Calm Before the Storm

Third day here = the calm before the storm. I can only imagine how busy it will start to get come Sunday and Monday. We went to Sunset Blvd again today to check out some thrift stores and go grocery shopping. Last night was a service at the Angelus Temple and the preacher who came from North Carolina was only in his twenties. God used Him greatly though. He reminded me that the first step of faith is the most important. I feel like I have dropped everything for the Lord. Any schooling dreams, jobs, family, friends, etc. It is so uncomfortable - but I know that He will bring me through this year and show me why I'm here. So this first step of faith is what God wanted me to do - and while we're here He will take it and use it for His glory. God reminded me that it's okay that I don't know what I'm doing. Because God promises to provide for His children, it's okay to not always be sure of everything, but to keep having faith.

When I walk Sunset I see this one lady every single time. She can be easily missed because she hides underneath a bundle of blankets and an overstuffed grocery cart. Today she was standing up around nearly ten bags filled with food. She didn't even look up the whole time we were walking by. Her appearance reminds me of a man who dressed as a woman in MacArthur Park I met last summer... she brings back many memories and shines light into what this year will be like. I still cannot believe that we are actually here and will be for a long time. It is just so different than anything else I have ever experienced and witnessed. Everyone talks about God all the time. It's like they are overflowing with God and just spilling into others. There's no sugarcoating things here - people are REAL. Upfront, close and personal. And they always want to talk - which stresses me out right now. But I know by the end of the year when we get back home we won't be able to stop talking about how great our God is either.

A few nights ago we went to Orange County to Life Church for a service where our pastor Matthew Barnett was preaching. He gave the testimony of the Dream Center. All three of us have also met a few interesting and random people. We were waiting at a bus stop and met a guy named Louie. He was in his forties and is divorced. Right now he is living with a vocalist from a local indie band named No Age. He has also worked with the RHCP and the Smashing Pumpkins. Then there's Rob who is writing a script for a movie. He introduced us to Mariano who is a hispanic UF champion. But right now he's injured (he showed us the staples in his knee.. ).

One HUGE praise is that yesterday when we were walking to the church we stopped at Starbucks. A man with no shoes on came up to us and asked if he could read my palm. I said no thanks - and he kept following us and talking with us while we were walking. He eventually grouped up with some guys from the Men's Discipleship program who were also walking to the church. They got him some shoes and he was wearing a dress shirt for the service. This man wasn't a drunk or he wasn't high. He had just been on the streets for WAY to long and was probably going crazy. But he followed us to church and Michelle and I didn't notice until later that he was filling out some forms after the service. I will keep you posted on what those forms were - maybe Men's Discipleship, maybe church member.. etc? Only God knows! At least he got to hear the gospel! :)

I encourage everyone who's reading this to not miss any opportunity that God lays in your path. Take every chance and risk because it's that first step of faith that God will honour. And the rest after that first step of faith God will take care of - we just need to trust in Him and have FAITH. To not lean on what we know or can see but to rely fully on Him and His promises. God loves you all! Keep following! :)