i had a novel though last night. actually, i can't even take credit for the thought. a new friend from churchobx suggested i start a blog. this way i can keep just about everyone up to date as well as gives me a venue to post my paintings more publicly.

thus far i've been on the outer banks around a week and a half. it's been a lovely time. i couldn't have asked for better weather or better people to surround myself. between getting to know my apt-mate's friends and some folks from her church to meeting and acquainting myself with the church family at the churchobx i've found msyelf submerssed in a group of people who passionatly love the Lord. they also make me feel as welcome as being wrapped up in a warm blanket.

when i step back and look at this "whole" situation i can't see anything that God hasn't had His hand in. He's so entwined with every aspect of my internship experience i'm in awe. in times like right now, when i'm overwhelmed with the financial responsibilites i've taken on (rent, groceries, gas, etc.) i have to remember that God has got me thus far. I'm still going off of the money my grandmother's church raised as well as the money my grandpa gave me (my parents can't be left out of this equation by any means, they lent me my grandma's church money ((long story)) as well as everything else they've done for me). i see God's hand in the friends i'm making, i see Him in my living situation (a cute little apartment in a safe neighborhood with the sound nearly in my backyard with a family that's overwilling to help us with anything we need.) haha and i can also see God in silly things like this couple i'm starting to know that love this tv show that i love: the office. it's pretty sweet when you're compared to a character on the show. i am the 'Ryan' of ChurchOBX. i am The Temp. :]

my internship and my part time job at a local bookstore (owned by an elder of the church) are slow to get started. a wrench was thrown into the plan when winfield, the pastor, had to take a week to travel somewhere for some doctorate work. i did get to have a meeting with a girl named bethany, whom i'll be under some of the time about general things i'll be doing throughout the summer. but because of no real work or schedule with the church yet i haven't been able to plan out schedules with the bookstore or see what other time i have to get another small part time job. i ask that you pray not only for my patience that everything will work out fine as well as my trust that God will continue to provide in amazing ways.

i have enjoyed being able to entertain people in our apartment. the other night we had around eight high schoolers in here. i loved being able to make them pizza, look up videos online, etc. i hate that this will end at the end of the summer but i love that i have the chance anyways. i shall revel in every moment.

monday we took a beach day. it was positivly wonderful. we hung out with this crew of teenagers and wouldn't you know, everyone forgot sunscreen. so needless to say i am still in pain... and still pink :]. yay tan! soon i hope to get to know the people of the church well enough to start surfing! the couple are names jesse and whitney hines. jesse is a pro surfer (and model!). he's the worship leader/elder at the church and a pretty sweet guy! so needless to say i'm dying to learn to surf!!

ok. i think that's all i've got to report for now.