1 Peter 4:8

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Making a House a Home & Resting in His Glory

That I may come to you with joy by the will of God and may be refreshed together with you.
           Romans 15:32


The past couple of months have been hectic, to say the least.  Bouncing around between homes of close friends, transporting a 60 lb dog and my belongings across the city, searching for somewhere to call my home. Creating new budgets; planning for the future, or at least, trying to plan; and prayer for provision... so much prayer. Not only provision financially (I am still looking for support!), but also spiritually, mentally, provision for community, for fellowship, for rest.

After living with a close family that is dear to my heart for about a month, so many prayers were answered. I had inquired about houses in several areas close by and had zero luck. No one knew the owner (or didn't want to tell me), the phone number was missing or incorrect, a family member may be coming back so it's possible the house is available, but also possible it is not, etc. Finally, just when I had stopped looking, a house fell right into my lap. It is right in front of the house I was staying in before, so I have support and family just a few steps away. The house is large- much larger than I could ever need- but it was offered at just under what I had budgeted. 3 bedrooms, a terrace, a garage, living room, dining room, kitchen... it is so much more than what I had hoped and prayed for. With a fresh coat of paint, a bit of furniture, and basic appliances, it would truly become a dream house for me.

The new place

Living room and part of the kitchen

The kitchen


Although the house is beautiful and I am so thankful for God's provision in giving it to me, I am even more grateful for the blessings that He has given me through the house. I am living alone in this giant place, but I am hardly ever the only one here. Whether it's abuela (grandma) stopping by for afternoon coffee, friends gathering to share a meal together, other friends stopping by for the leftovers, students dropping in for homework help, or the neighbors coming to help clean, organize, and make the house a home- there are always visitors. The community that God has given me here is outstanding- and a great platform for ministry.  I will continue to do ministry in Los Profesores and La Kennedy, but right now, I am praying and waiting for God to open up doors here as well.  He has given me a home, and I know he will show me just how to use it for His glory.

Dining room area

Terrace


















More than the house, more than the community, God has given me the opportunity to rest. Not only rest physically and have time to reboot to continue ministry, but also time to rest spiritually, in His name, and soak up time with Him. I didn't realize how tired I was, how much I was doing and, in turn, draining myself, until I finally had a quiet place to be refilled, refreshed, and rejuvenated. Sometimes we don't know how empty we have become until we begin to be made whole again.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
         Matthew 11:28

The plans that I have for this house are seemingly never-ending. Plans for a place of rest, of community, of worship, of fellowship. Plans for tutoring sessions, English lessons, game nights, movie nights, family dinners. Plans for gardens, a prayer room, furniture, appliances. But I know now that, in comparison, my plans are nothing in front of our great Lord. He is able to do exceedingly more than we could ask or imagine. (Eph. 3:20)


As you can see, the house is pretty bare and in need of a little bit of love (and furniture). If you would like to help me make my house a home, there are so many items that are still missing. A small fridge; basic furniture such as tables, chairs, and a small couch; an oven; paint. I am looking to get used appliances and furniture so that the cost is not so outrageous, but it will still be more than what I have on my own. If you would like to help renovate and fill the house, you can donate at:

www.worldoutreach.org/donations
Just click my name, Jennifer Olsen, from the drop down box