Life... à la mode!

So, maybe after a two-week break there's enough life that's happened to make up a short post.

Ok, well, I started the foundations course a week late at The Mission because of work schedule. It's pretty cool, though. Actually, it's a lot more work than I was anticipating. They assign homework. I kinda miss homework... something about it makes you feel smarter--even when you're just staring at the wall at Peet's thinking about something totally unrelated to Foundations homework-- *clears throat* -- but, I've... never... done that. This course is really going to be good for me, though. It's a requirement for any church involvement other than the regular meetings, i.e. mission trips, corporate outreach, etc. And the leaders really have a heart to bring people into the experience of God that is in the information. So, they make us put it into practice in class. Pretty neat idea.

As I've mentioned before, it's been slow getting to know people here. Well, on Sunday I was really excited to go to my first small group meeting. So, I hung out after church in Vacaville till 4pm when the meeting was to start. For the last 45min of my wait I was actually in front of the house resting in my car thinking "I really hope they don't look out their windows and see me." So, the time came around... I was a bit curious. No other cars driving up. "Hmmmmm...", I thought. Knocked on the door. No response. Yeah, so it turns out they're on a mission trip this week and I guess I missed the memo in typical Thomas style.

But all was not lost. I know God's got good planning, but this week was amazing. So, a little back story. Money's been tight but enough amazingly for everything I need... I mean, if I could write out the balance sheet of the last month and a half it would look like this: Thomas-???? God-:-) How does he do it? Like when rent's due, loan payment's due, my battery on my car dies, and my first and only paycheck is two weeks late (literally living on tips which varies from $20-30 a week!). But... here I sit. I haven't missed a meal. Probably actually gained some weight from eating beans, rice and potatoes. I now make a mean stew, by the way. Anyways, I finally got paid and it is EXACTLY the amount to cover rent, loan payment, replacement battery ($91 Ouch!), and tithe. Not only that, but the financial timing has been perfect as well. If the check was any later I would have been sunk.

Wow, what a long back story... So, God's timing and suprises are great! So, with the last two paragraphs coloring for you my situation in general (few friends, not many tasty enhancements to my diet), you'll now know the importance of Wednesday. I was actually invited by my church carpool to a prayer meeting they have on Wednesday nights. So, I show up 10 minutes late... On my way I'm picturing a very solemn meeting with people crying out to God in fervent intercession. And where you sneak in and get a look from the leader like "this is very serious, please be seated." And, of course, you're kicking yourself for being late because if there were refreshments you missed them; and to eat them during or afterwards, well, that would just be cheating, right? Borderline gluttonesque (you sinner;-)). So, long story short... I walked in and they were just chatting. Then they forced me to have iced cream with the chocolate shell stuff on top... a real sacrifice, which I thoroughly enjoyed... wow (now Kelli is jealous). And if that wasn't good enough... when we started they asked me to lead worship for them! I mean, God. He's like specifically setting me up. Also, they seem to be really great guys that are searching for the kingdom and what it means and how to live it at work and in life--the very questions I've been pondering.

I think these are going to be some good friends over time.

Next time, maybe I'll tell you about Eliju (Ee-lie-who), who is probably the most interesting spiritualist person I've met yet in California. Or possibly about the bisexual-liberal-buddist I work with... Oh, the possibilities. But you'll just have to wait!

:-D