Couldn't ask for anything more!

Lord,

I just want to express my utmost gratitude. You have exceeded all of my expectations of what Rochester could be. I am learning what it means to live in authentic community. I am so blessed with all the Amazing people I am meeting on this journey. I'll be honest, some days I almost feel guilty that I am enjoying life so much right now. I know I need to be a little more cautious with my money budgeting but I just don't want to miss a beat here. I want to experience it all. I don't know if I will be here past May, so I just want to see it all. My heart is just so happy, I want each day to have it's fullest potential....taking care of my responsibilities of school and internship, but also being intentional about living life with others. This means going out for coffee..runs...adventures and enjoying the little things in life. I am content. Not artificial--contentment--but deep down belly fuzzy true contentment. My focus is shifting from longing for life to be a certain way...to accepting and thriving with joy about where you have me now. I look forward to all that is in store. I pray that you would just continue to bring people in my life who encourage me to grow deeper with you and live out my faith.

This morning, I got up at the crack of dawn and went to the downtown farmers market in Rochester with my friends. It's a crisp autumn day, and the aromas of candied almonds and fresh baked bread permeated the air. The vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables splattered rows and rows of tables. I wish I had a camera to capture it! I grabbed a whoopie pie from an amish stand. It filled the little void of home that I missed on this morning since all of my family is coming together today in Lancaster and I will not be there. Then got some chai tea at a cute coffee shop to warm me up and perused the isles for the best deal on my fruits and veggies for the week. I love that the farmers markets provides vouchers for low-income families. It is often difficult for families with limited incomes to afford the cost of fresh produce that is so essential to healthy diets. This is a great option for them...and grad students with limited incomes too:).

On the way home, I had a great conversation with my friend and fellow GRAD student Leonna. We were talking about what we hope our lives to look like in the future. What it would mean to live out faith authentically. I dream of living in a low-income area with a husband who has a heart for people to0. I want to provide hospitality in my home and have that as a ministry. Not telling people...You need Jesus....but just developing relationships with neighbors. Meeting people where they are at in life. I just don't want to do it alone. I continue to pray that the Lord would bring a man into my life who has a same desire and would want to embark on that adventure with me. I place no expectations that this is what the Lord will do, but I see it as my ideal life. I pray that the Lord will lead me wherever he could use me. Wherever that may be and with whoever that means I will navigate my life with.

Well I need to get some homework done before babysitting tonight. Signing of with Chris Tomlin lyrics that I really am enjoying right now. Lord, I just pray for the week ahead. That you would provide me with the energy to get everything completed and just really give you glory through it all. Lord, I lift up the people in my life who are hurting right now. Whether that be struggles with relationships, health issues, finances, life transitions, etc. I pray that your holy spirit would fill each person's heart and guide them to peace amidst the struggle.

With love,

Aud

Here I bring my stains and crowns
Gentle river wash me now
Your love is deeper than I know
Your ways higher than I can go

Lead me in Your holiness
I will follow, I confess
Glory is the song I sing
Your life is living me

And where would I be
Without You, without You?
Where would I be
Without You?

I will bow before the cross
Cherish my Redeemer's cost
There is nothing I can do
But only stand amazed by You

Mercy new with every day
Wrapped up in Your arms of grace
Nothing more, You're all I need
Your life is living me

Like a waterfall
You fill my heart and overflow
Like a candle flame
You light my way
And lead me as I go

Spirit overflow
Let me overflow