Through the Wind and Storm

As one who was under the assumption that it never rains in Lubbock, I have been found to be perfectly disappointed in the fact that there have been more days where it has rained than it has not. Even as I write, there is a massive thunderstorm looming overhead flooding the streets and shooting bolts of light across the dark sky. I have become the "designated" driver for one of the AIMers here, so I'm glad that I can help out those who aren't comfortable driving in bad weather.

In a way, the weather mirroring how I am feeling here at AIM. While being here in this program is a blessing, it is hard at times, too. Time management has become quite the challenge specifically. I'm at school from 7:30-4:00, then trying to balance the social aspect with all the homework we have, it seems like there aren't enough hours in the day. Lack of sleep seems to be a prevalent problem throughout the class, as well as last-minute cramming for assignments and tests. Luckily, I believe we have come to realize the problem and are all working hard on fixing it.

Thinking on how I have only been for almost 7 weeks now, it's crazy how well I've gotten to know everyone here. From how close I am to my classmates, it feels as if I have been friends with the people here my whole life. Being here with so many other Christians who all have the same desire to do God's work has been a tremendous blessing in my life. Whenever I start to feel down, I just have to talk to one of my classmates and I start to feel better. I've also been able to be there for them, too, and it is a great feeling to be able to help someone who is in need of encouragement.

All in all, though it can get tough here at times, the people are great and are of great help as I continue on my walk with God. If you would like to hear more about my time here in AIM, feel free to contact me by phone or email. Please keep me and my class in your prayers as we are finishing this term in the next week. I hope to hear from you!

Poetic Inspiration

With my newsletter coming out soon - I should be sending it out on Saturday - I decided I should share a poem I wrote during my time at the AIM retreat. We had 30 minutes of quiet time every morning and I just started writing this during one of them. I performed it during the talent show the last night and it was well received, so I thought it might be worth posting it here. I would love to hear feedback!

This Is What We Did

by Taylor Reichel

“Yet not my will, but yours, be done.”

This was spoken by God's perfect Son

who in the garden, midst fervent prayer,

sweated blood for the burden He would bear.

This is what we did.

Betrayed by a kiss from a man once held dear

and seized by a crowd, for they were in fear

of losing their power to the one true Son,

shouting, “Crucify Him! He's the One!”

This is what we did.

Whipped and beaten, mocked and scorned,

on His head a crown of thorns.

Denied three times by one whom He loved,

alone He did the work of God above.

This is what we did.

Led down the crowded street in shame,

spat on, laughed at, they cursed his holy name.

Up on a hill, He was nailed to a cross

to be the Lamb, the Savior of the lost.

This is what we did.

“Forgive them, they know not what they do.”

Never were such selfless words so true.

“It is finished,” His final cry.

The Savior gave Himself to die.

This is what we did.

His body was taken and laid in a tomb

with spices and linen, as was custom to do.

The tomb was sealed, the guards were set,

but in the end, it was they who slept;

For on the third day, as was foretold,

He rose again, no longer cold.

Making Himself know, He ascended to the throne

where He eagerly awaits the day to bring us home.

This is what He did.