simply homemaker

Last night, as we were all sitting on the couch in a house that I had just been to the first time, someone from the Bible study asked me: “So what’s next for you?”

And here was my answer: “I followed the Lord here. So, if He wants me to stay for a short time, I’ll stay for a short time. If He wants me to stay for a long time, I’ll do that. I’ll be here until He leads me somewhere else.”

It just seems like everyone is really interested in my next move nowadays. And so, under this kind of current pressure, this is the answer that I spent a lot of time creating and actually thinking about.

I will not be hasty to depart from the place God has brought me to. There is a reason to why I am here, and it’s beautiful when one steps fully into that realization each season of life.

As this blog’s beginning has alluded to, I have now met more people in my new home and am not spending the weekends by myself anymore. (That lasted only two weekends, to be honest, so we shall not be dramatic). This morning, after posting this blog, I’m driving to downtown Orlando to spend the day and meeting all sorts of people. Melanie, a girl from my office, will help me try out my first coffee shop in Orlando. Then, I’ll meet Tyler, who is Isaac’s wife and Isaac is in my team, to check out a pottery studio nearby. Then, I’ll meet my friend Emma, whom I have known for two years in DC, and she works for Cru also! Emma is here for Cru’s internal seminary, Institute of Biblical Studies, and so we’re going to grab some ice-cream to catch up.

Last night, I got to spend some time in fellowship at a young adults Bible study, and it was so sweet and welcoming! This Sunday, Anne Fallow is taking me to her daughter’s church downtown. So, we’re spending lots of our time this weekend in downtown Orlando.

Work has gone well too. I spent the first part of this week learning the ins and outs of a report that has been around for 20 years at Cru and sent out my first analysis on Wednesday. On Thursday, we had our first team time, during which I got to know my team members better over a yummy coffee. On Friday, which is yesterday, we went into the office again, and I studied for a certification I’m taking in August while also writing my first Excel macro post college! So, this week was productive, and I celebrated by ordering Thai takeout (green curry with Thai tea!).

Having a minute to breathe has allowed me to draw closer to the Lord, which I am most grateful for. Working for a ministry means we have devotional time built into each day, either personally or with a group of people. In this season, I get to know a lot of new friends who love God and hear their stories, which is always refreshing. I move my body a lot (5-day workout week, who is she?) and cook from home about once a day. I read books. I even leisurely watch vlogs and Vietnamese shows on YouTube. I go to bed when I’m tired. I feel rested and taken care of.

Mama Julie, on our call last Sunday morning, called this year my Sabbath year, and suddenly it made sense to me.

This is what I needed. Rest. Sabbath. An opportunity to connect with myself, slow down, and spend time with my most Beloved.

A rhythm of renewal. A gift.

I feel like a different person even just after 3 weeks of summer, and I miss this girl. Who loves her little city. Who gets excited about little events at work. Who feels grateful for small things and loves the feeling of contributing to something bigger than herself. Who makes new friends!

Summer is such a good season, isn’t it? For things are birthed in this season, friendships and memories and ideas. So that in Fall, these things have already been culminated and look more beautiful than ever.

Writing these words reminds me so much of last summer, swimming in the backyard pool with Blair and spending lots of time at the dining table dreaming with mama Julie. It reminds me of the early September flight to Switzerland, wandering the city going to museums and libraries and the hills, staying up until 2AM talking with friends from around the world. It reminds me of how the Fall was the most beautiful ever, as I traveled through Germany and Austria and the Czech Republic to revisit old friends and favorites.

This season in the Southern city of Orlando, Florida is no less interesting or life-changing than any other, because it’s teaching me something I devastatingly craved: a restful rhythm of life.

And so, let’s rest well today, shall we?

Love,

Tram