The earth I sleep on is saturated by water. The raindrops seep through the red Georgia clay, down to the roots of the oak trees. The rain is relentless, but it is oh so vital. The past two weeks have been filled with numerous teachings, lots of scripture, and exalting praises for hours into the night. Like refreshing rain water that seeps through the soil, God's presence seeps deeper and deeper into my soul. 

When you find yourself saturated by God's presence, you can't help but be overwhelmed by joy regardless of your circumstances. Despite the fact that I have been living in a tent for the past two weeks, and the rain never seems to stop, I have never felt more content. Singing with my teammates as we fill up buckets to hand-wash our clothes is one of the highlights of my week. Dancing and singing praises to God in the rain brought me back to those sweet moments from my childhood, and reminded me of the importance of having a childlike faith. Not having my phone during the day has opened up the opportunity for vulnerable conversations under the soft lights of the patio, and it has taught me the value of fellowship and community. 

These are just a fraction of the lessons I have learned here in Gainesville, and I am so very expectant for the lessons that are yet to come. I encourage you, reader, to put yourself in a position where you can find joy in the saturating presence of God. Maybe that looks like leaving your phone at home when you run errands, so you can seek the beauty of God's creation in your everyday life. Or maybe it's waking up in the morning to rest in the Word, or singing and dancing to worship unashamedly when you wash dishes in the kitchen, so you can be reminded of the childlike faith God calls us to. Either way, it's in those simple circumstances where we can be overwhelmed by the sweet, refreshing presence of God. 

Until next time, 

Olivia