Champaign feels less like home every time I come back. There are so many other places I love that I can't imagine ever being here for longer than a week. It's strange how a place where once was your only home now feels so foreign. I know more people who live in Joplin, in Michigan, or in California then the number of people I see when I'm "home".
Tomorrow I leave for my senior year of college. Time flies. It's hard to believe that this is the last time I'll move in to a college apartment. I'm excited for this school year and for the new opportunities that will be a part of my year. This year I move in and I am responsible for decorating my building and being the one to welcome everyone back to campus. Crafting isn't really my forte but when I have time and a reason to do it I usually can be a little creative! That's what I've done this week with the endless hours at home. I can't wait until al of my stuff is organized and my building is decorated and ready for the girls to move in. It will be nice to feel like I'm somewhat organized and not living out of a suitcase for the first time in months. God can do big things in a year and I'm really looking forward to what He wants to do with this year.
It's hard to believe that it's already been a week- It's been one of the hardest weeks of the entire summer. Leaving a ministry that you absolutely love, people who have become your best friends, and a town that is dear to you is hard. It's amazing what God can do in your heart when you're too busy to realize it and to try and transition from that is not easy. But, it's been an awesome chance to really seek the Lord and to try and discern what He is doing in my life. While there is still a lot that I don't understand and a lot that I'd love to know, I will wait on His guidance.
Another thing I've learned while being home is that sometimes just listening and not saying anything at all is the best choice. There are certain things that we'll never agree on and so in my opinion it's best just to leave those areas alone. I don't like arguing, especially about things that you can't change. It just seems like a worthless thing to do, so sometimes I choose to not say anything. Another thing I've been thinking about is how important it is to try and stay positive about things. No one enjoys being around people who are negative all the time, it takes the joy out of everyone around. Plus, life's more fun when you're happy. Just my opinion. Some people will never agree with me.
Well, this was super random but a little recap of the things that have happened since I have been "home"for a week. Definitely too much thinking/processing time- something I am not used to having!
Friday, August 17, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Is it Really Over?
I began this post a couple weeks ago, but I am just now getting around to posting it. As I look back on this summer I don't even know where to begin. It probably would take me an entire day to catch someone up on my summer. It's hard because most people have never been to MOVE and don't really understand what a week is like. Then it's even harder because no two weeks are the same so to try and explain that is complicated.
Let me start by saying there is definitely a unique bond between 5 people who travel together for 6 weeks. You eat every meal together, you spend free time together, and then to finish it off you drive cross country together! It's amazing how people you work with for 12 weeks can know almost all there is to know about the last 20 years of your life! Long car trips and hundreds of meals together definitely provides opportunity for a LOT of conversation. I've loved getting to know each person on my team and learn how each of their personalities are so different. We have had many serious conversations, several inside jokes, and many embarrassing moments together. Through many frustrating moments, joys, tears, and stressful situations this summer has been incredible! I wouldn't trade my summer for anyone else's. The things that I have learned and the experiences I have had are things that
have helped me grow in different areas of my life. One thing CIY is so good about is creating an atmosphere where not only is there professional growth but where there is also spiritual growth, personal development, and growth as a leader. The things I have learned over the past two summers are things that I could never learn at school, they are things that I will take with me into whatever job I have. The speakers, youth ministers and staff that I get to meet over the course of the summer are men and women who have such a heart for the Lord. I get to know some better than others. I love hearing their stories learning from them. I have no idea right now which of these people I'll have the opportunity to work with again, but that's the beauty of meeting new people! I have no idea where I'll be working a year from now, but God knows and if it's with any of these wonderful people I've met over the last two years then I'd be ok with that! Along with all of the wonderful memories of this summer there are definitely a few moments that added a small challenge to each week. God taught me so much about working with people. I learned a ton about myself through these moments and there were times this summer where God showed me that the only thing I could do was pray. I definitely have a lot to learn about wrestling in prayer.
Then there were things I learned that seem absolutely crazy. I just remember the one Saturday morning when I get a phone call saying that i'd be driving a box truck from LA to San Diego. Sometimes things don't go as planned, this was definitely one of those times! Good story though and now I am fully capable of driving
a small box truck the next time the occasion rises :)
This summer was absolutely amazing. I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity to be a part of sharing the gospel with thousands of highschoolers these past few months. God has put people in my life that I know I will be friends with for a very long time. It’s crazy how one week youare driving back from California with your team, the next week you are hanging out with the other interns back in the office, and then next thing you know you are saying goodbye to these people that quickly have become some of your best friends.
The memories that were made are ones that I will have a very hard time forgetting! The jokes that were a part of my summer are ones that no one at school will be able to understand, but that’s okay because when I remember those crazy times I will be reminded of the amazing people God has placed in my life.
As I continue to transition from an experience like this back to school there have been a lot of things on my heart. God and I have spent a lot of time talking about these things. And I am still learning how to discern God’s voice through it all and to trust in Him to lead me, but my God is faithful and I can’t wait for what He is going to do in the next few months!
Let me start by saying there is definitely a unique bond between 5 people who travel together for 6 weeks. You eat every meal together, you spend free time together, and then to finish it off you drive cross country together! It's amazing how people you work with for 12 weeks can know almost all there is to know about the last 20 years of your life! Long car trips and hundreds of meals together definitely provides opportunity for a LOT of conversation. I've loved getting to know each person on my team and learn how each of their personalities are so different. We have had many serious conversations, several inside jokes, and many embarrassing moments together. Through many frustrating moments, joys, tears, and stressful situations this summer has been incredible! I wouldn't trade my summer for anyone else's. The things that I have learned and the experiences I have had are things that
have helped me grow in different areas of my life. One thing CIY is so good about is creating an atmosphere where not only is there professional growth but where there is also spiritual growth, personal development, and growth as a leader. The things I have learned over the past two summers are things that I could never learn at school, they are things that I will take with me into whatever job I have. The speakers, youth ministers and staff that I get to meet over the course of the summer are men and women who have such a heart for the Lord. I get to know some better than others. I love hearing their stories learning from them. I have no idea right now which of these people I'll have the opportunity to work with again, but that's the beauty of meeting new people! I have no idea where I'll be working a year from now, but God knows and if it's with any of these wonderful people I've met over the last two years then I'd be ok with that! Along with all of the wonderful memories of this summer there are definitely a few moments that added a small challenge to each week. God taught me so much about working with people. I learned a ton about myself through these moments and there were times this summer where God showed me that the only thing I could do was pray. I definitely have a lot to learn about wrestling in prayer.
Then there were things I learned that seem absolutely crazy. I just remember the one Saturday morning when I get a phone call saying that i'd be driving a box truck from LA to San Diego. Sometimes things don't go as planned, this was definitely one of those times! Good story though and now I am fully capable of driving
This summer was absolutely amazing. I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity to be a part of sharing the gospel with thousands of highschoolers these past few months. God has put people in my life that I know I will be friends with for a very long time. It’s crazy how one week youare driving back from California with your team, the next week you are hanging out with the other interns back in the office, and then next thing you know you are saying goodbye to these people that quickly have become some of your best friends.
As I continue to transition from an experience like this back to school there have been a lot of things on my heart. God and I have spent a lot of time talking about these things. And I am still learning how to discern God’s voice through it all and to trust in Him to lead me, but my God is faithful and I can’t wait for what He is going to do in the next few months!
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