A New Hallelujah.

Tonight, I took Xinyi out and about.
Every Monday, my section leader Arie's apartment is open for worship from 6-8pm to whomever wishes to join. It's a worship open house, per say. Tonight, Xinyi and I went to dinner at the Cafe together and while Olga was talking to her parents, we took the quarter mile walk to her place where a girl was giving the message about the importance of prayer. "It shakes the nations and impacts the world" and although we came a bit late, we didn't miss the big message. Prayer is important. I'm pretty sure everyone came from a southern baptist background too.

There were Yes Lords and Amens, claps and laughs of agreement accompanied by groans and cries out for mercy when their souls became overburdened by thoughts of their past or present transgressions. It took some getting used to when the girl giving the message decided we all should pray "Korean style." I had no idea what this meant, but I soon learned the definition: everyone prays OUT LOUD... at the same time.

Something I have learned about myself is how private I am in prayer; how I go to solitary places for Bible Study every morning. This new way of rejoicing and talking to God shook me a bit, and I felt even worse for Xinyi, who probably didn't understand a good 40-60% of the conversations. Then, after two times of praying and asking for repentance, we went around, one by one, and prayed what was on our hearts.

I tell you, some people have such gifts in the prayer department: tongues, wisdom, passion both loud and reserved, and peacefulness that washes over some's prayers like milk and honey. While a guy went to get his worship instrument, Arie improv sang Psalm 139 in what I believe was a gregorian chant. She's in a Renaissance History class and learned most written psalms were sung on the spot. That, also new, unique experience further broadened by scope of worship. After a few songs of worship lead by John, a vocal performance major, (INCLUDING my favorite song Revelation Song) a few girls along with Xinyi and I left for the night.

I asked Xinyi if she felt uncomfortable at all during that time (because Lord knows I was sweatin' in MY boots for a bit until I got acquainted with the style, so I could only IMAGINE the culture shock of this kind of service for Xinyi), but she merely looked at me unassumingly and replied,
"It's different. I like it."

Wow. Cool.
Although we are different, we all worship the same God. This revelation calmed my anxiety early on in the service, so I could really embrace this unique experience and enjoy it whole-heartedly.

I guess it really is just a new kind of Hallelujah.

P.S I feel genuinely comfortable being here. I like studying and my heart is confident that God has my life in his best interest (which is most definitely MY best interest also).
If I ever was in the red or yellow, I am now in the green. If that makes any sense to any of you. =P If it does, welcome to the synesthesia club!

Much love to you!! Good Night!