well here i am. in Jackson Hole, Wy.
in my trailer.
christmas lights up.
dog sleeping.
writing a blog...
what the heck is that all about?
i usually am not too fond of these things. but realizing today how theres so many people ive lost contact with and people who want to know whats going on in my life and what the heck im doing in Wyoming, I figured it couldn't hurt any. I would like to share what the Lord is doing in my life, although it would be a lot better to do that personally, that's not always possible with everyone. The Lord is providing, He is working. and i'd like to share that with you. I also have daily struggles and thoughts and lots of changes goin on that i'd like to share as well.
I have so many amazing stories to share about my travels this past year. I've gotten to meet so many incredible new friends and seen so many beautiful places, I wouldn't have time to share them all. I will reflect on some of my traveling stories later on. but right now I'm having to focus on getting rooted in this town of Jackson Hole, which is so different than I'm used to. First off, I'm not entirely sure EXACTLY why I'm here or what I'm to do...except that I thought I was going to be staying in Minneapolis for a while but the Lord had different plans. He definately called me to get rooted down here to get involved in the local church and possible ministry opportunities to the ski bum/hippie culture here. I have no idea what that will look like, but i'm trying to just be obedient and trust that the Lord will do the rest.
For the past few months traveling, the thought of 'settling down' somewhere for a while was really on my mind a lot. There was so many things I loved about traveling, but I deeply missed being in one spot for more than a month and being involved in church and ministry and getting to know the community...that and I felt like I was always invading someones home with a very active young pup, and was looking forward to having a space where i wouldn't have to worry about Moss messing anything up or making him lay still for hours on end getting from one place to another.
Long story short, the Lord called me back here. So about a month ago I moved here not knowing where I was going to live or how I was going to get around...not really knowing anyone besides my brother, sisnlaw, and nephew and barely knowing the people on the church plant team. The enemy tried to put some major doubts in my mind...telling me that I should settle down where all my friends are and not where the Lord could possibly use me. After all, no one is just going to be 'passing through' this huge mountain on their travels anyway...so when would I see any of my friends?! and although thinking like this is still sometimes a struggle for me, as I'm having to adjust to living alone and not having a next destination, the Lord keeps reminding me to look to Him. It's a struggle, believe me, but it's so great to know that HE is in control and when I have no clue what i'm doing, He does! He knows exactly why I'm here, how long I'll be here...He can see the whole picture, when i can only see a blurry glimpse of what He has in store.
So after I got here the Lord totally provided the perfect place for me to live. A couple from the team had bought a trailer right after they moved here this summer, but were looking to sell it since they had moved into an apartment...I was afraid I'd have to live with some rich person I didn't know or pay an absurd amount of money for rent, which i dont have (by the way living here is VERY expensive)...but when I saw the trailer i fell in love. i'ts perfect for me and the dog. It's well insulated for the cold winter months ahead, has an amazing wood stove, running water, sweet old wallpaper, free electricity and internut, and great neighbors, most of whom have dogs too. One neighbor gave me wild antelope our other neighbor had killed (which i gave to my brother) and another has offered to fill my water tank all winter (they turn off the pipes in winter coz they freeze...but my neighbor has a water hose that will reach to the bathroom). There's also a 3-legged coon dog that runs around on the roof of the office building. It's so beautiful here it's nuts. I'm really digging his whole campground/trailer park living. I just wish some of my friends would come visit me already! :)
The Lord has also provided me with a car that has 4-wheel-drive and a block heater...which is very important in this area. The only thing left is to get a job...which is almost impossible this time of year (off-season). Please pray for that! I'll tell ya, living in a mountain/ski area is pretty different. Everyone seems to be pretty nice, and doesn't look at me weird. My only regret is there's no coffee shops or ANYTHING open past 6 or 7pm, since everyone is out going to bars or partying instead. bummer.
that's all for now. time for bed.
