This is the beginning of week three in my new home. Dallas has always been the place my heart has felt at home and I was beyond excited to start my new life here. There was only one small flaw in the plan, I knew absolutely no one my age in Dallas, Texas. I went two weeks before meeting anyone. I went to school and connected with no one then I would go home and watch Netflix until my grandparents came home. If you have read any of my previous blog posts or know me at all, you would know I hate being alone. I always have to be doing something and sitting up home binge-watching TV is not my cup of tea. So logically one would think that I was miserable and homesick and lonely.
But this is not how the story goes. I have been completely filled with peace and hope throughout these entire two weeks. I was content in the wait knowing that God had friends in store for me and I was taken care of. I knew He had a plan and He gives us all we need. If I had not met friends yet, it was because right then I needed to focus on my relationship with Jesus. This is a total character change for me. I have always known these things in my head but this time it was different. I truly believed these truths. I had peace and it was not a peace I was forcing myself to feel. I was happy and it had nothing to do with the circumstances I was in. And I know exactly why this was possible.
This is the time I get to say thank you. Thank you for your prayers. I know I have an army of people back home praying for me and it means the world to me. I have felt surrounded by love and felt joy even when it never would have played out that way a few months ago. My heart would not have been in this place if it wasn’t for finding my peace in Jesus and I truly believe it was because of your prayers.
So that was my first two weeks, but everything changed this weekend. This weekend I got the opportunity to go on a retreat called LaunchU with Watermark Church. God continually placed people in my path who had been in similar situations as me and we were able to connect. In two and a half days, I became friends with girls I felt like I’ve known for years. All this occurred while we were witnessing people sharing how God has worked in their life, praising our Savior, and getting to soak in new knowledge allowing us to grow in our relationship with God. So this is the second time I need to say thank you because I know many of you have been praying for me to find my people. Thank you.
Now, I am plugged into an amazing church and, in a couple weeks, small groups within the church are beginning. I have friends that love Jesus and are committed to growing towards Him together. I met a girl this weekend who goes to my school. Things are beginning to look up, but even if they weren’t it would be okay. Because God’s timing is perfect and His plan is flawless. So my heart is at home. Yes, Dallas is my home but as long as I keep Jesus close to my heart, my heart will always be home.
With love and grace,
Olivia Mars
LiveGrace 