Just some thoughts

I was telling Joe yesterday that this Easter weekend was probably good practice for both of us for being missionsaries since neither couple was able to be with family. We had a nice weekend just hanging out with each other and catching up on things around the house. I am still reading the CPFTGU and still really enjoying it. It's making me think and rethink about alot of things. I think the biggest question that I have been asking God lately is why New Zealand, and if not there, where? I feel like God has been showing me such a need in Rochester and Springfield ever since we have been back from New Zealand. God has open my eyes to a lot of different needs that are right under my nose. I think that God has humbled me and really showed me why I am where I am at right now. I started realizing that each day I am in contact with the kinds of people that we say we want to minister to in New Zealand...uhh...Hello Amy...start here. It's not that I don't act Christ-like around them, but I think it's more I haven't made an effort to show them how Christ can change their lives and give them what they are lacking. I guess I have just assumed that they all know why I am who I am, but I think there is such a reason that God is directing certain people through my office each morning and in my classroom and to our church. I feel like God has been showing me that where I am now and the people I am in contact with now are a way to prepare me or even to see if I am ready. If I am not intentionally reaching out to these single young mothers and people at work who don't even know where they are going to get food for their family and students who have no affirmation or love at home and coworkers that have lives that are so far from the truth and that are so hurt and girls in my small group dealing with some tough stuff, then why has God lead me to these people and to these places. I feel like God is telling me that if I think I can go around the world with a passion to help these people I better step it up at home first. It has been really cool and it has also changed my attitude about some things. I have really been praying about where God wants me to be in this last year or however long that I am here. I have recently asked myself why I feel like God is telling me to leave and go so far away when I encounter this stuff everyday. The best answer I feel like I have recieved is that there are alot of people who are willing to live in Springfield, IL, but not very many are willing to move around the world. So right now, I feel like I am offereing God my willingness and trusting that He will use that for His purpose...starting now. So along with the "Planting" puns...the challenge I feel right now is bloom where you are planted.