“I can make my life in Washington”

- Darcy. Check them out. They’re super rad. If you read this in time, go to their CD release show tonight. I’d be there if I wasn’t here where I am, which is not where it is.

I get to quote that in surface level conversation.

Denton to Seattle is a long drive, though it’s safe to say that there are longer drives to be driven (we met a couple on the way up that drove from Virginia to Tuscon to Seattle). Over the 3 days, including about 37 hours of car time, I had a delightful time with my amazing mother, who helped drive and arrange logistics for the first few days of my life in Seattle. It was difficult to leave such close friends as these (for Charlotte Street people, this is taking a long time and I will get more pictures up later, know that I got love for you):

Some know that this summer was a season of doubt and struggle in my faith in Christ. I sit behind this computer to say that through the process of preparation and moving here, I have felt and seen God restoring me; giving me faith to trust Him, abundantly pouring His joy on me as I rest in Him for provision of most things I take for granted, like a place of residence, a job, a church home, and a tightly knit community of friends. He has been giving me new relationships and friendships with people who are supportive and share the passion to see God’s kingdom on earth. It’s beautiful to be up here and see people in love with Christ.

I do miss home and the people who live there. From time to time, that sentiment is as real as the ground under my feet. But in all honesty, this week has felt as much like breathing as anything else. That’s not to say that I wasn’t ‘breathing’ in Denton, but I think I’m feeling what it’s like to walk in faith in the place God has brought me. The nature, arts, frequent cyclists, conversation, and need. The newness of the city will fade, like this only-in-dreams weather we’ve been having, but I can say that God has led me here. From the start of our trip right up to this moment He has surrounded me with His love, giving me people, providing appointments, and arranging the best of circumstances. Like, for instance, driving across the whole of southern Wyoming, northern Utah, and North Oregon we drove by “CAUTION: HIGH WINDS” signs and highway wind barriers in total tranquility. Pulling a trailer, this was a God-send. Aside from one gas station, there was always an easy-to-pull-in spot long enough for our car and trailer combo that was on the right side of the car to fill up. We had no flats, no trailer troubles, no car breakdowns, and no theft. The Lord provided a month of free storage in a unit twice as big as U-Haul would normally give as part of their services. The night after I turned down a teaching job in faith, I was put in contact with the librarian at Northwest School by my former neighbor – we had lunch the next day and it seems that at the very least I can substitute teach there and possibly tutor in the meantime. Dave Dolengewicz,  a friend of mine from my former church gig moved here a little while before I did, and we’ll continue our friendship where it left off! My former neighbors in Colleyville are moving back up to Bellingham next month and they’ve given me direction in the job search as well as deep encouragement. I competed at the Seattle Poetry Slam this week and was received with open arms by poets I’ve admired, watched, and listened to for months. Home cooked meals, couches to sleep on, and haircuts (thanks Natalie) are readily available and I’ve only been here for 4 days.

I feel His arms around me.

Here’s a quick summary of things that have happened this week.

God reminded me of friendships along the way.

and again.

visited the loneliest woman in the smallest town in the United States.

shared an afternoon at the arboretum with dear friend Charlie and dearer friend Natalie.

saw once in a lifetime breathtaking sky masterpieces.

some boats joined us for a little while, too.

stayed near the most natural car wash ever.

Dinner at the Spit Fire, host of the Seattle Poetry Slam

competed in the first official slam of the year...

and got third place!

A quick note about the poetry slam – it was in the same moment humbling and emboldening.  It’s been a while since I was in a band or part of anything where I invited friends to pay money to watch me perform, and even this first week I felt so loved by friends as they supported me. God answered prayer in ways that I can’t express, making the hope I had to join the poetry community of Seattle a tangible idea, allowing me to do well and start relationships with such talented poets from the get-go. I look forward to getting to know them and building friendships with them, and grin ear to ear thinking about the possibilities of my growth as a follower of Christ and an artist this year.

Additional quick note: my mom wouldn’t let me take pictures of her, which is why there aren’t any shown.

Thank you for your prayers, I’ve felt them this week like you wouldn’t know. Please don’t hesitate to let me know how I can pray for you. It would be my delight.

Love,
Steven