[4/25/24 9:49PM]

Y’all, today I had a friend come over to bake together, since she had mentioned previously that she had never baked before. We made cute, tiny banana muffins, and they tasted good! We could’ve done with less sugar though, and actually, we had already cut out half the sugar that the recipe was calling for. I think it’s safe to say the U.S. has a huge sugar problem tbh; it’s in everything, in such ridiculous amounts.

Anyway, after baking, I decided I wanted to give some to a friend as well as pass by my baking friend’s house to say ‘hi’ to her roommate. I don’t even know where to begin with what I’m going to say next. So, in general, I’ve always felt some type of way about the apartment I’m in. It’s really old, but typically I force myself to appreciate it. I also try to do small things to make it look livelier, like getting a tablecloth, buying fresh flowers, keeping it clean and smelling good, etc. But it still looks old. Our carpeting is old and stained, the furniture is also old and mismatched, and honestly I just don’t have the money to try getting anything else. Anyway, even though I think this from time to time, it’s not that often. But today, when I went to my friends’ apartments, I saw how much newer they looked, and how much nicer their furniture was. Their places were overall so beautiful! I honestly felt so embarrassed and a little ashamed of my apartment. On the way home though, I felt really convicted. I remembered how last summer I was so stressed out about housing, and I thought I wouldn’t be able to get into grad housing with their long waitlists. I also knew I would not be able to afford anything outside. It was just an anxiety-filled period, along with waiting for my I-20 to come out. Then, literally a day after I sent in my housing application, where waitlists ranged from 6months to 2 years, I got an email that I had gotten housing in a 2-bedroom apartment. This specific apartment has a lot of space and storage, and I’m honestly really grateful for that. I remember how grateful I was to God for this place, thankful to Him for His provision. So, I really had to stop myself today because it felt like I was spitting on that blessing.

Anyway, all to say, I’m grateful for my apartment, and I’ll continue to do my best within my means to take good care of it. May it continue to be a reminder to me of God’s faithfulness and provision.

-Moonie x.

Photo Context: I smell a new crochet project in the works 🧶 👀