already thursday..

I cannot believe how fast this week has gone. There isn't a ton of new stuff that you all would find fascinating. Instead, a lot of normal stuff and a lot of growth.

I started off the week with a seemingly normal monday until I got to lunch where I was so frustrated. I bring my lunch to school pretty much every day of the work week, but I usually bring peanut butter and jelly sandwich with tangerines or something equally simple. These meals are not considered to be real food in the eyes of some of my new friends. Therefore, during the duration of my meal, they told me about the other things I should've packed for myself. I never pictured that something as small as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich should become a cultural issue. However, it got me to thinking about the simple elements of life that I take part in while in the states, but here are interpreted as abominable. One of the things that always makes me laugh is the belief that if women sit on the concrete ground, they will become infertile. This one puzzles me every time someone brings it up. Good thing someone finally told me, but it might be too late! I have been sitting on the concrete for years, so I must have no chance of having children now.. sorry mom!

On a different note, a friend of mine gave me some very solid advice. ready? "chill out" that was it. I have definitely been analyzing everything lately. Every person I talk to I wonder if I should've said something different. Every piece of clothing that I wear, I worry if I dressed up enough. Every class I take, I wonder if I should've sat by someone different. ahh.. so exhausting. Part of the reason that I knew God wanted me to go to Lithuania was because He wanted to give me a chance to rest in Him. Analyzing everything is not resting.. so exhausting. It was exactly the advice that I needed. And ever since, I have been trying to embrace peace and rest while I'm here. It's not something I am any good at. Actually, I am really bad at it. Analyzing and critiquing myself is much easier for me. So lately, I have been spending a lot more time drinking tea in my room, laughing with my roommates, and listening to music on my way home to relax after my day.

Thank you, God for being in control here. I don't have to be.