as i was saying...

My trip to Pittsburgh was fantastic! I had myself thoroughly stressed out the week before with "trying" to plan the logistics and all. The thing is I was trying to plan it all, and I didn't even think to ask Jesus to take control and help me until I was a few days into planning and fraying at the edges. I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit! That statement sounds trivial, but it's true. Makes me think of a verse in one of my favorite passages in Galatians that says, "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." (Gal 4:6) That is just so awesome to me, that I have the Spirit of God who cries out for me, even when I don't feel like it, or want to, or can't think of the words, or have no words...

The trek on the Pennsylvania Turnpike was a bit different than the past. There is a new bridge across the Susquehanna (yes, mom, you've been over it many times ;)), Sideling Hill rest stop is closed until May 2008 for major renovations (that was traditionally the place we always stopped on trips to Western PA), and there's a section of the highway that once wound through the mountains and is now completely straight. And, as usual, the roads were dry the entire trip until I hit Somerset, in the mountains. It was a whiteout for about five minutes and it snowed pretty heavily for about 30 miles. Yay.

Without boring you all to death, I am SO thankful that I made the trip and am planning on returning for a week in April. There are so many people that I didn't get to see. I stayed with my friend Mart on Geneva's campus on Monday & Tuesday; with my friends Budd & Christina at their Waterfront apartment on Wednesday & Thursday (here's a random map); with my friends Zach & Joanna and their baby girl, Haven on Friday & Saturday; and my friend Melissa on Sunday. Basically I met with a ton of friends over that time, witnessed and pledged my prayers and support at the wedding of my friends Ryan & Alicia, and spoke at my "home church" in Western Pennsylvania, Chapel Presbyterian. It was truly a wonderful week! Thank you for your prayers! xo


Mart & I

posted by Rebecca at 4:22 PM