moving.

hi friends,

This is not an easy note to write. I would even put up there on the level of difficulty with my moms eulogy i wrote a week or two ago. I'm sure you know I've had a lot go on in the recent past. I haven't had the time or energy to put into words what exactly is going on in my life. So i thought id leave you a note and fill you in.

After ten years, springfield and I are parting ways. I cant imagine even beginning to count the number of people that have had an impact on my life here and facebook wont even let me tag enough friends to allow even the most important ones. i made so many connectons through Missouri State, Chi Alpha, vineyard, downtown springfield, Belmonte, pretty/ugly, et al.

You probably know that i spent a month in Charlotte, NC at ZHOP back in October. I went for a one month internship to devote myself to prayer because I felt Gods leadership drawing me there. I had a great time and i really believe in the ministry there. While i was there i felt a longing in my heart to spend more time there. I have been praying about this since then and sometime in February made the decision to just do it. Just move to Charlotte and at least give it a shot. This move feels like a four letter word for faith: R-I-S-K. I had to throw that one in there. i think more than anything what i will miss about springfield will be my family of friends at the vineyard. i love you. you are irreplaceable, i know this.

The days to come will find me in Charlotte, NC. I am going to live in a community of people who are all part of a ministry called zhop (zadok house of prayer) a 24/7 worship and prayer house. I look forward to getting involved with the house of prayer on a part time basis while continuing to work for T-mobile at a nearby store. As i have been praying i have heard the word "preparation." So, i really feel the Lord is getting me ready for some things, which i think is exciting.

the certainties:
i am moving june 25th.
i will miss all of you.
you can find my address on my facebook profile
i will be back, i promise

uncertainties:
how long?
I don't think this is permanent, i'm quite certain of this. Just for now, it is something i feel I need to do.
what i will do with myself.
after ten years in a city, if your name is arin, you meet lots people, make lots of friends, find an amazing church, you run a music venue you start a band and you become quite comfortable. . .none of these of which are in charlotte. :( So, I am looking forward to being a little uncomfortable, though i am sure there will be more challenges than i hope for. :)

not sure what else to say. i know alot of you have been wondering and asking. so i hope this answers some or all of your questions. if you have questions you can comment here or email me.

with all my heart, i will miss you.

arin.

enjoying my day off

Had a work day today at the church. We're trying to finish up the inside of our new building downtown. Its pretty exciting that after 6+years of church on teh wayyyy southside we get to finally have church downtown.

Afterwards, I had a beer with wayne and phil today at brew co. I like those guys. Wayne is gone too much for my liking. Hes out again for the week with work stuff. After that, we walked around downtown enjoying the coolness of the day. I think we're getting an early tease of fall weather, but i dont mind.

I was really honoured to get to lead part of the worship set this morning at the vineyard. Our first morning there and it was really meaningful for me.

I am doing all i can to get ready for next month at ZHOP. I am excited about going but i dont quite know what im getting myself into. Though I'm pretty sure I'm going to enjoy my time there, but can't quite prepare myself for it. I also failed to plan enough money in my budget for travel expenses. So I am trying to find a cheap flight to charlotte at the end of the month and trying not to worry about finances.
I spent the day at home and I wrote a note on facebook to let people know the goings on in my life. I dont often get days off in springfield, so being home today has been very relaxing.

Today i am thankful for Jesus, His grace and for friends who love Jesus.

still reading 1 John