I went on the Emmaus Walk 2 weeks ago with the Maribyrnong Nth West team. It was a retreat type thing that went from Thurs night to Sun late afternoon (3 full days). I went on the Ladies walk, and my husband was a speaker on the Men's walk the week before. It was my first time and I didn't know fully what to expect.
There were five short talks a day that were about the basics of Christianity and a Christian life. They were helpful, practical and explained simply. In between we did relfections in groups on the talks which were anything from posters to songs to skits or wahtever. They were fun ways to solidify our understanding.
Also, throughout the weekend were times of silence, prayer, singing and communion.
It was a very vulnerable experience. I had to be really honest with God and myself about how I feel and have been going as a disciple of Christ.
I knew before I went I really did need this time spent with God. When I got there the first day or so I felt like crying and I didn't know why. I think in emotions and pictures and so I did know why I felt this way as yet. As the days went by I realised that because I was really missing deep friendships I was feeling very lonely. Sure, I have deep friendships, but with people in Sydney not down here in Melbourne. And the friends I have down here are great, but they are David's friends from way back, not my very own friends. I felt God saying to me at this time "I am here." This was great and I really took hold of that one night and layed down and just allowed myself to bask in his pressence. That brought me great peace and consolation!
Also, on the weekend I think I re-felt the call to Ordination. Will keep thinking and praying about that. Will also approach the Baptist Union of Victoria and ask what the process is.
I made some great friends and look forward to keeping in contact with them. One I'm going to ask if she'll be my mentor.
When I got letters from friends and family at the end, it really blew me away and I cried and cried! All of you who wrote to me were such a blessing!
Since Emmaus I got back to being regular in my quiet times and have initiated a prayer triplet with young two mums from my inlaws church. I am very relieved and excited about this! I am still feeling emotionally fragile and have the odd "sad" day. But I am spending more time in prayer.
Thanks for your support and prayers xxx
3 comments:
Having moved interstate once myself I know how you feel. When you've had friendships that have lasted years (lifetimes?) and they're all stretched interstate overnight, well its normal that it takes time to adjust socially, emotionally, etc. At least with modern communications its a little easier to keep in touch. I would encourage you to explore the ordination process. Don't doubt God has gifted you to break new ground.
As you know jen, we also can relate to your experience having moved to Canberra in the past month. It's quiet lonely at times not having any friends like that of times gone by and other locations. But I do know that God will provide for us friends - at least that what we have been asking God for and... well... he hasn't let us down yet. I pray that God will provide for you an amazing number of friends that will share deeply with you, cry with you, laugh with you and pray with you.
Keep in touch
Thanks guys,
It is great to get encouragement from firends, and to be reminded of how God provides.
I always knew the move would be hard, but experiencing it is quite another thing!
Matt, thanks for the feedback about the ordination path. It is interesting you picked up on the "breaking new ground". I do believe God has gifted my with apostleship. Also, my time with Morling, Thinplaces and Anything Goes has helped me to think outside the "norm" box and imagine new possiblities through a theological eye. I will hand onto your thoughts as I continue to ponder and pray about it.
Geoff, I will keep you guys in my prayers re. friends too! Are the girls still home schooled or are they at school. Are they getting on with kids there?
:) Jen
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