It's been an interesting weekend...

I'm going to try to keep this post a reasonable length but there is a lot to tell.

Saturday I went to the movies. We were going to see "Trust the Man," a nice light-hearted romantic comedy. It wasn't playing at the time we thought so instead we saw "World Trade Center." Obviously quite a different choice. I felt like I wanted to say I'd seen it, plus because it was a story about survivors I thought I could handle it. Maybe more on the movie in a later post, but for now I can say it was emotionally intense but overall a good movie, worth watching.

During the movie I'd turned my phone off. I've never turned it off since I got it and so I didn't know the pin necessary to use the phone when I turned it back on. I tried several generic options but I only had one try left so I thought it best to wait until I got home to look it up. Unfortunately when I got back to my flat I realized I'd left my keys inside!!

I've been so careful to check that I have my keys when I leave - out of the fear of what I would do if I was locked out. To make matters worse, I couldn't use my phone! I was terrified but tried to remain calm. It was late at night and I had no way to contact anyone. I finally thought to go to the womens minister's house. I was so upset that I had to resort to ring her doorbell at night because she barely knows me, but I walked about a half hour there and broke down when I arrived. She was so great and I am thankful that God provided a place for me to stay in the situation. In the morning I used her phone to call and get the code to unblock my phone, then had a locksmith come to let me in. You'll be glad to hear I have a very secure lock (at least it's nice if you're on the inside).

So that was a bit of a watershed. I was in a pretty low mood today, plus is was raining sheets. I had planned to meet a friend and decided to go, despite the fact that I wanted to sleep.

But wait! Things are about to turn around. Tonight was the annual dinner at church. I've been looking forward to it because it kicks off the small groups and theme for the year. It was a really nice time. I had some great conversation with those sitting at my table, and the minister spoke about the values and goals of the church. It just put everything in perspective!

I have to battle against the selfish thoughts I have about being here. "Oh, isn't this a great opportunity I have? Look at all the cool things I can see and do." But his message reminded me that who I am and what I am about is still the same here as it is in Cincinnati. It's not about me, it's still about God and I am just here to serve him. I hadn't completely lost sight of it but it was such a great reminder after a long, troubling weekend. I am so excited about getting involved and being a part of the community at St. Andrews.

My theme since I've been here? God provides. But I'll be getting some extra copies of keys made just the same.