a few things I've learned since I've been here...

So, I figured that since we're about halfway through my time here at Covecrest, it would be great to blog about a few things that I've learned since arriving here. What a journey it's been so far!

God has created us to live in community, and sometimes, no matter how hard we try, being independent means relying on others. I feel like this was the very first lesson that I learned when I got here.... like, within the first hour that I was on the property. As Molly and I drove up to the house that I'd be living in for the next 3 months, I remember saying, "Oh, don't worry, I'll be fine by myself!"That was me trying to be my normal independent self, thinking that I could do everything on my own. What I didn't know was that just 30 minutes later, I'd be thinking about how wonderful it would be to have roommates and not be alone (I'd get roommates within a week or so, so praise God!). It didn't take me long to realize that God was reminding me that we aren't made to do things on our own. We were made to live and work with others, which leads me to the next thing I learned...

I know God is working when I'm most uncomfortable. I mean, this pretty much speaks for itself. Independent Emily has lived in community for the past 7 weeks. You better believe that it was hard at first... and so uncomfortable. But God is so good, and I've finally realized that I can enjoy living in community and having alone time; I don't have to pick one or the other. Long story short, I am so thankful for the community here at Covecrest. It's pretty rockin'.

Humility > Perfection. After many a lesson in humility, this girl has finally learned that there is no room for perfectionism over here--or anywhere, really. Seriously, I worried and worried and worried some more about getting everything perfect in the office and the barn, but time and time again, I would mess something up--not because I was distracted or bad at it, but just because I'm human. So, I'm learning to be humble and accept it when I can't get something right. It's still a work in progress, though, so I'll keep you posted.

We have worth because we are children of God, not because of what we do. I feel like we all need to be reminded of this sometimes, and I definitely needed to be reminded of it a few weeks ago. It goes hand in hand with the humility lesson... I had to realize that although I was working for a beautiful mission, it's not what I do that gives me worth, it's who I am as a daughter of God. Whoa, that's good stuff!

God is so good. Self explanatory.


And a few fun things...
I still love shopping good sales... as evidenced by my trip to the outlets this morning. I might have lived in the woods for the past 7 weeks, but I still can't get enough of signs that say "40% off lowest marked price." Be still my heart!
I have a terrible time saying no to desserts when they are put in front of me. Explained: the wonderful kitchen staff makes delightful desserts with every meal. And they are placed right in front of me... how's a girl supposed to say no??
I've realized the power of a cute flower in my hair. What's a girl to do when she has to wear the same tshirt outfits over and over again? Flowers... all day everyday.

I love you all! To my St. Mary's peeps... can't wait to see you SOON SOON!!
E


Oh, PS.... just wanted to share these tie-dye shirts that some teens at the barn did last week. They were AMAZING. Best tie dye EVERRRR.