ACL

3 days. 8 stages. 130 bands.
http://www.aclfestival.com/

Set in a huge grassy park directly in the middle of the great capital Austin, TX, Austin City Limits proved to be as amazing as its following.

Although feeling slightly irresponsible for taking a 3-day break from life to just sit and enjoy music and atmosphere, I concur that it was worth it!

Favorite moments:

• spending time with my friend Rachel, who recently moved to Austin after graduating Baylor.




• Vitamin water after hours of direct sunlight and 90+ weather.




• Sipping Pinot Grigio on a blanket during the evenings while rocking out or simply swaying.



• Seeing hundreds of people in tie dye.




• Watching people, in all shapes and sizes, in all clothes and nakedness, young and old, loving life like crazy!

Some bands that threw killer shows, [probably why they are all famous!]: Foo Fighters (of course), The Mars Volta, Beck, The Raconteurs, Manu Chao, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Iron and Wine...

Some amazing new discoveries: Band of Horses (love them), Gillian Welch (made me want to learn how to play the banjo), Neko Case (awesome voice), Vampire Weekend, The Swell Season, Fleet Foxes...

God's will?

Instead of diligently chipping away at my theology homework on Christian Doctrine, Shirley C. Guthrie's chapters on the "person" of God and why we exist, I cannot stop contemplating the ambiguity of God's will.
I've always heard and believed that one of the ways to know God's will is by the ominous "opening of doors." And, quite truthfully, I've followed most of the opened doors, assuming that they are God's will. If everything works out perfectly and it feels right, it is... right?
On Sunday, I was listening to a podcast of The Village church in Dallas where the speaker Beau Hughes began a series on Jonah. To my surprise and discomfort (the good kind), he revealed that there will always be "open doors" leading away from God and His plan. In fact, there will probably be several appealing options, pretty ornamented doors with signs that say OPEN ME on them. Pretty colored doors with gold handles. Doors that swing open noiselessly and easily. For Jonah, there was a boat going to Tarshish.
I can't help but wonder how many luxurious cruises I've taken to Tarshish, missing the one to Nineveh.
Thankfully, I haven't been swallowed by a great sea creature- yet.

"I have a great deal of company in the house, especially in the morning when nobody calls" ~Henry David Thoreau

Here are some pictures of my apartment!


my bedroom:


largest closet ever!:


"Mama," the new mode of transportation :)

and my new roomie, Jessica :)

New Address:

1800 S. 5th St. #3005,

Waco, TX 76706

what have I been doing?

As life ushers in each new day, I find that I am swept right along with the unremitting current of classes and work. Thankful to regain a daily routine, I continue the battle of time management while struggling to decide how to divide my hours between classwork, regular work (for money), relationships, and rest. (A struggle most are quite familiar with, I am sure).
Since arriving back in Texas, there have been two major developments that I can think of. One, is that after much stress, tears, countless prayers and days spent on Craigslist, I was able to acquire a car. The teal Camry is now part of the Shapiro family and is still awaiting its official christening (a nickname). Another new venture is a job with Mission Waco working with their inner-city after school program. I'm looking forward to hanging out with the kids a couple times a week and helping them find their God-given strengths this semester in addition to working part-time in the Baylor pre-nursing office.
When I'm not in class or working, I am reading for class. Exploring Robert Browning's poetry, Eudora Welty and Toni Morrison's genius, early Christian theological arguments, and late 19th century American realist works have kept me busy most evenings. Not to mention the hours of re-learning the Spanish language/trying to differentiate Spanish from my limited knowledge of Thai and French!
Being here with my sister has been a neat change to the regular Baylor scene. I had the opportunity last night to practice my domestic skills in the kitchen by cooking for her and her new "friend" Chris. Over spaghetti dinners and walks around the bear trail, Natalie and I are becoming familiar with the adult versions of each other.
One of the largest blessings during these few weeks has been spending time with my roommate and close friends that were dearly missed this past year. The Lord has truly answered my heart's longing for fellowship and deep community.
Texas is the same as always- which is a reliable inconsistency! The weather is hot and humid, my walks to and from class are beautifully calming, and my favorite coffee pot produces the same wonderful aroma each morning.
Each new day brings with it new opportunities and friendships that contribute to the greater picture of God's plan for me here in Waco. This morning's time with Jesus revealed this precious reminder:
"And you, He made alive...For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:1, 10

delightful

Because of a freak Texas rainstorm this afternoon, I walked home from class barefoot (approx. 1 mile). And it was wonderful!

such a bummer.

i lost my camera. i can't find it anywhere. i feel like i lost a limb.

simplicity

Sometimes I just want to sell everything I own and walk around the world giving hugs..

I know this is not practical, and may not solve anything and I'd probably wind up in jail somehow. (And I would look as ridiculous as Will Farrell in the movie Elf).

At the recommendation of a childhood friend, I am reading Shane Claiborne's Irresistible Revolution.

I can't even sleep because I keep thinking about what God created me to do, how I can change the things that I don't like about the world, and how all of my passions and dreams can become a reality. {Also, learning what exactly my passions are!}

This morning's breakfast downtown with one of my favorite people lasted hours as we threw around ideas about how to improve the quality of life of the poverty-stricken, the hopeless, the discouraged.

A part of me is frustrated with just telling people that they need a Savior when they are physically starving to death and have no roof over their head.



I want to go somewhere. Simply live like Jesus did. Live Simply in deep community and fellowship. Loving God by loving people like crazy.



So now I want to sell everything I own and just move to Mexico or India or just plain DO SOMETHING that will help someone. BUT.. I have to go back to school. Back to Baylor, back to overwhelming materialism, back to homework, back to bills, back to reading books that I do not choose. I'm trying not to feel stuck, to be faithful to flourish where God has me.





The obvious question now is how do I best follow Jesus in Waco Texas at Baylor University?



I know it will be something God-sized.. (which could be very small, but powerful). I know that if I will actually stop and listen to the Spirit, there will be too many opportunities to love and help those who need it.



And I'm excited. And scared. And ready for something more.

reflections on the day

It's past 10pm on Sunday night. Nearly everyone who loved and supported me this past year in Thailand came over this evening to celebrate God's goodness and His global movement.
How amazing to see so many faces of people I've known since childhood, families that have been praying for me since I was a baby.
With the help of several humble friends and my family, I think this afternoon/evening was incredible for me to witness. Just being able to look out on a gathering of those who genuinely pursue Jesus and desire to follow Him daily was an overwhelming blessing.
I feel so lucky to even know so many individuals who serve and give, living out their faith. I was asked today: what is one way that now looking back I could see God work?
One unexpected thing the Lord has shown me was the power of giving. He proved the story of the loaves and fish. He multiplies. He exceeds my expectations and my dreams. From the resources He entrusted to a few of His children in the US, He gave to a young girl with a vision, to who He then provided the opportunity to bless nationals around the world who sacrifice so much for the gospel. The power of giving.
I want giving and serving to be a compulsion, a necessity that will far exceed any job I will ever have or anything I decide to do with my future.
Thank you to those who continue to shower me with Christ's love, and to those new friends who are refreshingly encouraging. Even though the party is over, and I am officially moving on to the next phase, I look forward to spending more afternoons deepening relationships with good food and great fellowship as we all continue on this amazing journey!

oh, time

Since I've been home, my largest adversary has been time.
Some days, there is hardly enough minutes to take care of needs, eat, and spend time with the people around me.
However, most days, I have too much time. Time to do anything. But, that's where I get stumped. Lately, I've been passing the ominous time by having extra-long morning devotions, going to the gym, cleaning up after people around the house, researching cars on Craigslist and bothering whichever sibling happens to be home at the moment.
When I have too much time, I tend to be less-productive, and less-eager to make plans. I don't quite understand it.
It is a little challenging to do much outside my home without regular use of a vehicle, and as I get older, there are fewer friends in the area to visit anyways.
This month, I think that God is teaching me how to just be. Just to rest in His presence and be content in all circumstances.
I know it is rare to have too much time these days, and I'm starting to view this month as a precious gift of time to connect with people, and be open to whatever the day unfolds.
It's really quite thrilling to think about the possibilities. Even if I am presently just sitting by myself on the couch with no plans for today!

back in the 760

I've officially made my return to my "home, home" in the 760. With a warm welcome at the airport by family and best friend, (including embarassing signs, which I loved!!), my homecoming has been so fun and relaxing. I am excited to catch up with everyone here for the next month! Yay for home!