Life In New York

Wow!! Never in a million years did I think that I would be living in a state as cool and awesome as New York!! And no, I do not live close to the great city such as NYC, but I do, however; live close to Buffalo and Rochester, both of which are major cities. God is so good and I would love to tell you His story of why I am here.... THIS IS HOW IT STARTED Way back when, my Senior year of high school, my church's youth group went to a church camp here in New York called Circle C Ranch, or better known by multiple people as Snow Camp. At first, I wasn't going to go to camp at all because I didn't have the money to go. The cost was, I believe, was fifty dollars since the youth group did some fundraising and such. Now, don't get me wrong, I wanted to go. Truthfully, at first, I wanted to go because everyone else was going and they were going to be having a lot of fun, fun that I was going to be missing out on because I didn't own up and just pay the fifty bucks. So that's what I did. I worked my butt off at McDonalds for about two weeks, paid it, and within two weeks later, found myself on a charter bus to Snow Camp. The weekend was incredible! Not only did I have a blast, but God opened my eyes to so much!! He also introduced me to Emily, who is now my roommate, by having both of us sing Disney Karaoke songs and afterwards, we were friends!! Crazy! Looking back, her and I had no idea what God had planned for us and why He brought us together as friends. Little did we know that we would remain friends, let alone live under the same roof! THEN... During my three month stay in Georgia as a nanny, God had Emma and I stay in touch by the wonderful invention of Facebook and cellular devices!!! Due to my unpredictable shifts at work and lack of cell service, our conversations never lasted very long. But in the midst of being disconnected every five to ten minutes, we started talking about moving-in together. How cool it would be if us, as friends could have an apartment, learn some responsibility of paying rent, sharing a place, etc. We would talk about saving our money, to crazy ideas of remodeling rooms to make them cool-lookin and what not. *Remember, the only time that Emma and I saw each other was that one time at Snow Camp. We communicated over the phone and God had us talking about living with each other!!* This conversation went back and forth for about three days and then Emma said "Why don't you just come to New York and live with me and my family? We've got room!" Now, in reality, I thought that was the most silliest thing that I ever heard! After all, I was in Georgia and she was in New York, and I planned on going back to Ohio once I left my nanny job. It could never work-or could it? AND THEN... Emma and I continued talking and debating if this was something that God wanted and expected from both of us. It was a crazy idea. I barely knew her. The only way I knew was from her voice and remembering what she looked like from Snow Camp. And I had to trust and believe her with everything she told me. To me-it was risky and a bit strange. But, as strange as it was, God had a plan brewing. Throughout the months of August, September, October, and November, we talked about it back and forth, back and forth. A few times, I was serious about moving up, but in the end, it never happened...UNTIL...God let everything fall into place. THIS IS GOD LET IT HAPPEN The first week in December, Emma said "Malarie. I just think that God wants you here. You need to be here. You have nothing holding you in Ohio other than your job. Just come." Little did I know, that what God laid on her heart, was true. I was soon going to have literally nothing holding me in Ohio. It all happened so fast. That same week, I lost my job as a dietary aid at Walnut Creek Retirement Home, due to medical reasons, lost my medical insurance, food stamps, and my home. I literally had nothing in Ohio. My family and I, had a broken relationship and my parent's, at the time, didn't care what I did. After all, I was an adult and I had to make my own choices. I prayed about moving and I gave it all to God. That Sunday in church, the sermon was about how God knows what He is doing and that we basically have no say in what's going to happen in our lives. I remember Don saying "Why should we have to pray about something that is already being made clear?" That's when it hit me! God wanted me to move to New York and start over and continue my life for Christ. Within minutes of church letting out, I called Emily, she answered, and I didn't even say hello, but this "What is your address?" She said "Umm why?" I said" Because I am going to need it for when I move to New York." Her and I talked for many hours about our plans, when I would be there, rooming arrangements, etc. On the night of Christmas, due to a snow storm that was coming in, I packed up my little cavalier, and I drove the five hours to start my life in the wonderful state of New York. AND NOW New York is amazing!! At first, things were difficult and I was questioning the things that God was doing in my life. I would ask Him what I was doing here, if I was doing the right thing, if I should still be here in NY, and every single time, He would say to me "Just wait. Be patient and be still. I know what I'm doing." I believed Him, and I would have to remind myself that there was a reason on why I was here. Two weeks went by, God led me to a "mega-church" called The Chapel, which reminds me of New Pointe Church in Ohio, and He also led Emily and I to a college aged ministry called Vintage that meets every Tuesday night. Afterwards, we join a college small group, also known as Embrace Group (E-Group). Then, three weeks after being in New York, God blessed me with an amazing job that I love, working at a coffee chop called Coffee Culture. Since then, I have worked every single day, six hour shifts, and despite the sore feet due to worn-out shoes, I love my job and I couldn't ask for anything better because this job allows me to minister to others about God and His love for us. I am excited to see where He leads me in this job. Also, since being here, God has blessed me with amazing and out-going Christian friends who I love very much! Things are going exceptionally well and I am so excited to continue growing in my relationship with Christ and in my faith!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11