Only 5 Days?

Days 4 & 5

So I'm beginning to realize that on everyday journal may be tough for me what with all the homework and socializing that is required of my free time. I'm going to aim for it anyways so that way maybe I'll trick myself into every other day. So far so good… Lets see, what have I done the past few days. Friday was lovely. We had a 3 hour time slot in our schedule for outdoor time with Jesus. It's strange that thinking of having a 3 hour quiet time of my own volition seems kind of daunting, but when I was forced to do it I was so pleased. I didn't have any earth shattering revelations, but it was such a breath of fresh air just to sit with God and really examine my walk and offer up all my feelings to Him. If any of you can find a way to do this I don't think you'll regret it. If you want I can even force you ;)

After that time we all met and people were allowed to share with everyone. I always feel kind of weird during open mic times (it almost feels like a mandatory cryfest), and this wasn't really an exception. Still most of the testimonies were really encouraging, and it was nice to hear that all of these people are having the same experience as I am.

Friday was kind of an awkward day for me. I felt strange all day, and really missed all of you guys back home. I'm not really sure if I was stressed, sick, uncertain or what, but I just didn't have a great day. Now that I look back, I think I was just really ready for the weekend. There is a whole lot of structure to our weekdays, and I just haven't had to deal with that since highschool. I'm excited about being in Africa, and being able to make my own schedule again. Still I'm grateful for all the hard work the people here do to fit everything that needs to be in our schedule.

At the end of the night my quad mates attempted to go see a movie but it was sold out. Instead we got some frozen yogurt (not nearly as great as passionberri) and made a stop at walmart. It was kind of nice to get out of the compound and into the real world. It's already kind of a shock to be back in such a secular society.

Today, Saturday, was really a nice day. We went back to the movies and were successful this time and then Sarah, two of my quadmates, and I went to have lunch at the mall and walk around. This mall in Short Pump was ridiculously nice. It's the prettiest mall I've ever been to by far. It was open air, two stories with artistic fountains, and floor level ponds with koi fish. It was just awesome. AND it didn't ruin the prettiness by being stocked full of expensive stores. We had a lot of fun there, and then I came back and spend a relaxing evening working through my to do list. Later Sarah and I went out for a walk/jog. I've been out for exercise 3 times now and I feel so good about it. Hopefully I keep this up.

Guys if you could pray for me about time management while I'm here that would mean a lot to me. I'm not used to such a packed schedule, and being in a new place with new people all doing things at different times doesn't help.