Hey everyone!
So I am here in Charleston, South Carolina taking a break from all the World Changers craziness. Last week we had a pretty small project with 98 participants. However, of those 98, 52 of them were students and the rest were adults. The Lexington project is a new one to WC so we had a few things that the national staff was worried about but...it all worked out really well. We also had a 1st time project coordinator (our direct boss at the project), Jonathan Middleton, and he was amazing. He is a former summer staffer and so he related really well with us summer staffers and also with all of the participants. Last week there were a total of 3 salvations and a couple of rededications. Also, we had over half of the students say that they were interesting in some form of missions as they finish out high school and after. Now that they have taken the step, it is now time for the youth ministers to continue to minister to their students.
Prayer request:... Susan Peugh, one of the national staff, lost her dad last week to a sudden stroke. She is a wonderful woman and will be getting married in a few months. Please be in prayer for her as she deals with the loss of her father while also taking care of her summer staff teams. I cant imagine how hard it is on her.
Also, please continue to pray for my team. Everyone needs prayer at times. Being on staff is really draining and I want to make myself as available to the students and to my fellow team mates as possible. Please pray that we will be spiritual encouragements to one another.
I will be coming home soon and will see you all real soon. YAH!
Love you all!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
This summer has been AMAZING!!!
I realize that I have done a really bad job keeping up with this so far this summer, but I do have many excuses. However, I am not going to name them. All that I can say is that I have been relying on the Lord to do some mighty things and He has done just that. And therefore, keeping up with this blog would not begin to give any justice to my experiences this summer.
But here is a quick breakdown of this mighty things that God has done in my life and the lives of the students. Puerto Rico was by far so much more than I ever imagined! The first week we had a total of appox 50 participants, the second week we had 120ish and the 3rd week was abotu 150...so obvisouly we grew as the three projects went on. I can not tell you the amount thigns that God taught me about relying on Him to get me through the piles and piles of work that was laid out in front of me.
During the first week, I was faced with a rather difficult challenge...I didnt have a printer. As an office manager, that causes many problems. As I have explained before, putting the particiapnts into working crews is my responsibility, with the help of the project coordinator and in order to get these things done properly, I had to have a printer...which I didnt! But God provided a way to get everything done without any changes needing to be made.
Another amazing experience of mine the first week was the concert of prayer. This is a time when we have a worship, which is just as the title describes it to be....a concert of prayer. As the service goes, the staff leads the students through a time of praise, confession, commitment, etc. Pretty much a time for the students to reflect on who God is and allowing them to proclaim it to Him. The first week was an eye opening time to me. The students from host church, El Mesias, which is my team leaders churc h (since he is from PR) opened my eyes to how real God is. As the service concluded, we as staff took that time to pray over one another and to encourage one another. In the same aspect, the students from El Mesias took that time to encourage us as well. They all surrounded each of us individually and prayed fro us. Although their many prayers were in spanish, and I could not understand every word they were saying, I felt God's presence in a way unlike any other time before. The students showed me how real they are experiencing God. I cannot begin to describe my understanding of how real Christ is. My desire is that the students (and adult) at Glenstone experience Christ in a huge way this summer. In PR, there is no grey area. You are either a Christian and live it out completely or you dont. In the same manner, that is how committed God wants us to be.
Durng the weeks there, we took some time, (our wednesday nights off) to travel around the island and go to a couple beaches and to go snorkling...which was soooo cool! We also spent some time with the band that helped Brian lead in worship. They were all such amazing people!
(I know that this isnt as detailed as you all wished it would be, but I will give you more details in later blogs about PR...not to today's project)...
We are currently in Lexington, SC for our first state side project. It is definitely different from our PR projects. Not only is the culture different but the students are different and...everything is so much closer here. Makes things a little easier. :) This week we have 98 participants and so far the students are loving it here...as far as I can tell. We have got groups from TN, FL, NC and OK, so there is some differences. Today we had our great send off, which is a time when we have before the students leave the first day of working that we take to pray over all of them and encourage them to be witnesses of Christ. Students are encouraged to do the work on the houses, but we as staff try to encourage them more so to focus on the reason why they are here, which is to share the gospel. Tonight is the concert of prayer so I am really excited to see the Holy Spirit move during worship tonight.
Well, I have to get ready to eat lunch with the rest of the staff. I will update again soon.
Love you all and miss you a million.
Please continue to keep me in your prayers!
But here is a quick breakdown of this mighty things that God has done in my life and the lives of the students. Puerto Rico was by far so much more than I ever imagined! The first week we had a total of appox 50 participants, the second week we had 120ish and the 3rd week was abotu 150...so obvisouly we grew as the three projects went on. I can not tell you the amount thigns that God taught me about relying on Him to get me through the piles and piles of work that was laid out in front of me.
During the first week, I was faced with a rather difficult challenge...I didnt have a printer. As an office manager, that causes many problems. As I have explained before, putting the particiapnts into working crews is my responsibility, with the help of the project coordinator and in order to get these things done properly, I had to have a printer...which I didnt! But God provided a way to get everything done without any changes needing to be made.
Another amazing experience of mine the first week was the concert of prayer. This is a time when we have a worship, which is just as the title describes it to be....a concert of prayer. As the service goes, the staff leads the students through a time of praise, confession, commitment, etc. Pretty much a time for the students to reflect on who God is and allowing them to proclaim it to Him. The first week was an eye opening time to me. The students from host church, El Mesias, which is my team leaders churc h (since he is from PR) opened my eyes to how real God is. As the service concluded, we as staff took that time to pray over one another and to encourage one another. In the same aspect, the students from El Mesias took that time to encourage us as well. They all surrounded each of us individually and prayed fro us. Although their many prayers were in spanish, and I could not understand every word they were saying, I felt God's presence in a way unlike any other time before. The students showed me how real they are experiencing God. I cannot begin to describe my understanding of how real Christ is. My desire is that the students (and adult) at Glenstone experience Christ in a huge way this summer. In PR, there is no grey area. You are either a Christian and live it out completely or you dont. In the same manner, that is how committed God wants us to be.
Durng the weeks there, we took some time, (our wednesday nights off) to travel around the island and go to a couple beaches and to go snorkling...which was soooo cool! We also spent some time with the band that helped Brian lead in worship. They were all such amazing people!
(I know that this isnt as detailed as you all wished it would be, but I will give you more details in later blogs about PR...not to today's project)...
We are currently in Lexington, SC for our first state side project. It is definitely different from our PR projects. Not only is the culture different but the students are different and...everything is so much closer here. Makes things a little easier. :) This week we have 98 participants and so far the students are loving it here...as far as I can tell. We have got groups from TN, FL, NC and OK, so there is some differences. Today we had our great send off, which is a time when we have before the students leave the first day of working that we take to pray over all of them and encourage them to be witnesses of Christ. Students are encouraged to do the work on the houses, but we as staff try to encourage them more so to focus on the reason why they are here, which is to share the gospel. Tonight is the concert of prayer so I am really excited to see the Holy Spirit move during worship tonight.
Well, I have to get ready to eat lunch with the rest of the staff. I will update again soon.
Love you all and miss you a million.
Please continue to keep me in your prayers!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Training is almost over!!
Well these past couple of days have been really full...just like the beginning of the week. I finished all of my training today..which, like I said earlier this week, is much more stressful than what I ever imagined. Yesterday we worked on crew assignments, which is the crews the students work in during the week of WC. This isnt neccessarily my job but the person over me at the project, but if they dont do it, then guess who does? ME!! woohoo! It only took me about 4 hours to do it yesterday. However, I only "pretended" to have 5 working crews and on the average we will have 12 or more. But hopefully, I wont have to worry about these things.
Right: my Chris, Meg and Courtney before worship/
As for today, we were trained on registration/check-out procedures. This evening we had a wiffleball tournament. We were put into teams and the winning team played against the national staff. And...for the 3 year the summer staff were champions!! woohoo!! I have attached some pics that I took this evening. It was a GREAT time!
Tomorrow we are packing up all of our equipment and those positions that havent finished this yet get to finish their training. But not me! I get to sleep in past 6 for the first time in almost a week! Im excited! Then Monday I head off for PR...that is even more exciting!
Well yall, I hope that everything at home is going well. And hey, dont be afraid to email me or give me a call. I would love to hear from yall.
Love yas!
Right: my Chris, Meg and Courtney before worship/
Below: Me and Courtney taking a break from staff video filming
Below: Us girls in our wiffle-ball uniforms
We are the Champions...my friends!
Below: Us girls in our wiffle-ball uniforms
We are the Champions...my friends!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
The training has just begun...
Hey everyone back at home. I'm alive and well! These past couple of days have been VERY full...but at the same time, they have been AMAZING!
I arrived in GA Sunday morning (after getting at the most 3 horus of sleep) and then traveled to Cleveland GA where I am staying for training. After meeting some of the other fellow summer staffers, we had a worship time and then went to bed soon after...I was pooped! Yesterday we went to the warehouse and packed up all of the supplies that my team will be needing for the summer. I would have never thought that so much work goes into preparation for World Changers. I cannot tell you how many t-shirts I counted, how many tracks I counted out or how many cuts I have on my hands from trying to open a box without a box cutter. But hey...Im suffering for Jesus...haha! But honestly, it was lot of work! After the long day at the warehouse, I returned to the dorm and we straight to bed. Infact, I slept so hard that I didnt hear my alarm go off this morning. But no worries, I got up in time to be ready for breakfast.
Today we started our position training. There are soooo many things that I have to remember! I cant believe how much stuff I have to do. I would go on a little rampage about that..but Ill save you all from my little soap box. But know, Im gonna be working my butt off.
Anywhoo...so far, everything has been amazing. The national staff is amazing and the national missionary above me is amazing as well. (his name is Bill) Bill and I have a running joke going on that I am going to fry when I am in PR. Infact, he has taken on calling me "Sizzle" because that is what I am gonna do...sizzle in the sun. haha! All of the people on my team are really cool as well. My Team Leader/Musical Leader is Brian. He is from PR and so we have got the hook up when we travel there. Twill be great. Meg is our Program Specialist. She goes to school here at Truett so that has come in handy. Courtney is our Mission Coordination Specialist. Her and I are roomies this week and have been having lots of "girl talk" as we go to bed. haha! And Chris is our Audio/Visual guy. Infact, we started making our staff video yesterday...he's got alot of work cut ourt for him. Ill make sure that is available for you all to see when it is finished.
So yes, this week has been amazing thus far, just a little overwhelming. Hope all is well at home. Also, dont be afraid to call me or email me if you wanna get ahold of me. PLUS, I always like getting letters from those who care so much about me...hint hint!
Love you guys and gals!
I arrived in GA Sunday morning (after getting at the most 3 horus of sleep) and then traveled to Cleveland GA where I am staying for training. After meeting some of the other fellow summer staffers, we had a worship time and then went to bed soon after...I was pooped! Yesterday we went to the warehouse and packed up all of the supplies that my team will be needing for the summer. I would have never thought that so much work goes into preparation for World Changers. I cannot tell you how many t-shirts I counted, how many tracks I counted out or how many cuts I have on my hands from trying to open a box without a box cutter. But hey...Im suffering for Jesus...haha! But honestly, it was lot of work! After the long day at the warehouse, I returned to the dorm and we straight to bed. Infact, I slept so hard that I didnt hear my alarm go off this morning. But no worries, I got up in time to be ready for breakfast.
Today we started our position training. There are soooo many things that I have to remember! I cant believe how much stuff I have to do. I would go on a little rampage about that..but Ill save you all from my little soap box. But know, Im gonna be working my butt off.
Anywhoo...so far, everything has been amazing. The national staff is amazing and the national missionary above me is amazing as well. (his name is Bill) Bill and I have a running joke going on that I am going to fry when I am in PR. Infact, he has taken on calling me "Sizzle" because that is what I am gonna do...sizzle in the sun. haha! All of the people on my team are really cool as well. My Team Leader/Musical Leader is Brian. He is from PR and so we have got the hook up when we travel there. Twill be great. Meg is our Program Specialist. She goes to school here at Truett so that has come in handy. Courtney is our Mission Coordination Specialist. Her and I are roomies this week and have been having lots of "girl talk" as we go to bed. haha! And Chris is our Audio/Visual guy. Infact, we started making our staff video yesterday...he's got alot of work cut ourt for him. Ill make sure that is available for you all to see when it is finished.
So yes, this week has been amazing thus far, just a little overwhelming. Hope all is well at home. Also, dont be afraid to call me or email me if you wanna get ahold of me. PLUS, I always like getting letters from those who care so much about me...hint hint!
Love you guys and gals!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Only 3 days to go!!!
I canit believe it is almost here! 3 more days....Holy Moly!! Over the past few days I have done the majority of my shopping, and spent lots of time with friends and family. Sunday night, Chrystal, Sara and I took over the Collins' homestead and had a good time. Played some Nert, which Sara kicked major butt. Then Monday morning, we headed off to Branson to do some MAJOR
shopping. When I say major, I mean MAJOR!! Also, since Megan got engaged last week and is planning on getting married on August 16th, we had a sister date yesterday. Heading for Lebanon and perhaps, just perhaps, we found her dress. We are going again today to see what else we can find. So, yes, as the Maid of Honor (who isnt going to be present the majority of the engagement) I am trying to help her out as much as I can before I leave. 
For the next couple of days, I will try to relax as much as possible (but I have a feeling that won't happen). infact, I had the plan for this entire week and for some odd reason, I have ended up out and about every day thus far. I plan on beginning to pack this afternoon, which is going to be quite the challenge. Imagine packing for 2.5 months! Yeah, it's gonna be hard, ecspecially when you are an over-packer! Well, that is all I've got for now. Please continue to be in prayer for me and other Summer Staffers as we travel over the next couple of days and have training next week. I'm not as scared as I was back in January about flying by myself....I'm a master at it now...haha! I will update you all as soon as more things happen!
Thanks once again for your prayers and encouragement!
Love yas!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Only 13 Days To Go!!
Lastnight, was yet another reminder of how blessed I am. After the commissi
oning service, for me and the youth that are going to WC this summer, we had a reception for me as I will be leaving in only 13 days. I received many cards with many encouraging words. As I sat on my bed reading the cards lastnight, I couldn't help but think of how much I will miss all these amaizng, Go
d-sent people. God truley has blessed me. It is going to be really difficult to be away from these people that I know so well. The people that have nurtured me into the young woman I am today.
oning service, for me and the youth that are going to WC this summer, we had a reception for me as I will be leaving in only 13 days. I received many cards with many encouraging words. As I sat on my bed reading the cards lastnight, I couldn't help but think of how much I will miss all these amaizng, Go
d-sent people. God truley has blessed me. It is going to be really difficult to be away from these people that I know so well. The people that have nurtured me into the young woman I am today. There is not doubt in my mind that I will be miss being at home this summer. However, I know that this is where God wan
ts me to be this summer. My main focus for this summer is to be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit wants to teach me. Just as the students that attend World Changers, I want to be the be a tool God uses to build His kingdom. I know there will be many challenges and many long nights, but I pray that God use those difficult time to better my understanding of his mercy and grace. Most imp
ortantly I hope to teach unbelievers about the grace and mercy of our amazing savior, Jesus Christ.
ts me to be this summer. My main focus for this summer is to be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit wants to teach me. Just as the students that attend World Changers, I want to be the be a tool God uses to build His kingdom. I know there will be many challenges and many long nights, but I pray that God use those difficult time to better my understanding of his mercy and grace. Most imp
ortantly I hope to teach unbelievers about the grace and mercy of our amazing savior, Jesus Christ. 13 days is not far away. I can't believe that it was 4 months ago when I flew to Atlanta for my interview and now the summer is
almost here. My plan for these next few days is to finish with the three finals I have left and then hang out with the two girls that I love so much, Sara and Chrystal. These girls are the greatest! I truely am blessed to have these sisters! It sure will be hard to be away from these lovely ladies. However, I know that God will work through our distance and teach us all many marvelous things this summer. I can't wait to see what God is going to do!
almost here. My plan for these next few days is to finish with the three finals I have left and then hang out with the two girls that I love so much, Sara and Chrystal. These girls are the greatest! I truely am blessed to have these sisters! It sure will be hard to be away from these lovely ladies. However, I know that God will work through our distance and teach us all many marvelous things this summer. I can't wait to see what God is going to do!
Thanks to all of you that came and supported me lastnight. I love you all so much and am so thankful for each and everyone of you. I will miss you all so much but I look forward to sharing my experiences with you.
And thank you to Shirley, Sara, Chrystal and Trudy for th work you put into the reception for me.
I love you all so very very very much!!
Monday, May 5, 2008
My first blog
I just wanted to try this out and see what I think. I'm hoping this can be a way to let the people at home know what is going on with me, as I will be gone this summer.
Speaking of which, I leave in 20 days...and counting! Then it is off to GA and on the 2nd of June I'll be headed to Puerto Rico! It's gonna be amazing! I'm so excited to see what God has planned for my team, as well as the other staff members, all the participants and the people we come into contact with.
School is almost over! 3 days of class and then finals next week. Then I'll be done! woohoo!!
Well, here's to being done!
Speaking of which, I leave in 20 days...and counting! Then it is off to GA and on the 2nd of June I'll be headed to Puerto Rico! It's gonna be amazing! I'm so excited to see what God has planned for my team, as well as the other staff members, all the participants and the people we come into contact with.
School is almost over! 3 days of class and then finals next week. Then I'll be done! woohoo!!
Well, here's to being done!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
My great sisters..oh how I will miss them this summer!
