Back in Denver

I made it safely back to Denver!

I want to be very intentional about my time left here in the United States of America. I'm officially a tourist here, so I'm definitely planning on taking a few mountain/hiking trips while in Colorado and would love to do some more sight-seeing. Other than that, I will be packing, selling my car, and getting ready to live life on the other side of the world. That's scary...when I've gotten used to living in America for the past 5 years and have figured out how to pay stuff, have a bank account, use coupons, do registrations for different things...when I go over there, I'll be like a kid again, not knowing how to do much of anything!

Thought of the day:

What a grace to contently enjoy the chirping birds, hopping bunnies, snow-capped Rockies, budding vines, green trees, sunshine...I'm thankful for all this and much more. Thanks, GOD.

Thoughts on Denver

Well, tomorrow I go to the same marketing agency for a second interview. It will be all day...oh boy!

But I want to say something. I would love this job and love to be able to stay in Denver (that I'm enjoying more every day!), but if this job does not go through, I will still trust in the Lord's goodness and faithfulness. HE IS IN CONTROL AND KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING.

So, whether I get a job or not, stay in America or now, I will yet praise and love my Lord.

In the meantime, I have some interesting observations about Denver:

--It's really strange to see seminary students drinking beer regularly...

--It's really beautiful here with the mountains surrounding us, but I haven't caught a very stunning sunset...perhaps during another season.

--People here take off their shoes when they walk into a home, but I guess that makes sense so the snow doesn't get all over...

--They have some decent wines, even though I would not have thought winery was big here

--I love how artsy and cultural this city is

--Today it was snowing all day and I saw 2 crazy happenings: the fire department practicing water rescue in a frozen lake; and a 5 K race taking place

but I love it! God, please let me stay here!!

Dios es fiel. That's it.

Arrival in Denver

^{Numbers 9: 17} Whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle, after that the children of Israel would journey; and in the place where the cloud settled, there the children of Israel would pitch their tents. ¹⁸ At the command of the LORD the children of Israel would journey, and at the command of the LORD they would camp; as long as the cloud stayed above the tabernacle they remained encamped.

I made it to Denver!!

I was sent off from Texas with jackets, warm clothes, interview clothes, and much much love and prayer. God has provided.

The flights through Phoenix were easy and though my carry-on got lost, they found it after a few hours and delivered it sometime in the night.

During my layover, however, I had some cool run-ins. I decided to sit with a lady at Burger King that looked my age and we ate together while talking about life. Eventually the subject turned to my parents' work in Turkey and a few minutes later, an older gentleman from the next table chimed in saying he couldn't help but overhear our conversation about Turkey. He pulled out a decent-size painting in a frame and told me he wanted my family to have it. It was a painting he had done of Jesus with a little Turkish village skyline and a lake in the background. We ended up being on the same flight and told me he had never met anyone from Turkey, but he had made the painting about a decade ago after having read about this village in an encyclopedia...

Now I'm in Denver and I'm in love. This place is absolutely stunning. Mountains, crisp air, sunshine, and where I'm staying has really captured my heart. It's like from a fairy-tale and everything I could ask for when staying somewhere. I've been so giddy and so excited about just being here and living in the moment of great significance for me. Few know the winded road that has brought me here. It's a dream come true just to be here for the present moment.

So, I'm working on phone calls, emails, and sending out resumes. I will even walk up and down the street asking for interviews. The 7 day count-down has begun.

Dios es fiel: God is faithful.

DENVER!!

I'M GOING TO DENVER!!!

I've been in Texas, focusing on spending time with the Lord and searching for jobs all over the world. I've had my eye on Denver, Colorado, for quite some time and though I've sent out numerous resumes to CO and even talked to a few companies, nothing has seemed to break through.

It was Friday evening that it just clicked: I'm supposed to go to Denver. Period. Last semester I so clearly remember telling my friend that, by faith, I'm going to Denver, whether it's to work there or just to get my next instructions from the Lord. On Friday, I finally got the "GO" in my heart, being full of assurance that this is my next step. I could hardly sleep that night out of sheer excitement!!

Saturday morning after a welcoming and positive talk on the phone with a lady in Denver, I booked my flight for Tuesday. I don't know if I will end up living there with a job, or just passing through, but I will be there at least until I have to leave the country (visa issue).

The fullness of this all is hitting me and in my mind I'm more confronted with worry, fear, "what ifs", and sadness of leaving an incredible community here, but this leading to Denver was just so incredibly clear that I can't help believe God has something so great in Denver. We'll see :)

Yesterday, my community of younger and older people threw me a celebration party with Turkish tea and German Chocolate Cake. It was amazing. More amazing were their prayers for me and I am blown away by the measure of support, encouragement, and love I have received from these people. I am SO BLESSED!

Stay tuned for what God will do in Denver!