Processing

Wow. What a weekend!
I have a lot of thoughts going through my mind right now.

First and foremost?
- God is good.

Man oh man God is good!

Anyway.
More thoughts.

- I am very excited for the remainder of the semester.
... Especially for helping with the children/youth of Queen City CC.
- I am also very excited for next year.
... Which I will be spending at CCCB.
- I am thankful for the development of friendships.
... And for my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Also.

- I have dreams.
["Finally."]

Want to know about my favorite?
It's the one that got the ball rolling from one dream to the next.

I want land.
Not a ton of land.
Just... enough.

Going with one of my bucket list items, I want to use that land to plant an orchard. Previously I had said I wanted to plant peach trees. As great as that still sounds, I think I'd rather plant an apple orchard. Did you know that apple trees need other apple trees around them in order to grow and bear fruit? Moving on, I'd sell the fruit to local markets, and also make and sell delicious apple treats and beverages. I want the orchard to be open to the public. And bring in people from my church family for Bible studies and small groups and worship services, sitting underneath the shade of the apple trees. I also want land to develop garden plots. I want people who come from low-income families - especially youth - to be able to come and grow their own plants. Fruit. Vegetables. Herbs. Teach them, give them responsibility, and the opportunity to see the [literal, perhaps] fruit(s) of their labor. I also want to refurbish an old barn or farmhouse. I want that space to be available to anyone and everyone. I would love to have a few rooms in which people could stay, but also have space for community and fellowship and worship and prayer and meals and retreat. Peace and quiet. Organized chaos. A home away from home. And speaking of homes, I would have my own cottage-y home tucked away somewhere. What else... oh right, I decided that this land must have a pond. Preferably a stream running through it. Wooded areas. A gazebo. And a swing.

That's all.

A bit outrageous, considering I don't have any agricultural or business experience... but it's my dream. Mine. And it is special to me. If only, if only... hm. Perhaps one day I'll gather enough courage to ask God for it.

More thoughts.

- It is fascinating to think about how greatly ministry can affect people.
Draw people together. Help them grow. Learn.
This is... good. Very good.

- My dad's procedure went well. He is very sore and tired, but we are hoping and praying for good results! Ever since I talked to my mom and dad this evening, I cry whenever I think about my dad. That's been... silly. But it's okay. ... Dang it! Yep, here come the tears...

- Boys are stupid.
... Some of them.

- I am really glad that I no longer have a 9:05 class, given that it is 1:42 in the morning as I type this.

- Hummus is yummus.

- I love tea.

- Misty Edwards [a musician] is really fantastic.
... Check out her song Arms Wide Open from her 'Fling Wide' album.

- I cannot wait to go home on Friday.

- I'm sleepy.

:)