Settling in to society...

I have been home for 2 weeks now. The confusing thing is that it feels like I've been here both longer and shorter than that. The first week I did less activity than a pile of jello...or at least that was the amount of energy i had. Then last week I went to a confrence in Tacoma put on by New Song (church in Tacoma). The confrence was very good! Most of it was a repeat of things I was taught in DTS, but it is always good to be reminded of the truth! God was certainly present there.

This week I am in Seaside, Oregon with my parents. A lot of families from my church are at Cannon Beach this week, so we're hearing Louis Palau speak this week. I didn't intend on going to so many confrences after DTS, but it actually seems normal to me. I plan on spending a lot of time this week in prayer for direction in where God wants me right now and for how long. I am confident that He will give me some direction this week. I know He doesn't want me idle forever(nor do my parents). Of course I won't forget my team, my sister (who is due any day), possibly going to Tonga this fall, or those of you who specifically asked for prayer.

One of my biggest fears at the end of my DTS was that I hadn't changed. I saw myself as the same person struggling with the same things....then I reread my journal...then I came home and saw how much God really did change me, and all the sudden all the bad things, and all the hard times slowly began to fade away. Of course i will never forget having pink eye for 2 weeks, and the like...but the lessons I learned and the intimacy with God I found make every hurt, every lesson, and every heartache worth it. One day I'll go back...but when that happens is up to God.

I have also become more and more greatful for everyone as my realization of how significant this has been to me. There is NO way I could have ever done this without your prayers, money, and love. The more I see that God had done in me and through me, the more I am greatful for what you have done. I pray that God will bless you double what you have blessed me with...and more than just money...because this trip was not about the money(although it wouldn't have happend without it)...it was about learning who I am in retrospect to who God is. Don't be mislead, I am still far from a conclusion...but I'm much closer than I was before. My love for all of you grows every day.

In His Grace,
Joel