Rachel Hampton

Adjusting March 9, 2010

Life with God is never boring. I know that for a fact. Sometimes I might wish for a little “boring”, but if I had very much of it, I’d be back to wanting excitement again.  I’m kind of in an in-between stage right now. Life in Manila is definitely not boring. I am out of my element and experiencing new things regularly. I’m surrounded by people that look very different than me (though I do spot a whitey almost daily) and also speak a different language. None of that bothers me. What I want is to find my niche. Meet those people who are God-ordained to become my friends this year (Heaven help them). The people I text on the weekends to find out what we’re doing for fun. Those that I invite over for dinner and a game night. Close friends I can pray with and talk to about what God is teaching me.  I know I have that last thing with friends that aren’t here, but I’d like some face-to-face conversations about that as well. From people that live in the same place I do. I’ve made some work friends since arriving and reconnected with people I met last March when Doulos was here, but it’s different. I feel like they have their lives here and foundations built that maybe I don’t quite fit into.  I’m the new girl looking for my place to fit in. And that’s ok. It doesn’t depress me, but it does make me feel a bit bored sometimes at night. And I know time will cure the issue. I look forward to finding a church, joining a small group, and getting involved in ministry that will open up more doors to get to know people. Of course that’s not why I want to do those things, but it’ll be a pretty nice bonus.  Majority of people here are very nice and friendly. In fact, I have an amazing neighbor who is always checking up on me and making sure I’m doing ok.  I am also encountering the battle between being a good witness/showing love to non-Christians and not participating in their lifestyle. It’s a fine line and one I want to be very careful about. If someone asks me to go out, how can I constantly tell them ‘no’, knowing where they’re going but make them understand I’m not judging them but choose not to live that way? Will they give me the time of day later in a different environment if I’m always turning them down to go out? Just please continue your prayers regarding these issues.

Speaking of church…at least I was earlier…I’ve visited a couple different ones since arriving. My third I really enjoyed and I went back this past week as well. Now I know I probably should try a few more before I decide on one, but I really like Victory. The worship was led by different people the two weeks I went, but was very genuine both times.

In other news…*whispers* Wanna hear something exciting? I found an apartment! That’s right and it’s perfect! In the three weeks I was looking, there wasn’t one that I really liked (at least not one that was in my price range). I was so grateful to find one online that I thought looked really nice and scheduled a visit. Less than a week later, I moved in!  Many of the places here say they are furnished but are usually filled with leftover furniture that doesn’t match or is half-full but still wants to use the title of “furnished”. My place is actually furnished and furnished beautifully! The owner took care and made the place look like a home and somewhere you would want to live. The items I needed to buy were pretty minimal. Not only that but it is close to work, cheaper than most things I saw, and in a nice, quiet neighborhood. I felt God hand-picked this for me. And the owner is AMAZING. She actually took time out of her schedule to come and pick me up in her van and move me and my stuff in. And I’ve already had a visitor! My friend Ruby from the Doulos has stayed with me a few nights. I will try to post photos of my place soon so you can see where I’m spending probably way too much of my time.

Work also is going great! The office is filled with Mac users (yay!) who, on top of that, are pretty cool individuals. I’m excited to get started on the work I will be doing. Some of you probably have no idea what it is I am doing. How about I save that for another post? My fingers are begging for a rest. I’d better oblige, I’m pretty low on friends right now and I’m fond of those guys…:)