fit properly. Needed a hand grinder, but could only find a standing one, so we made do.

Someone had a Birthday (Julie). And we enjoyed our time hanging out and eating, though not everyone I hoped to be there came, it was still pretty fun.

Went rock climbing. Fantastic views.

Panorama, but still couldn't get it all in.

The wall. its really a wall. On the otherside it is really tall, and thats where we climbed.

One of the reasons I don't like cities.

Some academy guys that went with us.

Tried to fit more into the shot... I probably couldve stared for hours.

I really really enjoy heights. Probably to much. I sitting on top of a unsecured pallet where earlier I had been standing on it carrying bricks from there onto the scaffolding.

Did i mention I spent a lot of time cutting wood.... Cuz I did. Nothing like the satisfying crack of splitting wood in a swift stroke.

After we returned from canvassing this past week it ended up snowing... A lot.... Well, for Arkansas.

Reminds me of how Christ's purity covers us. Though we are dead in trespasses and sins, He makes us whiter than snow in purity.

----I'll try to post a canvassing update as well from Valdosta, but I am trying to get pictures together.

Hope you enjoyed a slice of my life.

Patience

The lesson I see most through Scripture is one of waiting upon the Lord.

Honestly, I have a hard time with timing.

Not getting something when I wanted it was always difficult for me. Im sure many can relate.

In my own stubbornness I was always sure I could handle what ever it is that I desire to engage in. Either I would already be quite familiar with it or I knew I could adapt to it quickly.

So so stubborn, but not in the sense of rebellion whereas I didn't want help with tackling a difficulty, but in the sense of independence where I thought I didn't need help. Kinda see what I mean?

Well moving on.

Recently I have had more than significant events take place that have left me with practically no earthly support. And that's not because I couldn't find any but because I didn't want any.

I have felt as if I must overcome by my own mental fortitude rather than by the guide and comfort of others God has placed in my life.

But out of all the many many times I have faced discouragement and depression I have finally given up to God.

I can gladly say My stubborn heart of stone is much more tender and accepting of assistance. Divine and otherwise.

But in the back of my head it is still a huge struggle to just submit my feeling to conjecture by other people.

I risk being wrong and being corrected.

I even risk having my plans and timing changed.

But in all this I have found blessings and not the negative outcomes I had presupposed.
Having patience through these difficulties, as in suffering through them, has given me a new option.

Its not an option  to be right, or to be wrong but an option to simply let God choose in His time.

To not really act or try to succeed in my own plans, but really just Trust and Obey.

For me, gifts are hard to just receive, I push to attain them in my own efforts or to search them out and discover them with my own intellect.

But in the most valuable and difficult choices in life, ones that mold you and maybe another, God as a Father for his children wants to pick out the best gifts and present them to His waiting, patient child.