"Jesus loves me, this I know."

Remember that old song we used to sing as little kids? “Jesus loves me this I know, for the bible tells me so..." This weekend as I reflect back on this first week in a new city, at new school, around new people I am reminded of how great God’s love is for me. I can see His fingerprints all over the place. This week has been a whirlwind of events and as I think back, last weekend seems a world away. I moved in on Friday and got to know my super sweet roommate from Vietnam over the weekend. Classes started Monday and I got an awesome semi-surprise visit from my “big brother,” Marcel, that lives in Switzerland. Reminder #1 that Jesus loves me: He reminded me of the work He’s done before and the work He’s going to do in my life. Marcel and I worked together while I lived in Moldova a few years ago for the summer. He drove ten hours to come see me and spend a couple days with me, while he’s in the states. We went downtown and checked out all the touristy things. While we were walking downtown, I see across the street, people I think I know! Seriously, 3 hours away in a big city, the first day I’m out in the city, I run into people from my church back home! Reminder #2 that Jesus loves me: He is orchestrating things in his perfect timing and cares about the details of my life. I spent the day with Marcel and had my 2nd class in the afternoon. I was slightly afraid I wouldn’t know how to get there (This is a huge campus). I had to switch buses and really was unsure if I was going to make it to the right place. As I get on the second bus, some girls start talking about how this bus goes to the building I need to go to. Reminder #3 Jesus loves me: He reassures me and comforts me. The rest of the day was spent hanging out with my big brother in laughter and encouragement. Reminder #4 Jesus loves me: He will never leave me alone, and sometimes that includes bringing people into my life, so I’m not alone. Wednesday was the dreaded…first speech day! Dun dun dun. My heart is pounding the entire class period. I’m afraid and shaking and nervous as can be. I take a deep breath, raise my hand, and volunteer to give my speech. It’s pretty much a blur as I look back on it, but amazingly it got voted top 3 in the class. I know this is the holy spirit’s work and not my words. Reason #5 Jesus loves me: He brings me through tough things and exceeds my expectations of them. I got to share about all the places Jesus has taken me on this crazy adventure with him, and talk about the work I’ve been able to do. Friday was a day of freedom. Freedom in our country. Freedom in my life. Freedom in Jesus. I went on a few mile walk along the river and saw so much beauty all around me. Reason #6 Jesus loves me: He’s given me freedom! And He is constantly reminding me of His beauty. I sat outside and watched the fireworks that night, and again was reminded of beauty and freedom. I had such a peace as I sat and watched this beautiful display in the sky. I know that God has brought me through this week. I love seeing His fingerprints all around me. I know that He has led me here, and has plans for me here. Last year, shoot 4 months ago, if you would have asked me if I would ever go back to school, I would have said “Absolutely not.” Jesus changed my heart and opened this new chapter. This has been such a fast transition and move, and I’m so glad that God is leading me in this journey. I think back to last summer. I was a leader at NMC summer camp, and there was a chapter in Isaiah that I wrote down and really stuck with me as I left camp. It’s incredible to look back to what God was saying to me then, and see how He’s been faithful. God’s promises are always true. “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…Others died that you might live…You are precious to me. You are honored. And I love you. Do not be afraid, for I am with you….You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God; there never has been and never will be. I am the Lord, and there is no other savior…. This is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?” Isaiah 43:1-5, 10-11, 18-19