Taking the Bus

Yesterday I rode all by myself for the first time in my life. I had only ever even been on a bus once before. That was a few weeks ago with the whole Insight group. I was very apprehensive about taking the bus all by myself. Truly, I wouldn't have minded if I never had to take the bus in my whole life! But I knew the time had come. I need to learn and grow. I planned out my trip extensively. I figured out which bus I needed to take, what time it came, where the stop was, how much it was going to cost, how long it was going to take, wrote down the address of the place I was going and some surrounding street names.

To start off I had to walk about a mile to the bus stop to get a bus going in the direction I needed. A mile isn't really that far. Especially considering that my own driveway at home is 1/4mile. I thought the walk would be the worst part since it is in the city and I don't really know where I am. I did have to make myself take the steps forward, but as it turns out the walk was fine and the worst part came next...

Sitting at the bus stop, waiting. This part was awful! I was pretty scared. A guy came up and asked me for money.  From the looks of him he should not have been approaching a young female about money! Thankfully I had listened to my friend Steffi (a bus riding expert) and worn sunglasses. I didn't even acknowledge the guys presence at all and then after a moment he walked off. Sitting there alone my breathing became quite difficult. Random Bible passages started floating around in my head until Jeremiah 29:11 came to mind.

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.

As I reflected on that verse I was reminded of the plans the Lord has for me. I know he wants me to get married and go to school for fashion. That isn't just something I want for myself, it is His plan for me! The thought of the helped my breathing tremendously. I wasn't just breathing normal, I was breathing great!

Soon the bus came. As I got on I told the driver that this was my first time ever taking a bus and I didn't really know what to do. First she just looked surprised, and then she asked me some questions and helped me along. She was friendly! I am so glad for that. I had prayed to not get a grumpy driver.

Alright, so I got to where I was going fine. When it was time to get back I went to the bus stop where I had been dropped off and waited. As I sat there I looked across the street and noticed the bus I needed. It didn't even occur to me until a min or two after it had left that I was on the wrong side of the street! Oh well, that wasn't such a big deal. I crossed the street and waited half hour for the next bus.

While waiting I noticed a man standing in the shade around the corner. I thought he looked somewhat suspicious. The he gazed at two girls after they walked past him did not help his case! After awhile a bus came and dropped a few people who also went and stood over in the shade. It was at this point that I realized something. I was sitting in the full sun. Most people really don't like the sunshine. He was most likely standing over there simply because it was nice cool spot. A few minutes later my bus came and I boarded...