Ants almost in my pants!

Sunday morning, I'd missed my alarm, but have no fear! An ant crawling on my arm woke me up instead so that I wouldn't miss church. There were many many ants in my sheets with me, but it was bizarre how there were zero ants on top of my covers, just inside. Other than the one that touched my arm, no other ant was on me; they were all just crawling around me-- crazy. Nonetheless, I did panic. I bolted out of the bed, changed clothes, shook my limbs all about (kind of like in the hokey pokey but exponentially more intense-- it only takes a hundred ants in bed for one to discover that level of intensity i suppose), and then called around to find a solution.

I could've stayed home to deal with the problem more in depth, but missing church was not an option. Not trying to be legalistic; I just wanted to go and worship my Father in Heaven with other believers to honor Him and because I love my God and know He would be pleased. So I left to go to church, but since I'd never been there before and it was windy and rainy. . it took stopping 3 different people for directions, one metro ride, two bus rides, and a little jogging before I found myself at the church. The church is actually called "protestant church peace today" (translated). It was very different, and I just so happened to come on the Sunday where all of the youth, children, etc. groups each led a few songs for worshipping through song. People were allowed to wave around flags during the music part, but of course in the back where it wouldn't be a distraction. I hadn't seen waving flags since I was in my high school marching band, and the colorguard people would prance around with flags and guns. Nonetheless, the service was great. Everything was in French, but I understood most of it! Praise God!

Afterwards, I met with Elizabeth (new friend) who led us to Josette's house for lunch. Josette had a friend in town, and the neighbor's child, Eva, was also there. The five of us had lunch, and oh my goodness, Josette is a wonderful cook! I was overwhelmed by the fact that this lunch was five courses. First, we had pita crackers, tomato basil spread, guacamole with no seasoning (so blended avocado spread), cheese spread. Next, we had salmon with a cheesy cauliflower casserole as a side (it had this special sauce that was amazing), then, we had a salad, and finally, we had such an amazing dessert!! Just imagine the molten chocolate cake at chilis (w/o the icecream on top) this with a half of a pear with this sauce (that i could taste some alcohol in), but so good!

I went home Sunday, moved some of my stuff, and relaxed for the evening.

Today was Monday, and I went to work as usual. Didn't have as much work to do today. It was rainy and cloudy, and according to weather.com it will be this way until Thursday morning. I hope it goes away soon!

Oh and just earlier i found ants in the kitchen of the house i'm staying in for the time being until my apt. is fixed (aka ants are all gone). I am convinced that the ants are just following me-- not to be dramatic or anything ;)

I was frustrated about the ants. The day before I found the ants in my bed, I had seen two ants on the floor and prayed about them that night. The next morning there were hundreds in my bed. So I was frustrated. I didn't understand what was going on. I thought to myself "Have I not repented of something?" "Is the Lord angry with me like he sent the plagues to the Egyptians and even allowed Israelites to die for idolatry/disobedience/etc. in Exodus?" "I know the Lord didn't bring ants, but why did He allow them to come into my bed like that?"

BUT then I began to think:

-I am not an Egyptian in Exodus (non-believer)

-I am not the same as the Israelites in Exodus because though they were the Lord's people, they had the veil/curtain in the tabernacle God had them build and in their relationship with God. Whereas, I am a Lord's person, but I am now also God's daughter who he loves. Because Jesus came and shed blood on the cross for my sins, there is no veil/curtain. It has been torn, I have been reconciled to God and been made righteous in His eyes because of my faith in Jesus, and I can now call God "Abba".

- I cannot repent more or less, do any work, etc. in order for God to love me more or less. God's love is extravagant. And love doesn't mean "good things only", it also means suffering, trials, and discipline.

- He says that he will not leave us nor forsake us.

After one day, I realized that I was asking the wrong questions. Instead of asking "why is this happening", I should be asking "How can I glorify God in this situation?". And I say this all the time, but when I was put into a situation to live out what I say (which is that I should ask how and not why), I forgot that which I used to say to myself and even tell other people. Bottom line is that it doesn't matter why or how the ant situation happened. It really is true that we really don't know what can happen tomorrow or the next day. Bottom line is being joyful, praying, and giving thanks in whatever circumstance. Living a life that is worthy of the gospel no matter what happens. So if the ants come again, so be it; i'll just wash them off. Creepy and disgusting ants will not keep me from praising my God. I say all of these things sincerely from my heart. Y'all stand by me though, watch me, and keep me accountable as I report to y'all how I act in whatever may come my way in the next nine weeks here.

My internet may be limited after tomorrow, so I don't know how much more often I will post. I will keep y'all posted. Everyone have a wonderful day! God is good. All the time. All the time. God is good. (like they would say in Malawi) :)

Love,

Grace