Simplify, Simplify, Simplify!

I've been thinking a lot lately about how to simplify my life. I have already successfully cut back or eliminated several time-sucking activities, like watching TV, but I still feel like I am spreading myself too thin at times. I decided tonight would be a solitary night-- just me, my laundry, homework and God. It's amazing how soothing doing laundry or cleaning my room is when I normally don't have time to do it. It almost becomes a special treat when I can stay at home and catch up on cleaning, write a blog or just do my homework before the night it's due! Being as extroverted as I am presents a problem at times because I thrive off of social interaction and am generally completely content while in constant contact with others. Unfortunately, spending every waking moment in the presence of others is straining on my schoolwork, my relationship with God and my sanity all together! I love my friends, and I love being involved in clubs and whatnot, but sometimes life just calls for a breather from all of that. Spiritually, I can only grow so much when I'm in the presence of others. Sometimes I just need to lock myself away in my room and spend some much needed alone time with my Creator, whether that means being obedient by representing him well in my schoolwork, praising him while doing laundry or actually studying his Word-- sometimes we just need to do things alone. This has been a hard concept for me to grasp since coming to Auburn, but I am learning more and more why Henry David Thoreau talked so much about simplicity. It is soothing to the mind, body and soul, and should always be a priority in our lives. 

Weekend

I had a really great weekend at home! I watched 3 and 1/2 movies, which were all good, hung out with my family, played hide-and-seek, played with my dog, went to church, went grocery shopping, cleaned my room... 

It was really relaxing.

I miss reading my Bible. That's all that just came up in my mind to write. Why wasn't that included in my relaxing weekend? Why am I writing a blog at 12:25 instead of reading it if I miss it? Duh, bye. Short blog. I was interrupted. :)

Latvia! Some thoughts.

It's official: Robyn, Cole, Trey and I are going to Latvia for four weeks this summer. 

This will be my first trip to Europe, second mission trip, first flight across the Atlantic and longest time out of the country yet. Needless to say there will be a lot of firsts for me this summer. 

Exciting as all of that will be, the purpose of this trip isn't to check another continent off of my list. I'm not going to make it more glorious than it really is, but I think I need to begin now praying that this trip will be more than just a fun month during the summer. 

It is a mission trip, and although I don't expect us to start a revival, I do expect to learn a great deal about ministry in another culture from the missionaries there. I'm confident in my faith, but this summer will challenge me to learn more about how to share that faith with those around me.

 I can't stand the "I'm a hero" mentality we seem to possess when we go to other countries to share the Gospel. There are already strong Christians in Latvia and most every country, and to prance into these countries with the mindset of "I know something they don't" is arrogant and pompous. Christians of other nationalities who have different traditions and speak different languages know God. Their faith is just as strong (or stronger) as any American's, and when we go on these short-term trips, we are there to help in what is already going on! To march into another country as a short-term missionary and demand that everyone match the way the American church (or a particular denomination) does ministry is absurd and unproductive. I hope I keep that in the forefront of my mind not only this summer, but for the rest of my life. I pray that God continually humbles me and teaches me to adjust wherever I may go. 

I will now hop off the soapbox. 

Latvia is a smallish country in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Lithuania to the south, Estonia to the north and Belarus and Russia to the east. It was formerly a part of the Soviet Union and restored its independence in 1991. As far as religion is concerned, 37% believe "there is a god," 49% "believe there is some sort of spirit or life force" and 10% "do not believe there is any sort of spirit, god, or life force" (Wikipedia). In comparison to the US, in 2007 78.4% of Americans claimed to follow Christianity, while 16.8% claimed to be agnostic, atheist, or having no religion. 

This summer, we will be working with mostly high school and college students. I'm really excited about working with an older age group. Lately kids have not been my forte-- I'm not sure why. Ha. It should provide great learning and ministry experience. 

I'm also grateful to be going with the group I'm going with. Trey actually lived in Latvia for seven years as a missionary kid, so it's comforting to me that he knows the area and might remember some of the language. Robyn is an incredible friend and I have watched her love internationals for over a year, and I've also gone to Guatemala with her for a week. She is extremely humble and sincere in her faith. I have a lot to learn from her. Cole is hilarious and also a great friend. He is wise as well as funny and will add balance to the team. He traveled to Europe last summer, so that is comforting as well. We also may meet up with Trey's dad and a team he is bringing to Latvia this summer, which would be fantastic. 

Overall, I'm just giddy thinking about it. Be praying for our team and for the people of Latvia! :)