simply homemaker

Dear everyone,

I did not go to Hawaii. The Microsoft “storm” caused so many delays and cancellations that it was not possible for me to get on the planes, but I trust that the Lord has His reasons for me not being in Hawaii and being home instead this weekend. I called the family I was going to visit in Oahu and we arranged a re-attempt for this upcoming week, this time even more exciting because we discussed the possibility of the two older girls joining me for a tour around the island to go snorkeling and see the turtles. I ask you pray for this time spent in fellowship to be a sweet one, that I will love the Sluder’s well, and that the Lord uses my many hours on the plane to help me do productive things such as work, study, and read profitable books.

I made use of the rest of the day by studying, cleaning out a cooler, and reading Francis A. Schaeffer, who started the L’abri Fellowship in the Alps Mountain. It would be such a sweet time to visit this ministry in the Alps. I feel more excited to go to Switzerland by the day. Today, my Schengen visa came, and my preparations for Switzerland are nearly complete, with only toiletries to be added to the bags and potentially replacing some old suitcases that I do not know would be able to last this cross continent short-term move. This is the first time in 8 years I feel like I’m really moving outside of the U.S, for all the other moves are short, and even the one I current am on feels domestic. Last summer was also a close one; I brought home only one suitcase and spent the summer home with my parents, which was beyond sweet. My phone has been reminding me of the pictures from this time last year, when I was home. On this day last year my family and I went to the movie theater together, as that was our weekend tradition to go the movies, and those were the very few times I watched movies in my life. This time last year, I was also cleaning my parents’ kitchen, visiting my aunt’s new house, and spending time with my closest friend in middle school whom I had not seen in many years. I also had the joy of taking a 2-week trip to Australia with my family, and traveled simply with them to many different cities, making fun memories with my brother, and taking photos of my parents. Remembering these things today has given me joy.

I spent the first 5 or 6 posts of this blog really just processing this past year, and after another 4 or 5 found myself in this place where new movements are taking place and the season is already changing again. In only over a month, I will leave with 2 suitcases and a backpack, Lord willing, to Switzerland, and then I will meet many new people and have many new experiences. I will see more of the world that the Lord has made. Being almost 25 is an interesting transition that I am fully experiencing. Yesterday at dinner I call that “old” and everyone at the table laughed at me about it. But I truly feel a lot older than I used to and now I suddenly have this yearning to have youthful feelings again. This season also brings the sharp realization that I am so different from when I was 22 or 23, and the Lord has been gentle and gracious in leading me in this process of learning more of His heart and having His perspective about things. Many things no longer scare me like they used to do. This is just the nice thing of being older: I know myself better and how the Lord has created me, so I do not let others’ expectations dictate the outcome. What is even sweeter is that as I get older, I feel the need to rely on the Lord more than ever, for He is requiring of me more, and I am to learn how to faithfully steward the life that He has given me.

I am really looking forward to the things He has in store for me at age 25, places He will lead me to, the hills and valleys that only He would know.

Lord, please let me be at the center of Your will.

As you can tell, I’m somewhat nostalgic this summer. I’ve been reading a book series I have loved since I was a kid (and just finished when this blog is posted) and have found much joy in listening to the Elizabeth Elliot’s Gateway to Joy broadcast in the morning and during my commutes, which was what I listened to daily as well two years back and was instrumental in my spiritual transformation.

This past week, I also heard from the L’abri Fellowship that they have given me a spot to study in the Alps at the end of November. Packing my fluffy blanket and big jacket, now, as well as many books and notebooks to use during the time I’m there!

Two more weeks of this internship and one more week of summer classes… Hard to believe that I started this blog weeks before it started and soon we will be arriving at the end. This summer has been sweet, fun, restful, and full of adventures as well. I don’t know exactly what all to expect next, but I’m grateful that God will lead me if I abide in Him.

Just a short and quick update this week – I hope this note finds everyone well and doing things that bring life to your heart.

Love,
Tram