Sneezing, Knitting, and Singing

As I look back over the weekend, I just have to say that I am so thankful for getting sick! Weird. Here’s the truth: Friday, I was taken sightseeing and shopping… getting slightly acclimated to a new country, language, culture, etc.  I got to go see St. Michael’s (the church in the picture), St. Sophia’s, and St. Andrew’s. Saturday, we would have continued these touristy escapades but I woke up sick. Bummer. But, I stayed in, rested up, and suddenly, I now realize, God has restored me after a few very busy seasons of life. I don’t remember the last time I spent an entire weekend in a house by myself.

Don’t worry. I kept busy. Here’s a brief list of things accomplished:

-New slippers knit for myself

-Small poster drawn

-Ornamental gift knit

-Hours of Russian tapes listened to

-Two new movies watched (New to me: Lady in the Water, Erin Brockovich)

-One tiny basement grocery store explored

-Leftover veggies eaten

-Fresh Life sermon listened to (The Uprising Part 1--I highly recommend!)

-Dishes washed

-Parents emailed

-One new worship song purchased (Kristene Mueller- Praise the Lord on iTunes)

-Journal kept up to date

-New song written

That last entry is my favorite! And, this is what has brought me to my recent conclusion of gratitude for being sick. I haven’t had any creative inclination for over six months! Lame. But this weekend, after one full day on the couch, I must have been renewed or something, because all day on Sunday I just wanted to create! I was tired of even following my happy knitting patterns. I just had to make something! I prayed, “God, you know I am not a word person. If you want me to write something, you better give me the words.” Now, I’m not saying this song is heaven-worthy or anything, but it did bring me so much joy to sit down and have something on the page an hour later.

Today was my first day in my classroom! I am treated so well here. The principal came and picked me up this morning, gave me a tour of the school, and helped me get all the old crap out of the room and move my books in. This afternoon she took me to the grocery store and helped me find what I will need for the next couple days at least. It is so funny how I need so much help in these seemingly mundane tasks! But, luckily they realize that’s it’s not what we newbies are used to and there’s plenty of people willing to help! So great. What a blessing.