Living an Unexpected Life

Dear readers I apologize for the lack of communication over the past month or so. It has been a whirlwind of activity, change, chance, prayers, and surprises. I find myself living a very different life today than I thought I'd be living at graduation or even a year ago. I never thought I'd still be in the Twin Cities doing ministry, would have a call lined up to a large church in the cities, or be working specifically with small group ministry. It's funny how things can change so quickly.

First of all, I am now living in the southern metro area, the southern suburbs. I spent pretty much my entire MN life living in the northern suburbs which was a great area. And there was always this mentality that the southern suburbs were more afluent and a common term to describe our southern counterparts were "cake-eaters." I'm not quite sure who started this term or how it's used outside of the cities but it's there. It was definitely used as a pejorative term one way or another. I suppose we northern suburbanites prided ourselves in not having all the money and affluence that the southern kids did and still were able to have good schools, good sports programs, good music programs, and a good life without as much money (and the northern suburbs were still very middle class which, considering everything else, could be considered being rich). But, this is the mentality and the system I was used to. And now I find myself as one of those people I made fun of back then, I am now a cake-eater. I now have a very nice apartment in Eden Prairie and it's kinda funny and kinda weird. But, this was where God called and here I am I guess. :)

But, above all, I would never complain. I am so grateful for this opportunity to finally do what it is that God has been calling me to do. Granted, the call is very unexpected in itself. I had always claimed I would be a youth pastor and tacked on young adult pastor in the past couple of years. Instead of doing that, I'm working with small groups, a bit of adult education, and alternative worship. But it's funny, it seems like my past years in ministry through internship, through my experiences with other churches, has really led me to the position and had been truly training me for this. I know I have a ton to learn but I also know through my experiences that I have the qualifications needed to start.

Anyway, a quick rundown of all that's happened:
-Voted on August 6 by the congregation to be called
-Moved to Eden Prairie August 15
-Started new job on August 18
-Ordained and installed on September 7
-Preached my first semon on September 14

I know I have a lot to learn and I look forward to learning and growing and sharing with you readers all these crazy experiences! Thanks again and I promise to be more diligent in my posting!