So, here's the deal. Ryon and I had a plan that as soon as we were both done with Logan's and could reclaim our Sundays, we would find a church to join. Last week we visited the church that Ryon grew up at. We both really enjoyed the service and had, I would say, completely different experiences. I won't go into what I think Ryon was feeling or his reactions, but I can share mine. I was not what I would call touched at this specific service in the way I was expecting. Perhaps it was the very new surroundings, and the anxiety of trying to "take it all in" while basically people watching. Perhaps it was my attempt to decipher the message I was supposed to receive that day. Perhaps it was thinking way too much about my place there that day. This could go on forever...suffice it to say I'm not sure. What I do know, is I have been substantially more inquisitive and introspective. For sure thinking A LOT, but in a good way. I think. Haha. At this point, there is no real way for me to convey the enormity of these feelings/thoughts. What I can tell you about is a woman I met with the most amazing story. She has a path similar to many others', but I had never met anyone personally who had experienced such a journey.
She is from Indonesia. For those of you who don't know or aren't sure, Indonesia is a group of thousands of islands in Southeast Asia that houses the world's largest Muslim population. When I asked her what made her emigrate to the States, she said, "I came here to be Christian." I stared, stunned at her response. I'm still not sure why. You hear about this kind of thing all the time...I suppose I simply expected her to say something different. More opportunity. Better life for my kids. But to convert to Christianity? Wow. And what a week for me to meet her...when my head was already swimming with questions about my own faith. Needless to say, I was intrigued. I felt like a reporter, pumping her for information. Every time she answered one question I interrogated further. Her answers continued to surprise me. Not only did she leave her entire family and the only life she'd ever known, she traveled alone with a small child, seven months pregnant, after hearing the gospel on TV. No missionaries. No live people to speak with and answer questions for her. No pastors, priests, ministers, or anything of the sort. TV. God's love moved her that much. I was inspired, touched, and amazed. I AM inspired, touched and amazed.
Just thought I'd share.
PS: I didn't forget about house pictures...I'm just not ready to take them yet! =) Soon!
