Differently the Same

Last night I had the opportunity to join in on the Kickoff Dinner of HMCC's UIC summer small group. Having been in isolation for the past two days, I was so relieved to be welcomed into their small group with warm greetings. I met some cool people, ate some good pasta with CHICKEN (college students in AA can't afford to put chicken in their pasta), and played some nice rounds of Mafia and Killer. I think it's amazing how HMCC connects people everywhere, even when you end up in a city that you barely know.

The people in KAIROS (I believe that's what they're called) were really friendly to me, but being placed in a small group that has already been together for a year reminded me of what it's like for a newcomer. Now I know how much of an effort I must make next year, when we have new people join us in JCrew :P.

I have to admit though, after not being a freshman for a year, it was pretty weird being served haha..

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And just when you least expect it..

Today I went down to the food court with another intern and as I opened my box of sushi, I hesitated. Feeling as if there were too many eyes on me (I only ate with one other person -_-), I questioned whether I should pray before my meal, in fear of social rejection. After I prayed, she asked me if I was a Christian, and I awkwardly responded that I was. Then she said, "Finally! What a relief to know that there are other Christians!" WHAT THE.. I couldn't believe it. Here I was, sitting with a co-worker that I had simply exchanged cordial greetings with, now talking about God haha. Even though I was scared and honestly did NOT want to pray, God used a habitual thing like that to open up opportunities for me to invite her to small group and share my faith. Crazy how He works when you least expect it.

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Live Out Loud

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