Hugs on Craigslist?

Well I haven’t had too many crazy adventures these days, but I decided to give you a little update anyway. I think it is starting to hit me that this is no longer a vacation and this is now my home. Crazy to think about, but I guess exciting at the same time. God has been already teaching me so much and literally it has been cool to spend so much time with Him each day. I have three friends over here: Jesus, my ITouch, and Leah (my roommate), so days can be lonely. It is good though, because for the first time in my life I have to get affirmation from the only One that can truly give me what I need. When I am walking or on public transportation, usually I would pick up my phone and call or text someone, but instead I read or pray. It is actually pretty relaxing. As most people know, I love being social, I love being around people and I thrive off friendship and giving love to others.  Clearly this has been more of a challenge because I don’t really have friends and for that matter I don’t really have people I can love on since there is nobody to communicate with other than the occasional barista. I think what I long for the most is physical affection. I have had enough handshakes to last me a lifetime. Seriously I am about to post an ad on Craigslist for a hug. I mean it is hard enough to GET a hug when you are 186 cm, because I am usually the giver, but at this point I am DESPERATE.  I am starting to take a different approach on love though. I continue to smile at people even though at times it is hard to not take it personally. When I do have contact with people, I want them to walk away saying, “Wow there was something about that girl that is different, and even though she didn’t speak a word I knew, I saw something unique.”  God has brought me to this city for a reason and as lonely as some days are, I want to be a light in this city. Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” This is how I want to live my life.

Leah and I

Currently I am reading a book called “Desire” by John Eldredge. I would recommend everyone to read it. It is a great book and has opened up my eyes to what it looks like to have desire in my life and that God is not opposed to desire. He gave us a hear t that deeply desires and He uses those desires to draw us to Him and live the life that He wants us to live. Also it touches a lot on eternity and what that will look like. All in all, you should all read it because it is a great book and I really enjoy his writing.

The good news today is that I did get my phone SIM card in the mail, so I have a phone that is in working order. The bad news is that I realized I have nobody to contact on my phone. Ha. It’s almost worst because at least before I could justify not having a social life because of the lack of communication, now it is just inactive, which makes me feel like even more of a loser. The cool thing in Germany is that when people call you it is free, but when you call them it costs money. Good thing I have nobody to call!