Divine Providence and the Auction Mistress

Divine providence and the Auction Mistress

I haven't blogged lately because so far, nothing very interesing has happened. But the school visits have been great! I have had more students show up then what I have been used to and many good connections have been made. But still, there's been nothing to write home about...that is until the last few days.

I am convinced that funny/awkward/potentially uncomfortable situations tend to find me. I am not sure whether this is because maybe I am a little awkward myself or because I just have that kind of luck. Something that I am constantly reminded of is that God takes real good care of me. I think He remains close to me so that He can continually pick up the messes I leave behind me. What would I do without Him? 

So yesterday I went to an evening open house/fair at a school in Klamath Falls. What my research and the school counselor neglected to mention to me was that this was an alternative school. Most of these students were just trying to pass high school; going to college was probably just as appealing to them as going to the dentist. I stood at the neglected Corban table for about an hour, then said thank you, packed up, and headed toward the Corban van to start my 3+ hour journey to Roseburg. As I approached the van, I immeditely felt like something wasn't right. I was startled to find the driver side door wide open! I took a deep breath, consciously told myself to relax as I exhaled a quick prayer. I cautiously approached the vehicle, rehearsing in my head how I would defend myself if attacked. (thank goodness for those very useful Kamagra techniques!) To my relief, no one was in my car (phew). Next step, check to see if all my stuff is there. I crawled around inside the van, which is surprisingly spacious to a little person like me, double checking my belongings. I hadn't checked into a hotel yet, so all of my personal things were in there along with my Corban gear. I was amazed to find that everything was still there! For some reason I had gotten out of the van, gathered up my suitcase and display board from the back, and left the driver side door open the whole time!! It is literally the grace of God that everything was still there. It took me about an hour to get my heartbeat back down to a normal rate. This is further proof that I single-handedly keep God very busy. And He is so good. 

A few days later I was in Canyonville. Never heard of it? Me neither until last week. I arrived in town about an hour and a half before my visit started. To pass the time I decided to experience the culture this little town had to offer. canyonville literally has one main road with a diner, a school, a post office, 'Dress Fir Less', and an antique store. Here is a little tidbit about me: I do not like to get bored. When in a new place, I have to explore and make the most of my visit. That way, when asked 'what was Canyonville like?' I can give my informed opinion. Plus it keeps traveling fun. So here I went on my exploring adventure. I first stopped in at the Dress Fir Less (yes, I did. I was bored, what can I say??) I made friends with the owner, a tall woman in her mid-sixties claiming to be a a model. I got the impression that she was thrilled to have me there because I was probably 1 of 4 customers that would enter her shop that day. She pulled a white, dressy, not so affordable jacket off the rack and told me that she thought it was perfect for me. She would even give me a $2 discount! I tried it on, she talked to me about the history of her shop, and 20 minutes later I walked out the door with the not-so-affordable white jacket. I am too much of a softy apparently.

Next stop, the antique store. Even though  I don't purchase things very often from these kinds of stores, I love old things. This also added to the unique, quaint 
Iittle town experience. The owner's name was Bruce. This kind-looking older man was in his 80's (I know this because He told me). He gave me a hearty handshake and welcomed me to his store, with a proud look in his eye. I apologized for how cold my hand was and he shook his head as if it was nothing and kept a hold on my hand to keep it warm. :) He proudly told me about his 13 pieces of real estate and 5 other antique stores that he owned. He shared stories about his reputation at auctions, the way he acquired all of the things in his store. He walked around the store with me as I looked around and gave me the history of the town, his family, and his personal health problems. Then he got an excited look on his face and asked me what I was doing that next Saturday. Apparently at every auction he attends, he brings a young lady with him to help him lift and wrap purchased items "with my wife's permission", he added. I disappointedly told him that I would no longer be in the area but thanked him anyway. I can now say that I have been asked to be an 'Auction Mistress'. :) He shook my hand again and then said, 
"Thank you for listening to me." 
No matter where we find ourselves during travel season, whether at a school, a fair, or Bruce's antique store, what we do matters. There is no telling where God will put us or how He will use us that day. So keep doing what you're doing, gang! It matters. Even the little things. 

I am now headed to a lunch visit at a school somewhere outside of Corvallis. I am getting tired and starting to crave the familiarity of home, but I am beginning my last week of travel with an open heart for whatever this week holds. Whatever challenges and adventures come my way, I'm ready.