[ let justice and praise become my embrace ]

Over the last few days I've started to write entries, but haven't published them because their -- as we'd say as journalism majors (ha!) -- timeliness hasn't been so great. I'll write a few paragraphs and then get into a conversation with someone here or realize that maybe I need more sleep than I used to require, say, sophomore year of college! (Three multiples of 90 minutes doesn't cut it anymore...) :)

Here's some things -- people -- moments -- that I've been thinking about, both unrelated to project and others that have been very much a part of being here. Those things -- people -- moments -- that make "me," me -- you know, stuff I can embrace that maybe I haven't before:

• I want to spend the "best hours of my day" with people. It's been challenging so far working a housekeeping position because I interact with vacuums, Spic 'N Span and huge trash bags full of linens for six or seven hours per day. Yikes! This is hard for me; I don't really "receive life" -- this is a phrase I've been interacting with that phrase lately -- from being alone. God is working amidst this. (Random other thought: has anyone ever snapped a vacuum belt? The other day at work I accidentally vacuumed over a pen cap, heard a strange snapping noise and then encountered a terrible smell! Anyway, it was an experience. I had to Febreze the room like no other!)
  
• God is asking me to seek Him hard TODAY. He's entrusted me with that call first, and then for ME to be ME for His story and kingdom-work TODAY, not Jessica Marshall one year from now or even two weeks from now. He's adequately prepared me for today, and trusting in that is the biggest way I can serve Him now and for what's to come later. (This all seems to make sense in my mind. But maybe not so much in the application in my heart and life. Hey, I'm 20.)
• I really want to commit my life to the city. How that'll look a year from now, I'm not sure. I'm becoming more excited the more I read and think and pray about this! I've been reading a lot of Tim Keller stuff, both his writing and sections on his church website.
• My family is fun. I love them a lot.
• I love to sing! I mean, I've known that, but wow, praise God for that.
  
• My favorite time of the day, I've discovered, is around 7 or 8 p.m. in the spring and 9:30 or 10 p.m. (it stays light later here!) in the summer; the time when the sun hits buildings warmly that seems to set a glow on the bricks in a "just-such" way. Ah!
  
• Joseph Arthur Ellis. :)
  
• Students are staying up later and later here on project. I can count on people hanging out here in a few minutes when I head upstairs to the Tiki Hut. That's such a sweet thing right now.

This post is not what I always aim for when I blog, but you know what, I think that's okay, if you're okay with it, too.

If you're reading this, you're probably a grace-extender in my life and embrace me "as-is" anyway, beyond this silly blog. ;)

Love you all.

Jessie

[ GTB update! ]

I've been pretty inconsistent so far with posting from Traverse City, but will be trying harder in the next couple weeks, as work schedules become more set in stone and as I figure out what's the best time to spend a half-hour or so on the computer each day (we only have access in our downstairs lobby, which is actually a big blessing for a lot of us on project). I definitely DO check and send e-mail, though, and would love to hear from you. The e-mail I've been trying to use more often is jmarshall714@gmail.com.

I didn't get a job at the Cracker Barrel when I interviewed last Thursday afternoon -- the manager had a list of four or five night servers who were hoping to move the day shift. (Overall, day shifts are more pleasant to work and you earn more tips, too.) I had anticipated this and wasn't sure how I'd react to it, but God really extended me grace, humility and perspective that afternoon to begin understanding that I have such a loose grasp on what's good or best and especially His own plan for my summer.

Later last Thursday and then Friday I continued the job search, applying at a few retail stores and picking up about two dozen other applications to take back on Saturday morning. It seemed like there were a lot of businesses that were giving out applications but not immediately hiring, so Angie and I went out on Saturday morning away from downtown, where most of us had been putting our applications. We woke up early, had some breakfast, and started asking managers at hotels along Front Street (one of the main roads running through Traverse City) if they were immediately hiring. Some were and most weren't, but we came across one hotel -- about two miles from NMC -- whose front desk worker told us that her manager would be back soon and that they were hiring for housekeeping.

Anyway, last Saturday morning Angie and I got hired at the Quality Inn on Front Street in Traverse City, MI! Neither of us had ever thought about housekeeping this summer but were really -- really, really -- excited to have gotten hired for a job. After the general manager -- a really nice guy whose name is John -- hired us, we walked out, looked at each other and sort of did a typical "Angie and Jessie" scream of excitement. It was awesome to know that -- as Joe was encouraging me during our job search -- that we can't even begin to understand how much of the work is part of God's sovereign plan. And this -- only for a summer! How much more should it bring me joy that Jesus is active and drawing me toward Himself and His work -- and calling me to join Him in this! Praise God for embracing us so we can embrace Him.

Cool stuff about work [and project in general]:

Though I loved serving tables, there were some days when I would get anxious and not feel great physically. I am experiencing God's provision in placing me in housekeeping, which is hard work but hasn't been causing anxiety in me. Praise God.

The other day after work Angie and I had the opportunity to go out with one of our co-workers Ashley for a bite to eat at Taco Bell and got into some really awesome conversation. I really felt led to share the gospel with her, and though she didn't respond, I am thankful that Angie and I have all summer to model Jesus' love to her and that He is faithfully drawing Him to herself. I already love Ashley so much.

Angie and I can ride our bikes to work!

I am amazed at the boldness of students here in going out to share their faith. There's been some really cool stuff so far -- MANY people trusting in Christ and surely hundreds of spiritual conversations.

We're studying 1 Peter, which I may have mentioned in the last post -- but it's been challenging and necessary all at the same time. Our director Matt Kent has been leading our Monday night teaching times during our weekly meeting. He is such a wise man and it's been cool to have his family around, too.

Been thinking a lot about ministry and God's call upon my life. Lots to discern and process this summer. I can only thank Him and others here that this time and space is ideal for that.

Love you all.

Jessie

[ jobs ]

We just started our job search today -- kind of a tough day; most of us are worn out from orientation stuff but had to go full-force with job searching.

I have about twenty applications and an interview at the Cracker Barrel tomorrow at 3 pm with one of their managers. Pray for us, that we'd be humbled to work where the Spirit is leading us and have some big-time energy to keep going -- keep seeking Him out, digging into the Word and having some breathing time, especially this weekend.

God is faithful, active and is showing me how He provides, even if I feel like the more I depend on Jesus, the more bipolar I become. (Okay, extreme -- but you know what I mean.)

We are messy, broken individuals serving a perfect God, to be sure.

Love you all.

[ beginnings of GTB ]

I arrived in Traverse City just a few days ago but already there is a sense of trust, identity and purpose for the community of students here on project.

There are about thirty students here, many of whom attend school in the Great Lakes Region (the method that Crusade uses to divide its movements regionally). About two dozen are women and the remaining six are men! Though there is an unusual abundance of women on this project, it has been a blessing so far. Tonight we had an extended time of teaching, worship and confession -- definitely a powerful time and a meaningful time for this body to be built up before we are sent out to look for jobs around Traverse City.

It is so beautiful here -- I'll definitely post pictures soon (once I get around to taking them, that is!). We're about a ten minute walk from a public park and beach and downtown Traverse City is only around a mile away! (This is exciting to me -- I love downtowns.)

We're staying at Northwestern Michigan College, which is a unique little campus off one of TC's main roads but nestled in the woods! It's definitely one of the prettiest campuses I've seen -- very different than Muskingum but just really beautiful. The staff here is great and there are places in our hall to hang out with others as well as escape for quiet times or time with just a few other people. This campus has been a blessing so far.

I'm really looking forward to posting more. (Random thought.)

We go out on Wednesday to look for jobs. I'm looking forward to working again -- I am really challenged and alivened (still not sure if that's a word!) in working alongside other people. I'm planning to apply at the Cracker Barrel, but if that doesn't work out, I'm up for anything. This summer is about Jesus and joining with Him where His kingdom is.

I love you all and hope we can stay in touch this summer. You're important to me and staying in touch with you is, too.

Jessie