Gifts, Giving and Friends

I just had to blog today. A few different things which I feel are easier typed than written on my journal. 

1. I received a package from Holland today to top off Monday and Sunday where I already received 2 gifts all the way from Hyderabad. I had felt so loved and remembered I didn't think anything would make a better start to the week. And then today I just felt randomly to go to the pigeon hole (as usual wishing that there was a package/letter waiting for me but not thinking so today) and was met by Marchien at the door telling me that I have a package all the way from Holland. The first thought that came to my mind was, "Are you sure it is my name? And not another Grace?" and then "Holland?", "Who would send me anything from there?". I didn't expect anything coming from there at all but in the end found out that is was Marieke! :) Oh, what a wonderful surprise. And what a nice warm feeling in the heart knowing that someone thinks of you, remembers you and actually shows their thoughts through sending a gift! I think I feel especially loved because I hadn't jokingly asked nor hinted, but that someone actually remembered. The keyword: remembered. Thank you Marieke! You really made my day! God is so good! :)

2. Of late, I think I have a dollar sign on my head. I have received a note, a phone call and a conversation with a friend about supporting them financially. :) I say this lightheartedly and I do think God has been challenging me in this area in a deeper way. Funnily, I felt a stronger tug after having a conversation with Chen on Saturday evening when we were doing dishes. Something he said stuck with me. "It's either a yes or a no, not a let me think about it." For me, I still need to think about it, but I know that when I say that, I really do think about it and then I get back to them. It was a really good challenge though because it is really a yes or a no.

3. Last week I had a student come up to me to thank me for working hard in the kitchen and serving them by doing that. I was kinda shocked hearing that because I just do what I need to do. And then this morning I had a staff say the same to me, and thanked me for being gracious and flexible I was going to laugh my head off because I have never been known to have those virtues. I suppose if someone says that, there should be a hint of truth in there that has been seen. Thank You Lord for reminding me that my hard work has not been forgotten nor gone unnoticed. That my sacrifice for coming early has been noticed, but of course You alone know that I do not do any of these to gain praises, but because I know I am serving You and You know that I am just doing what I need to do. They're wonderful surprises that I never asked for, and I thank You for giving me these bonuses.

4. And believe it or not, something that I would do myself many times when I was younger, was done to me during the weekend. I had a person (who might be reading this) write me to say that we could be real friends and not bantering acquaintances. I think it is very nice to be on the receiving end. I love it! Finally I know how it feels. Or maybe I just need to be reminded that I am not such a bad person after all, as long as you give me a chance. I feel a lot more relaxed when I know I am not the only one who wants a real friendship. I think it just gets a bit challenging when you feel like you're the only one making an effort or trying. Some people just need to take themselves a little less intensely, then we could all be friends without interesting thoughts in our heads. :)

I just feel so blessed in this last week. It has been so wonderfully amazing, to be able to give and receive. God, thank You for this wonderful gift of giving, receiving and the gift of many amazing people in my life. I feel far richer than I have had in a long while. I pray for MORE, more meaningful, deep and real friendships. Thank You for friends!