And the thrilling conclusion

"I SUCK!" I tell myself over, and over, and over again as I sit in HLTH140 watching my friend get a better grade then me. I can only imagine the look on my face during the last 30 min of class when I came to the realization. I have a good 2 hour break between my health class and psychology. I immediately go into prayer.

Ryan sent all UMD student summer project applications to a friend to avoid bias when making a decision on who is and is not accepted. My only prayer at this time was that this half-hearted application not be the determining factor in being accepted. I wanted a chance to talk with someone. This was the first time since our winter conference that I felt called to go to Melbourne, and I did not want my application to stop me. I have health on Tuesdays. The following Thursday, Ryan tells me we should hear back sometime Thursday night or Friday.

So Sunday afternoon I get a text from Ryan saying, "I got an email from my friend and he said you are not a yes or no. Can we talk after bible study?" HALLELUJAH! PRAISE THE LORD! (You may insert any spiritual cliche you would like or are partial to) Prayer 1 has been answered. But wait! I still have to talk with Ryan. Usually our talks involve me asking a question, and Ryan responding with a question. Sounds frustrating but I thoroughly enjoy it. Tuesday night comes, bible study flies by, and now it's time. There has been a lot of prayer going into this night. I had been asking God for the right heart, mind, and words during this conversation and that this be what He wants for me.

Ryan and I talk a little about my day, how my week is looking, pretty standard small talk. It's just me and Ryan in his basement because his study and Jenny's study usually hang around for a little afterwards and have some fun. We begin to talk. "Why do you want to go to Australia with us?" "Why do you feel called?" "What makes you excited about going to Melbourne?" All legitimate questions, all that I have put thought into. All I am pretty sure I rambled on. And then, enter my best friend, awkwardly walking into the basement.

"Am I allowed down here?" He asks
"Not really" says Ryan
"Crap, cause i'm not allowed upstairs with the girls either" He replies and slowly slips into the stairwell where I assume he sat for 5 minutes until the girls let into the living room upstairs.

An hour goes by and  a lot of topics have been covered. I can see the end is near. I am pretty sure I look like a deer in the headlights and Ryan finally says, "If you want to, we would love to have you with us in Melbourne." (You may enter a new spiritual cliche again). Prayer 2 has been answered and I am headed to Australia