simply homemaker

Dear friends,

Did you ever just look up and realize you are living the life you were praying for?

I’m snuggling up with Scout, a border collie mix, at my feet, writing the Sunday morning blog. I made some friends at work, and they asked me to dogsit for them for a week, so I’m enjoying a whole apartment and a very sweet dog to myself. I feel some pain from being sunburn going to the beach on Friday. Right after this, I’m taking a shower and going to a church that I’ve absolutely loved since I’ve moved here.

Just about 9 months ago, I was crying on my bed in my dorm room in Switzerland and feeling so sad until my friend Veselina woke me up to do homework and listen to Christmas music with her. I was crying because my family was not happy about me taking a job in ministry (read A Little Note for Myself (10/25/2024) – simply homemaker – it’s still one of the most vulnerable moments I have put on the blog).

Fast forward 9 months later, I graduated from my MBA, finished a spring internship with World Vision, and took up a full-time job at Campus Crusade for Christ. I’m dog sitting for friends that I made at Cru. Someone pinch me, please.

I have Jesus. I have new friends. I have a sweet church. I still have my old friends. I have a dance class AND a barre studio near my house. I have a family that cares about me. I have a job in a ministry that I admire, with coworkers who are kind and love Jesus.

In a world that tells you that you need more – more money, more experiences, more things, even more knowledge – to be happy, I have found contentment in this current moment, right now.

Yes, I’m wearing an Apple Watch I bought on Facebook Marketplace for $40. I bought the $40 mattress topper instead of the $99 one. I drive a car that is 13 years old, which is an upgrade from my last car who was 18 years old (RIP Halley). If any season in my life is shouting “ministry salary,” it’s this season.

And it’s a completely happy life over here.

I spent my weekend cuddling with the doggie, taking him on walks, hearing about college freshmen camp from the oldest Ruffin, catching up with mama Julie, my freshmen year roommate Veronica, and my sweet friend Blair who is coming to visit soon! We are actually calling to plan a national park trip for Labor Day weekend, which is so fun because I’ve never done anything like it!

In this loud world that shouts many things at us, my new life now takes on a more distinct focus: How do I become more like Jesus? How do I further be sanctified? How do I preach Christ crucified for the sins of all mankind, so we might experience a life marked with freedom, forgiveness, and joy?

What do you need to do in your life to meet with God? What do you need to remove to make space for Him?

Pray for me, as I continue asking these questions myself and enter into a deeper relationship with the One who is my first love.

I pray He will meet with you today.

Love,

Tram