Updates

I guess it's a good thing that I haven't had time to post in almost a week... it means that I have more to do now than just be on the computer (I have a social life... YES!), but I apologize to those of you who have anxiously been awaiting an update. A lot has happened since the last time I posted.
Sunday was the best church experience that I have had yet since arriving in Vancouver. The church is one that a couple of friends had recommended, and is close to my house. It's a small church, the pastor was very good, and it was a very welcoming church family. Someone around my age sat next to me and talked to me. After church she invited me to come with her and some of the other young adults in the church to the associate pastor's home for lunch and fellowship. I went, and I'm so glad that I did. I had a wonderful time and met a great group of people my age. Yeah!
On Monday I cut my hair... A LOT! I was at work when a girl who works at the salon in the mall (ironically enough, the name is "Hennessy Salon") came over to let us know that we could get free hair cuts. She is a new hairstylist and needed hair models (people to practice on). I booked an appointment with her for one hour later when I got off work. I'm game to let someone use me as their guinea pig if it means a FREE haircut. I was getting to the point which I needed a haircut anyway, so a free one is great! I was so excited! I had her cut it a lot shorter... it now hangs between my ears and shoulders (probably 3 - 4 inches shorter than it was before). It took a REALLY long time to cut (I was only her second hair model... the first was an older man with hardly any hair to begin with), but it was free so I didn't complain.... and the salon gives you cookies and coffee while you're getting your hair cut! The stylist did a very good job, I love the new doo (I'll try to post a picture on here soon). It just felt right to make a drastic change to my hair. After all, in the last six weeks my entire life has changes drastically, I figured my hairstyle should reflect those changes.
Monday night when I got home from work, Reine (not actually spelled Rayna like I thought) was here and had started to move in some of her things. We both were out for the rest of the evening (I went to the Monday night meal with Deric and Amber's team again), but when we got home, we sat around and talked for quite a while. Since Monday we've had lots of opportunities to spend time getting to know each other a little more. She's really great, and I'm definitely convinced that it's a God-thing that we're living together. Yesterday she moved in the rest of her stuff... our kitchen is now complete (well mostly - still waiting on a microwave, but at least there are more than 3 forks and spoons in the kitchen now, and a table to eat at).
On Tuesday night I went again to the home church in my neighbourhood. I'm really enjoying it and I'm getting to know people there, which is great. I think that will become something I do on a weekly basis.
I'm still enjoying my job. I burned myself the other day... it hurt like crazy, but it didn't even blister, so I was happy about that. I'm discovering my least favourite soups. There is one called "Sicilian Zupe" that although it tastes fine (pasta, tomatoes, sausage... not too bad), it smells horrific. I want to rename it "Sicilian Puke (Pew - k)". I think it smells like vomit... perhaps more specifically, baby vomit. It smells disgusting. I hope we don't serve it again in a LONG time. There is a curry soup that also smells funny, but it's not as gross as this. My favourite soups are still "Tomatoes with a Tan" and "Squashed". They taste and smell good.
I've also been working on some projects in my bedroom. I made a curtain to cover the closet with no door (the room looks so much better with just that added). Once I finished the curtain, I felt more motivated to do more decorating. I found a Fabricland and bought lots of different fabrics that match the curtain and the colour of paint I'm planning to paint the room. Last night I made a runner to cover the top of the entertainment unit in my room (it had a big crack in the wood on the top and didn't look too nice... a runner did the trick to fix that problem). Next is window coverings, a throw blanket, pillows, and whatever else I can manage to make with the fabrics I bought (I got some great deals!). I'm hoping to get started with the painting on the weekend. Once I have the room decorated, I'll take more pictures and post them. I think it'll look really good when it's done. I'm excited!
Aside from all of those things, God has really been teaching me a lot in the last few weeks. He is so good and never ceases to amaze me! Every day when I head north on my way home from work (especially on the sunny days) the view takes my breath away (often quite literally). Every day, I'm amazed by the beauty and every day when I see the mountains, I am certain that my God is a BIG God and that my God loves me. I pray that I will never stop feeling amazed. Sometimes I wonder if He made the mountains just for me. Maybe not, but I think I was made for this place. As funny as that may sound, I believe in my heart that this is where I belong... this feels like home. I'm so grateful for this time of exploring possibilities and seeking Him. I am confident that I am right where God wants me and feel more content to live one day at a time than I have in the past. Even in my wildest dreams three months ago when I decided to move to Vancouver, I never could have anticipated the way this adventure would unfold before me. I'm loving the ride!