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I finally got home from onething last night a little after midnight. We stayed at someone that Adam was related to’s house on New Years, caught a couple hours sleep, took everyone who had never seen the real prayer room to see it and then headed home a little after noon or so. I slept all of 2 hours on New Years Eve - from 645ish to 900ish - and then I stayed up till five in the evening with the people in the van. All I remember about falling asleep was having a conversation with Janishi and Whitney about why Sunday school teachers ask questions in an open ended way and then rebuke people for not giving the “right” answer, when Darnell interupted to ask a question that really seemed to irritate the girls. The more riled up they were getting the more sleepy I was getting. One of them asked him why he asked his question that way and all I could say was “Because he’s trying to make a point” as my head make final contact with my pillow. Even though I woke up to go into the gas station later - I pretty much slept the whole way home. At the church I woke up enough to drive myself to the house- where I then proceeded to sleep for 15 hours. VERY much needed rest.
For everyone who decides to ask me how onething was, I will be quickly refering you to this blog post.
Onething this year was different. Last year I went for the experience. This year I went because I needed to be refreshed - and I majorly needed to see my friends up there. Last year the teachings were so new to me - they revolutionarily changed my life. This year they were a little bit of a review - almost basic - but they hit my heart in that same strong way. Sometimes you just need to be reminded of what you believe - and the fact that other people believe that way somewhere out there. Don’t get my wrong - for the most part I believe what my church back here at home believes, but on some points (eschatology especially) I really don’t agree with them. Its nice to be around that type of stuff.
That being said…
I stayed with Tiffany this year. That was nice. No hotel fees and time with someone that I love dearly. (Sorry if I left anything at your house - I’ll get it in three months.) Sure, we didn’t get to spend much time together - me being at the conference, her working it - but what time we did spend together was full of meaningful conversation and definately some laughter. (”My heart is a rock. No, a wall. But no, a door.”) It was odd not having that hotel experience with people. I would have loved to get to know the other girls on the trip better, but hey, I’ve got their phone numbers.
I stayed on a nightwatch schedule this time. It was nice not having to switch all the way to days. The first night in the prayer room was weird. First of all, the real prayer room is being renovated, so the nightwatch was held at FSM. Second of all, it was really, REALLY empty (less than 40 people). It was nice seeing so many friend still on the nightwatch though - and the one or two interns who returned and spent a little bit of time in there that night. What really sticks out to me about that night was how Amanda greeted me. No words were needed. She just smiled at me and gave me this huge hug. Not like a huge “I’m gonna squeeze your head off your neck” kind of hug, just this long, gentle hug that comunicated more than words can express. (For all future reference, Amanda looks absolutely adorable with her hair in braids and a colorful beannie hat on.) When I ran into Amanda that last night of the conference with her brother in the parking garage as I was running to the hotel so we could leave, she greeted me the same way.
My second night in the prayer room was weird. It was Tiffany’s sabbath so she dropped me off for a few hours while she went to go hang out with some friends. She invited me to go along, but she encouraged me to go to the prayer room because I needed to make some peace with some big decisions I made earlier in the evening. (Can any one say “Anna”?) Funny, at the conference, I was all sure about the choice, but once the music stopped and the night wore on - the less and less secure I felt in it. I couldn’t open my Bible, I couldn’t draw, I couldn’t make myself look at anything in e-sword. To put it simply, I was in a funk. I went over to Katie P. and laid my head on her shoulder. She asked if I’d like her to pray over me, and after I said yes, she soaked me in prayer for a little while. For the first time, I felt some of the tension melt away from my shoulders and I felt some peace. I walked away from the prayer room that night with peace in my heart, but a million more unanswered questions. Those questions are still unanswered, but the peace I feel is strengthening my resolve to come back and answer my calling.
My last night in the prayer room. It was so full in there. Erica was there! It was so cool to see her in that context again. I paced the floor for an hour or so “argueing” a scripture out with the Lord (input on Pslam 34:14 anyone?), seeking the Lord about what to do next, dancing in thankfulness, and laughing at myself because I was so tired that I tripped over my own feet. I even got up and prayed on the mic during a rapid fire cycle. I got called “Shreveport” by “Monroe” and just plain enjoyed myself.
As for the conference itself. I loved the sessions I set in on. I loved praying for people and with people. I was disappointed when it was over and I lightened my wallet a little more than I should have. (The high point of the weekend in the shopping department was the fact that I bought a OneThing shirt that had Psalm 27.4 in LATIN on it!!!!)
Would I describe this weekend as a life changing one? In some ways I would, but in reality, it was more of a life affirming one. There are a million stories I’m not telling - from skipping in the rain to being reminded of things once spoken over me - but for those stories and more you just may have to ask.
Now it is time for me to go get ready for work. I can’t neglect that responsibility.
