Youth come and go from our site every single week. There's something different about this place though. Something about Osage that stands out to me. This place is burning in my heart.
God is moving here in so many different ways. PRAISE JESUS for bringing us all another brother in Christ tonight. One of the youth here was saved this evening. We went to our Wednesday night service and Reverand Finley was preaching. God was speaking His truth through Rev.Finley tonight. God spoke directly to this youth and, upon arriving back on site, he walked straight into the sanctuary and began to pray. One of my staff walked in and sat down with him & he spent the next half hour or so praying and asking God into his heart. I'm crying just thinking about it. God is working everyday. Right here. Right now. Right in front of me and all around me. This is unbelievable. How did I get so blessed as to get to be a part of this all summer?
And here I've been very dedicatedly praying to God about my calling. And I feel He's called me to missions. He gave me this opportunity to prepare me for the World Race, to help me get my heart and mind in the right place. I'm here, and my heart is breaking for God. I'm fully ready to take on anything He's willing to give me and do so with reckless abandon. My heart is open and I want nothing more than for it to completely break for Him.
I'm fearful, of course, going into this but am finding ways to trust God in different aspects of my life. He's pushing me to trust Him financially, which I believe is the only area I haven't fully learned to let go of yet. I begged to be broken and He's set me on my path. I can't wait to see His glory engulf everything. I wish I could find words to fully explain how this feels.
As I wake up every morning, I am reminded of just how blessed I am. I have been looking around the room lately, realizing this is all coming to a close. I know that two weeks from right now, I will be preparing for my last Thursday, my last footwashing, my last send off prayer. I will be preparing to take the next big step and tearfully say goodbye to YouthWorks. God has enormous plans for me and I just have to trust and continue to move forward. This is going to be one of the hardest chapters to bring to a close.
But think, if my summer feels like this, how will everything change next year?
Please continue to pray for the youth here. That they may all really hear God's voice speak to them tomorrow night and continue to hear His will as they return home. Pray for my team, as well as myself, as we prayerfully walk through the next couple weeks. We are all going through some pretty enormous life changes right now, ones that couldn't be done without God and were never intended to be tackled alone.
Our God is an awesome, mighty God.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
A Touch of Coffee
It's taken a good cup of coffee to get me started this morning. I'm exhausted and it's rainy. Just the day to stay in bed.
But good news! I got accepted to the World Race!! So, sometime in January, I will be headed out of the country, to return 11 months later. Now begins the process of support raising and heavy prayer. God lead me here, He won't leave me here. [: This is just the beginning. I cannot wait to have the opportunity to serve Him in so many locations across the world.
I will probably transition over to a World Race blog sometime in the near future. Keep your eyes peeled! And please keep your prayers coming this way.
I got to talk to my sister a bit yesterday. She was driving through the desert in Nevada. She's amazing. Her trip seems to be going well and she's enjoying herself. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she will get to stop in Osage sometime during her trip. It would be refreshing to get to see her for a bit.
I'm going to go take some quiet time and pray. I'm already beginning to feel more prepared to take on my day.
20 days from now and I'll be blessed with another little niece or nephew. [: Praise God.
But good news! I got accepted to the World Race!! So, sometime in January, I will be headed out of the country, to return 11 months later. Now begins the process of support raising and heavy prayer. God lead me here, He won't leave me here. [: This is just the beginning. I cannot wait to have the opportunity to serve Him in so many locations across the world.
I will probably transition over to a World Race blog sometime in the near future. Keep your eyes peeled! And please keep your prayers coming this way.
I got to talk to my sister a bit yesterday. She was driving through the desert in Nevada. She's amazing. Her trip seems to be going well and she's enjoying herself. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she will get to stop in Osage sometime during her trip. It would be refreshing to get to see her for a bit.
I'm going to go take some quiet time and pray. I'm already beginning to feel more prepared to take on my day.
20 days from now and I'll be blessed with another little niece or nephew. [: Praise God.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
High School vs. Youth Group
The dynamic this week is very different than any other week we've had here in Osage. I believe God is trying to push every one of my staff as well as myself out of our comfort zones. It's definitely not been a bad week, by any means, but there are very clear differences between coming as a school versus coming as a youth group.
The youth groups are used to being vulnerable around one another... being around a group of your peers doesn't make it easy to open up. That being said, I can see the youth struggling with things in their heads, making active decisions how they want to act and what they want to say. This isn't a bad thing! It's making the theme all that much more important. Being able to stand out and be different is hard, but that's the point. We aren't supposed to blend in with the crowd as Christians. We are supposed to stand out like a sore thumb. I have a good feeling about this week- something great is going to happen. I'm looking forward to Thursday night. Footwashing. [:
I've had the opportunity to speak with Rose a couple times since she's left and it's absolutely made my day. She is wonderful. I can feel her excitement about the things that are happening in her life right now and the children she is working with in China. It's great to see her loving this experience. I think it's prepared her more for going on the World Race. <3
Speaking of! Little update: I haven't hear back yet. That's all. You'll know when I know, I promise.
Still praying for you Candance!! I love you dearest- God's got your back.
Oklahoma! I realized the other day, I don't think I've said much about how it is here. First, it's HOT. It was over 100 degrees here this morning before it even hit 10AM. But man is this place beautiful. From the flat lands in the prairie where you can literally see the world drop off to the beautiful rolling hills covered in nothing but cows and wild stallions. The sunsets here and unlike anything I've ever seen before. They are either bright pink and orange or shining with every color of the rainbow. The clouds- indescribable. For whatever reason, I have always had a fascination with the sky. I can't help but to see God in every little detail. Being able to see the stars here is another wonder of His creation. Every tiny little dot a burning mass. I love it.
Tyler's coming today and he's bringing Tiffany! I can't wait to see them. I wish he could come more often. We all love having him around. Straight up? Best boss ever. Or maybe tied with Heather. They're both very intentional and unbelievably compassionate. It's difficult for me to choose.
I was just told by one of my staff we're under excessive heat warning. Go figure.
I believe that's all for now. Please be praying for God's plan for my future, for my SUPER preggo sister [21 days until the new baby!], for my sister who is out in the wilderness, for my friend Larry & his wife Mandy, for Rose out in China, for Candace in New Orleans, and for the youth this week! May God continue to move [: <3
The youth groups are used to being vulnerable around one another... being around a group of your peers doesn't make it easy to open up. That being said, I can see the youth struggling with things in their heads, making active decisions how they want to act and what they want to say. This isn't a bad thing! It's making the theme all that much more important. Being able to stand out and be different is hard, but that's the point. We aren't supposed to blend in with the crowd as Christians. We are supposed to stand out like a sore thumb. I have a good feeling about this week- something great is going to happen. I'm looking forward to Thursday night. Footwashing. [:
I've had the opportunity to speak with Rose a couple times since she's left and it's absolutely made my day. She is wonderful. I can feel her excitement about the things that are happening in her life right now and the children she is working with in China. It's great to see her loving this experience. I think it's prepared her more for going on the World Race. <3
Speaking of! Little update: I haven't hear back yet. That's all. You'll know when I know, I promise.
Still praying for you Candance!! I love you dearest- God's got your back.
Oklahoma! I realized the other day, I don't think I've said much about how it is here. First, it's HOT. It was over 100 degrees here this morning before it even hit 10AM. But man is this place beautiful. From the flat lands in the prairie where you can literally see the world drop off to the beautiful rolling hills covered in nothing but cows and wild stallions. The sunsets here and unlike anything I've ever seen before. They are either bright pink and orange or shining with every color of the rainbow. The clouds- indescribable. For whatever reason, I have always had a fascination with the sky. I can't help but to see God in every little detail. Being able to see the stars here is another wonder of His creation. Every tiny little dot a burning mass. I love it.
Tyler's coming today and he's bringing Tiffany! I can't wait to see them. I wish he could come more often. We all love having him around. Straight up? Best boss ever. Or maybe tied with Heather. They're both very intentional and unbelievably compassionate. It's difficult for me to choose.
I was just told by one of my staff we're under excessive heat warning. Go figure.
I believe that's all for now. Please be praying for God's plan for my future, for my SUPER preggo sister [21 days until the new baby!], for my sister who is out in the wilderness, for my friend Larry & his wife Mandy, for Rose out in China, for Candace in New Orleans, and for the youth this week! May God continue to move [: <3
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Love One Another; As I Have Loved You
I just received an email from my grandmother and realized, yet again, that it had been a little while since I've updated my blog.
This week has been absolutely unbelievable. Can I start there? So often I begin my blog posts and honestly do not know where to begin. I find myself at a constant loss for words with anything related to God's glory. He is just so good.
We had two groups come in this week, both with large numbers. This has been our largest week so far, with 73 total participants. The groups came from Elgin, IL and Houston, TX. These groups blew me away. I've been all mixed up inside my own head lately with thoughts of the future and which way God is leading me but this group brought me back to earth. The students were rooted in love. Watching them work together was wonderful. We had one student who was nearly completely blind, only able to see the outlines of surrounding objects, yet every student here- regardless of their age- didn't hesitate to help her do anything. She played softball on Tuesday!!
Beyond all that, they were interacting so well with the community. I was impressed to see them reach out to the homeowners but also the surrounding neighbors and children. They read to the kids at kids club and played sports with OSC with abounding energy. This group really seemed to 'get it.' Watching them at work was beautiful. What does God have in store for my team and me next week? A HUGE group- one group- filling the entire site with 75 participants from Texas. woohoo!
God has been doing a lot of work in my heart this week. He's flipped my heart upside down and inside out, guiding me down different paths and opening different doors. I applied for the World Race this week and had my interview (still waiting to hear back). My interview was, well, emotional. A woman named Amanda interviewed me and asked questions about my past, digging up details I hadn't thought about in a while, talking about my testimony.
After having spoken to her, I made some decisions as a process of letting go of some stuff... left me feeling much closer to God but also relieved. At the same time, footwashing came at the end of the week and I was completely overcome with emotion. GOD WAS MOVING. I could feel Him in the room. It was amazing. I'm still praying about what God wants for my future, still trying to decipher the signs.
Praise!
- God is bringing our team closer everyday. Teaching us all patience and understanding so we may love each other more deeply.
- Another group of youth are coming this week, ready to serve!
- Natalie is still safe & sound. Traveling all over the United States, seeing all of God's creations and wonder. [:
Prayer [:
- My sister Leah who is still preggo with my third niece/nephew. Health, safety, and peace for the remaining weeks of her pregnancy.
- Candace as she tackles all that this job has to over in New Orleans.
- Rose as she begins teaching in China!
- The incoming students and adult leaders! Some of them don't believe in God- may He be absolutely undeniable this week.
This week has been absolutely unbelievable. Can I start there? So often I begin my blog posts and honestly do not know where to begin. I find myself at a constant loss for words with anything related to God's glory. He is just so good.
We had two groups come in this week, both with large numbers. This has been our largest week so far, with 73 total participants. The groups came from Elgin, IL and Houston, TX. These groups blew me away. I've been all mixed up inside my own head lately with thoughts of the future and which way God is leading me but this group brought me back to earth. The students were rooted in love. Watching them work together was wonderful. We had one student who was nearly completely blind, only able to see the outlines of surrounding objects, yet every student here- regardless of their age- didn't hesitate to help her do anything. She played softball on Tuesday!!
Beyond all that, they were interacting so well with the community. I was impressed to see them reach out to the homeowners but also the surrounding neighbors and children. They read to the kids at kids club and played sports with OSC with abounding energy. This group really seemed to 'get it.' Watching them at work was beautiful. What does God have in store for my team and me next week? A HUGE group- one group- filling the entire site with 75 participants from Texas. woohoo!
God has been doing a lot of work in my heart this week. He's flipped my heart upside down and inside out, guiding me down different paths and opening different doors. I applied for the World Race this week and had my interview (still waiting to hear back). My interview was, well, emotional. A woman named Amanda interviewed me and asked questions about my past, digging up details I hadn't thought about in a while, talking about my testimony.
After having spoken to her, I made some decisions as a process of letting go of some stuff... left me feeling much closer to God but also relieved. At the same time, footwashing came at the end of the week and I was completely overcome with emotion. GOD WAS MOVING. I could feel Him in the room. It was amazing. I'm still praying about what God wants for my future, still trying to decipher the signs.
Praise!
- God is bringing our team closer everyday. Teaching us all patience and understanding so we may love each other more deeply.
- Another group of youth are coming this week, ready to serve!
- Natalie is still safe & sound. Traveling all over the United States, seeing all of God's creations and wonder. [:
Prayer [:
- My sister Leah who is still preggo with my third niece/nephew. Health, safety, and peace for the remaining weeks of her pregnancy.
- Candace as she tackles all that this job has to over in New Orleans.
- Rose as she begins teaching in China!
- The incoming students and adult leaders! Some of them don't believe in God- may He be absolutely undeniable this week.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Accepting God's Dreams
It's been nearly three weeks since I've had the chance to sit down and update and even now, I'm only updating at nearly 10PM the day before a new group arrives.
I don't even really know where to begin. Lately, I feel like I've been at a loss for words with everything lately.. Honestly, I'm at a point in my life right now where I don't know what I'm going to do next. For so long, I've known I've always wanted to work with other people- I've always been relational. And now I'm here for YouthWorks! and I've been given the opportunity to see God at work in so many ways, in so many people, of so many different ages. I feel my heart flipping sideways and upside down, as ridiculous as that sounds, with no sight of it stopping anytime soon.
I've been told God has a way of messing with your heart and thus messing with your plans. I don't remember who told me this but at some point someone said, "Do you want to hear God laugh? Tell Him your plans." Lately, I am understanding that phrase more and more. Where do I begin with how things in my life are seeming to change, taking on a different light? I could run around blaming different people for exposing me to the awesomeness that has ultimately led me to where I sit now, on the floor of a church in Pawhuska Oklahoma, or I could just give it up to God and realize this was His plan for my life all along. I'm still attempting to figure out what this plan holds, although I learn more and more everyday that I'm not meant to understand.
I spent virtually every moment of today catching up with various people. I got to talk to my sister for a little while as she drove through Montana on her way to pick up Pogo. I got to talk to my dad for a bit- something I've really missed doing so far this summer. While time flies, I am definitely feeling the effects of being away from my loved ones. I got to skype with Courtney and Michael. Hearing both of their voices just made me smile. I've missed every single one of you so much.
But then I talked to Greg and again, I find myself feeling lost and confused. Like the puzzle is falling into place but the picture isn't remotely the same at the one on the box- not anything like I expected. I spent a while talking to him about the gospel, about what it means to be able to relay the love of Christ to others, about how difficult this is for most people and how I'm really not that far off from the majority of Christians. I feel completely overwhelmed, but in all the best ways. Here is my best attempt to put my current thoughts into words. My apologies if they seem mixed up but ultimately, that's how they are in my head:
Gos has been toying with my life lately, trying to get me to see what He has planned for me, trying to get me to let go. Ms.Caylynn, Ms.Planner, Ms.Pen&Paper, Ms.Perfectionist is being forced to throw away the calendar, the color-coded schedule, and LET GO. God is telling me to forget what I had planned and surrender to His will. I am trying to see how the experiences I've had that have led me here are going to be useful for me, and they will be, but I'm letting go. Finally I've learned to let go and let God have His way. I only learned that in the beginnging of this year and I believe God has been raining down on me ever seen. He showed me clearly that He existed and what the next step was. Funny thing is that I have to learn to take that leap without ever knowing where it's going to lead- that's the idea, right? To trust.
I took that leap, that jump that led me to small town, western United States. And here I am, living and breathing God's everlasting love and I feel drawn again. Compelled to move. Now, here is where I begin to feel confused again. I felt so strongly pulled to move to South Carolina- fully believing this was God's plan. Now I am feeling compelled to join the World Race. [www.worldrace.org] This would stop me from moving to SC, have me staying in GA for several months, and then leaving the country for 11 months. I know in the big scheme of things, that really isn't a long time, but it seems like a long time to me. If I actually start thinking about it, it won't take me long to completely talk myself out of it. But I've signed up, sent in my application, and have a phone interview next Tuesday morning. If all goes well, as I trust it will, I will be leaving in January. Somewhere in between, I will be attempting to support raise $15,500. This again is where I will be trusting that God has this one. The Lord that lead me here will not leave me here.
I feel like I'm rambling. Let's just be honest: I don't feel pulled to the classroom right now. I feel pulled to work in missions, to work in ministry. But I'm scared. The thought of it, a constant thought that's been in the back of my head for nearly three weeks now, scares the life out of me and brings me to tears when I allow myself more than a couple seconds to think about it. I don't know where to begin, where to turn, or what step to take next. I'm trusting that, as I move forward, allowing each day to lead to the next, I will see where God wants me, but that doesn't mean I'm not terrified. The conversation I had with Greg this morning? You should have seen his face. It's like He knows, more like he KNEW, what I'm thinking. I don't know. Lost. But excited.
Matthew 6:34.
I just read a story Rose sent me from a girl's blog from the World Race. She talked about a little girl who held so tightly to a cheap pair of plastic pearls she had saved her money to buy. Her dad asked for them every now and then before she would go to bed and she never wanted to give them up. Until one night, with tears in her eyes, she begrudgingly handed them over to her father. He reached into his pocket and handed her a beautiful, real pearl necklace. This story, emphasizing the fact that at some point, we have to learn to let go of our little girl dreams and accept God's dreams for us. If we can just let go of our seemingly perfect dreams, God will provide us with dreams beyond our wildest imagination. This is where I'm sitting right now- looking into my future filled with uncertainty, looking over the edge of the cliff into the abyss below, and debating whether or not to take the leap of faith.
Am I ready to give up my plastic pearls?
I don't even really know where to begin. Lately, I feel like I've been at a loss for words with everything lately.. Honestly, I'm at a point in my life right now where I don't know what I'm going to do next. For so long, I've known I've always wanted to work with other people- I've always been relational. And now I'm here for YouthWorks! and I've been given the opportunity to see God at work in so many ways, in so many people, of so many different ages. I feel my heart flipping sideways and upside down, as ridiculous as that sounds, with no sight of it stopping anytime soon.
I've been told God has a way of messing with your heart and thus messing with your plans. I don't remember who told me this but at some point someone said, "Do you want to hear God laugh? Tell Him your plans." Lately, I am understanding that phrase more and more. Where do I begin with how things in my life are seeming to change, taking on a different light? I could run around blaming different people for exposing me to the awesomeness that has ultimately led me to where I sit now, on the floor of a church in Pawhuska Oklahoma, or I could just give it up to God and realize this was His plan for my life all along. I'm still attempting to figure out what this plan holds, although I learn more and more everyday that I'm not meant to understand.
I spent virtually every moment of today catching up with various people. I got to talk to my sister for a little while as she drove through Montana on her way to pick up Pogo. I got to talk to my dad for a bit- something I've really missed doing so far this summer. While time flies, I am definitely feeling the effects of being away from my loved ones. I got to skype with Courtney and Michael. Hearing both of their voices just made me smile. I've missed every single one of you so much.
But then I talked to Greg and again, I find myself feeling lost and confused. Like the puzzle is falling into place but the picture isn't remotely the same at the one on the box- not anything like I expected. I spent a while talking to him about the gospel, about what it means to be able to relay the love of Christ to others, about how difficult this is for most people and how I'm really not that far off from the majority of Christians. I feel completely overwhelmed, but in all the best ways. Here is my best attempt to put my current thoughts into words. My apologies if they seem mixed up but ultimately, that's how they are in my head:
Gos has been toying with my life lately, trying to get me to see what He has planned for me, trying to get me to let go. Ms.Caylynn, Ms.Planner, Ms.Pen&Paper, Ms.Perfectionist is being forced to throw away the calendar, the color-coded schedule, and LET GO. God is telling me to forget what I had planned and surrender to His will. I am trying to see how the experiences I've had that have led me here are going to be useful for me, and they will be, but I'm letting go. Finally I've learned to let go and let God have His way. I only learned that in the beginnging of this year and I believe God has been raining down on me ever seen. He showed me clearly that He existed and what the next step was. Funny thing is that I have to learn to take that leap without ever knowing where it's going to lead- that's the idea, right? To trust.
I took that leap, that jump that led me to small town, western United States. And here I am, living and breathing God's everlasting love and I feel drawn again. Compelled to move. Now, here is where I begin to feel confused again. I felt so strongly pulled to move to South Carolina- fully believing this was God's plan. Now I am feeling compelled to join the World Race. [www.worldrace.org] This would stop me from moving to SC, have me staying in GA for several months, and then leaving the country for 11 months. I know in the big scheme of things, that really isn't a long time, but it seems like a long time to me. If I actually start thinking about it, it won't take me long to completely talk myself out of it. But I've signed up, sent in my application, and have a phone interview next Tuesday morning. If all goes well, as I trust it will, I will be leaving in January. Somewhere in between, I will be attempting to support raise $15,500. This again is where I will be trusting that God has this one. The Lord that lead me here will not leave me here.
I feel like I'm rambling. Let's just be honest: I don't feel pulled to the classroom right now. I feel pulled to work in missions, to work in ministry. But I'm scared. The thought of it, a constant thought that's been in the back of my head for nearly three weeks now, scares the life out of me and brings me to tears when I allow myself more than a couple seconds to think about it. I don't know where to begin, where to turn, or what step to take next. I'm trusting that, as I move forward, allowing each day to lead to the next, I will see where God wants me, but that doesn't mean I'm not terrified. The conversation I had with Greg this morning? You should have seen his face. It's like He knows, more like he KNEW, what I'm thinking. I don't know. Lost. But excited.
Matthew 6:34.
I just read a story Rose sent me from a girl's blog from the World Race. She talked about a little girl who held so tightly to a cheap pair of plastic pearls she had saved her money to buy. Her dad asked for them every now and then before she would go to bed and she never wanted to give them up. Until one night, with tears in her eyes, she begrudgingly handed them over to her father. He reached into his pocket and handed her a beautiful, real pearl necklace. This story, emphasizing the fact that at some point, we have to learn to let go of our little girl dreams and accept God's dreams for us. If we can just let go of our seemingly perfect dreams, God will provide us with dreams beyond our wildest imagination. This is where I'm sitting right now- looking into my future filled with uncertainty, looking over the edge of the cliff into the abyss below, and debating whether or not to take the leap of faith.
Am I ready to give up my plastic pearls?
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
1st REAL Week!
I don't even know where to begin! This week has been a rollercoaster of unbelievable moments filled with challenges and trials.
One of my staff pointed out to me, before I even really had the chance to get to know her, that the enemy is always most likely to attack when you're on the verge of greatness. He is not about to stand by and let this happen. We are all here to change the lives of people in this community, the participants, as well as reevaluate and challenge our own lives. After having completed last week in KC, KS I think I had a distorted view of what YouthWorks! was going to look like and now I believe I'm being spoiled.
The adult leaders who are here this week are amazing. They're simply unbelievable. Every one of them is supportive and praying to see life change in their youth. They are going with the flow, allowing for schedule changes and complications one way or another. Nothing is ever going to be perfect but when the devil begins to throw kinks in the plan, God steps in. It's awesome. I'm watching youth change this week. I don't get to spend much time with the them (much more of my time is spent with the adult leaders) but I can see it happening. Worship is moving. Last night, as they were singing, everyone got in a circle and closed their eyes- without prompting. How GREAT is our God?
So far this week, I have faced some indescribable personal challenges. I have faced moments where I honestly didn't know how to react. I have had to separate my feelings from those that I know God would prefer. I feel that God is pushing me to grow in so many ways. I had an adult leader approach me this week and pay me the most amazing compliment. This gentleman has been on 8 YouthWorks! trips. He knows the ropes and understands where and how everything should be and work. He stopped me on day two and told me I am by far the best site director he has ever had the pleasure of working with. Now I don't say this make myself look good or to build up my self-esteem. I say this merely because it proved to me that I understood God's plan the way I was supposed to- that God is at work in this community through the youth, through the adult leaders, through my staff, but through me as well. It took me a long time to finally let go and trust that God has a plan for me. This life is not mine to worry about. Through this one adult leader, I realized I made the right choice and God is working through me.
This week has been a challenge. I mentioned that already. It's included some serious staff discussions, some complications in the schedule, some forgetfulness and disorganization, and a trip to the hospital during my first 30 hours but if I could explain the way I am seeing God at work in these youth... nothing compares. I had the opportunity to help a young lady through some really difficult issues last night and then wrapped up my evening with an awesome Club with my staff.
In the community: I'm watching people break down. A woman cried into my shirt yesterday, telling me my team are angels sent from heaven, that she couldn't keep living the way she had been living and we are turning her life around. I found a $100 in a woman's house on Monday [a self-proclaimed hoarder] and when I handed it to her, she just started weeping. She had no way to pay her bills this month and was just handed the money she needed. These people are phenomenal people who just need a little service. God is inviting us to see a different world and it's eye opening.
Tomorrow night is footwashing. I cannot wait to pray over these leaders and watch them pray over their youth. I cannot wait to see them moved by God. Tomorrow is about to be a life changing evening for what could potentially be applied to 46 youth. 46 YOUTH. I'm just blown away by the opportunities.
On a bit of a lighter note- I went out to the Tallgrass Prairie yesterday afternoon to check and see if it was a good place to take the youth and I saw WELL over 500 buffalo! It was CRAZY! They were crossing the street directly in front of my vehicle. It's in moments such as those that I really question why people don't want to travel. Had I never left Peachtree City, I wouldn't have ever seen this stuff. I still can't really believe I'm in Oklahoma.. let's be serious. This is insane. I'm sleeping on the floor of a church and hanging out with roughly 500 people over the course of the summer, none of which I knew before about a month and a half ago. It's difficult to be out here sometimes though. I don't get to talk to the people who I desperately want to be in contact with as often as I'd like because I'm going from 630AM-12AM everyday. I'm only able to write today because I get my two hour break right now.
I just want everyone to know, I love you all and I miss you terribly. Know that my not calling you has nothing to do with whether or not I want to be talking to you. Life out here is insane and we're on fire for Jesus but it's challenging. Having a servant heart is never as easy as it seems to be.
There are more pictures to come but my hard-drive is currently completely full. I had to get an external hard-drive or something because I can't upload anything right now. No good. But they exist! I promise! Here is a picture of Reverend Finley's Church, yet another God given community member.
How great is our God?
Sing with me- how great is our God?
And all will see how great, how great, is our God.<3
One of my staff pointed out to me, before I even really had the chance to get to know her, that the enemy is always most likely to attack when you're on the verge of greatness. He is not about to stand by and let this happen. We are all here to change the lives of people in this community, the participants, as well as reevaluate and challenge our own lives. After having completed last week in KC, KS I think I had a distorted view of what YouthWorks! was going to look like and now I believe I'm being spoiled.
The adult leaders who are here this week are amazing. They're simply unbelievable. Every one of them is supportive and praying to see life change in their youth. They are going with the flow, allowing for schedule changes and complications one way or another. Nothing is ever going to be perfect but when the devil begins to throw kinks in the plan, God steps in. It's awesome. I'm watching youth change this week. I don't get to spend much time with the them (much more of my time is spent with the adult leaders) but I can see it happening. Worship is moving. Last night, as they were singing, everyone got in a circle and closed their eyes- without prompting. How GREAT is our God?
So far this week, I have faced some indescribable personal challenges. I have faced moments where I honestly didn't know how to react. I have had to separate my feelings from those that I know God would prefer. I feel that God is pushing me to grow in so many ways. I had an adult leader approach me this week and pay me the most amazing compliment. This gentleman has been on 8 YouthWorks! trips. He knows the ropes and understands where and how everything should be and work. He stopped me on day two and told me I am by far the best site director he has ever had the pleasure of working with. Now I don't say this make myself look good or to build up my self-esteem. I say this merely because it proved to me that I understood God's plan the way I was supposed to- that God is at work in this community through the youth, through the adult leaders, through my staff, but through me as well. It took me a long time to finally let go and trust that God has a plan for me. This life is not mine to worry about. Through this one adult leader, I realized I made the right choice and God is working through me.
This week has been a challenge. I mentioned that already. It's included some serious staff discussions, some complications in the schedule, some forgetfulness and disorganization, and a trip to the hospital during my first 30 hours but if I could explain the way I am seeing God at work in these youth... nothing compares. I had the opportunity to help a young lady through some really difficult issues last night and then wrapped up my evening with an awesome Club with my staff.
In the community: I'm watching people break down. A woman cried into my shirt yesterday, telling me my team are angels sent from heaven, that she couldn't keep living the way she had been living and we are turning her life around. I found a $100 in a woman's house on Monday [a self-proclaimed hoarder] and when I handed it to her, she just started weeping. She had no way to pay her bills this month and was just handed the money she needed. These people are phenomenal people who just need a little service. God is inviting us to see a different world and it's eye opening.
Tomorrow night is footwashing. I cannot wait to pray over these leaders and watch them pray over their youth. I cannot wait to see them moved by God. Tomorrow is about to be a life changing evening for what could potentially be applied to 46 youth. 46 YOUTH. I'm just blown away by the opportunities.
On a bit of a lighter note- I went out to the Tallgrass Prairie yesterday afternoon to check and see if it was a good place to take the youth and I saw WELL over 500 buffalo! It was CRAZY! They were crossing the street directly in front of my vehicle. It's in moments such as those that I really question why people don't want to travel. Had I never left Peachtree City, I wouldn't have ever seen this stuff. I still can't really believe I'm in Oklahoma.. let's be serious. This is insane. I'm sleeping on the floor of a church and hanging out with roughly 500 people over the course of the summer, none of which I knew before about a month and a half ago. It's difficult to be out here sometimes though. I don't get to talk to the people who I desperately want to be in contact with as often as I'd like because I'm going from 630AM-12AM everyday. I'm only able to write today because I get my two hour break right now.
I just want everyone to know, I love you all and I miss you terribly. Know that my not calling you has nothing to do with whether or not I want to be talking to you. Life out here is insane and we're on fire for Jesus but it's challenging. Having a servant heart is never as easy as it seems to be.
There are more pictures to come but my hard-drive is currently completely full. I had to get an external hard-drive or something because I can't upload anything right now. No good. But they exist! I promise! Here is a picture of Reverend Finley's Church, yet another God given community member.
How great is our God?
Sing with me- how great is our God?
And all will see how great, how great, is our God.<3
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Early Bird
My team and I spent the last week in Kansas City, KS. While we were there, we didn't have great access to the internet so I typed a couple blogs and saved them to my computer. I know it's a lot to read but I'm attempting to keep everyone updated. Here it is:
June 4, 2011
We’ve spent the last 48 hours in Kansas City, KS and it’s been a humbling experience.
The community here is so unbelievably welcoming and the church owners want YouthWorks! here so much but the condition of the building was less than expected. Much less than expected. My staff came prepared to work and work we did. We got started on arrival [yesterday around 6PM] and didn’t stop until now- at 11PM. It’s still not completely prepared but we’ll have it ready by the time the youth arrive tomorrow evening.
To sum up the cleaning experience:
- There were spider webs loaded with bugs in nearly every storage area.
- We found a dead snake caught in a spider web in the dining room.
- We created an ant graveyard large enough to fill both of my hands, cupped together.
- Two rooms filled with the smell of mold, vomit, and rotting garbage.
- Tables, after being wiped down three or four times, that turn your rag completely black.
The worst part about it? These rooms are actively being used every single day. The people in the church actively inhabit these rooms. We spoke to the owners this morning and they were so thankful and welcoming. Of course I honestly don’t mind doing this, it’s part of having a servant heart, but I was just amazed.
All that being said- I can’t begin to thank this church enough for taking in YouthWorks! and allowing us to use their facilities, even through all of the activities they have planned. They’re allowing roughly 70 youth a week to use the rooms of the church while they are doing their own kids club, zumba classes, cooking classes, and regular church activities. Thank you.
We have 16 youth arriving tomorrow evening and I am SO excited! My team is ready to jump in and do everything. I have full faith that they are going to succeed in everything they do. We are all excited to see God transform the lives of these youth while preparing for God to mold our hearts as well. I’m looking forward to watching God work through my team as well, changing and moving each of them in their own ways. Here goes nothing!
June 9, 2011
This week has been absolutely insane. After arriving and going through that cleaning fiasco, I was prepared for the first group of youth and ready to fully dive in. However, over the course of the week, every one on site began to realize this wasn’t going to be your typical YouthWorks! week.
First, the group that was coming only had 15 students. Second, they were the only group to come. So not only were there so few of them, but they didn’t have any other churches to interact with over the course of the week. This automatically set the site up for a very different atmosphere than what would be normal. The group just had more control over what happened during the week because of how flexible we could be with just 15 participants. I don’t know, it was just weird.
By the end of the week (or at least the end of the week for Osage...), we were all beginning to feel a little drained. The youth just don’t seem to get it. Where can you change something in programming to create a better understanding? We would sit down to digest the information and they could always reward a friend or adult leader for a job well done but when you asked them how they saw God… crickets. No one would answer. Here we are on Thursday and still, no one is providing an answer.
My team is leaving this morning and I get the feeling we are all a little disheartened and downtrodden. I think we are all attempting to find a way to relate to these youth, to help them see the glory of God, and finding ourselves lost. We have a long drive back to Osage this afternoon and can discuss everything that’s happened. I look forward to digesting this information as a group and using it to better our week next week. You live and you learn. I’m praying for the youth here and will be praying for the site team as well. I hope they have an amazing summer and can’t wait to hear about all the adventures yet to come.
One last note!: Osage is getting their new program director (if I’m not mistaken) this Friday! We are all so excited to meet him and looking forward to adding another member to our team. Whoever you are, we are praying for you. You’re about to join the most amazing team. =]
Just so everyone is up to date after that- we're back in Osage safe & sound. Tomorrow afternoon I am making a trip to the airport to pick up our new program staff as well as our starter for this week. We've been praying for him for over a week now and he's finally here. We're all excited to meet him. Keep praying for our team; that we may come together as one united team for the summer and that we can continue to do God's work. These youth are going to be changed, I can feel it.
June 4, 2011
We’ve spent the last 48 hours in Kansas City, KS and it’s been a humbling experience.
The community here is so unbelievably welcoming and the church owners want YouthWorks! here so much but the condition of the building was less than expected. Much less than expected. My staff came prepared to work and work we did. We got started on arrival [yesterday around 6PM] and didn’t stop until now- at 11PM. It’s still not completely prepared but we’ll have it ready by the time the youth arrive tomorrow evening.
To sum up the cleaning experience:
- There were spider webs loaded with bugs in nearly every storage area.
- We found a dead snake caught in a spider web in the dining room.
- We created an ant graveyard large enough to fill both of my hands, cupped together.
- Two rooms filled with the smell of mold, vomit, and rotting garbage.
- Tables, after being wiped down three or four times, that turn your rag completely black.
The worst part about it? These rooms are actively being used every single day. The people in the church actively inhabit these rooms. We spoke to the owners this morning and they were so thankful and welcoming. Of course I honestly don’t mind doing this, it’s part of having a servant heart, but I was just amazed.
All that being said- I can’t begin to thank this church enough for taking in YouthWorks! and allowing us to use their facilities, even through all of the activities they have planned. They’re allowing roughly 70 youth a week to use the rooms of the church while they are doing their own kids club, zumba classes, cooking classes, and regular church activities. Thank you.
We have 16 youth arriving tomorrow evening and I am SO excited! My team is ready to jump in and do everything. I have full faith that they are going to succeed in everything they do. We are all excited to see God transform the lives of these youth while preparing for God to mold our hearts as well. I’m looking forward to watching God work through my team as well, changing and moving each of them in their own ways. Here goes nothing!
June 9, 2011
This week has been absolutely insane. After arriving and going through that cleaning fiasco, I was prepared for the first group of youth and ready to fully dive in. However, over the course of the week, every one on site began to realize this wasn’t going to be your typical YouthWorks! week.
First, the group that was coming only had 15 students. Second, they were the only group to come. So not only were there so few of them, but they didn’t have any other churches to interact with over the course of the week. This automatically set the site up for a very different atmosphere than what would be normal. The group just had more control over what happened during the week because of how flexible we could be with just 15 participants. I don’t know, it was just weird.
By the end of the week (or at least the end of the week for Osage...), we were all beginning to feel a little drained. The youth just don’t seem to get it. Where can you change something in programming to create a better understanding? We would sit down to digest the information and they could always reward a friend or adult leader for a job well done but when you asked them how they saw God… crickets. No one would answer. Here we are on Thursday and still, no one is providing an answer.
My team is leaving this morning and I get the feeling we are all a little disheartened and downtrodden. I think we are all attempting to find a way to relate to these youth, to help them see the glory of God, and finding ourselves lost. We have a long drive back to Osage this afternoon and can discuss everything that’s happened. I look forward to digesting this information as a group and using it to better our week next week. You live and you learn. I’m praying for the youth here and will be praying for the site team as well. I hope they have an amazing summer and can’t wait to hear about all the adventures yet to come.
One last note!: Osage is getting their new program director (if I’m not mistaken) this Friday! We are all so excited to meet him and looking forward to adding another member to our team. Whoever you are, we are praying for you. You’re about to join the most amazing team. =]
Just so everyone is up to date after that- we're back in Osage safe & sound. Tomorrow afternoon I am making a trip to the airport to pick up our new program staff as well as our starter for this week. We've been praying for him for over a week now and he's finally here. We're all excited to meet him. Keep praying for our team; that we may come together as one united team for the summer and that we can continue to do God's work. These youth are going to be changed, I can feel it.
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